From Frisbees to microwave ovens, Slinkys™ to chainsaws, and Listerine to countless other products, everyday items have become woven into the fabric of our lives. But behind their familiar appearances lie fascinating stories. Join pop culture expert Raphael Adler as he delves into the surprising origins and cultural impact of these products. Through historical insights and entertaining anecdotes, Adler reveals how these items came to be and why they still captivate us.
Explore graffiti’s evolution from underground tagging to a global cultural force. Once tied to the hip-hop movement, graffiti now spans political expression, commercial use, and museum exhibits. This presentation offers a fresh perspective on graffiti’s rich history, ethics, and impact. J. Robert (“J.R.”), a native New Yorker, has spent 40+ years photographing graffiti worldwide. His collection of 5,000+ images is one of the largest of its kind. See graffiti in a new light, and discover why it’s much more than just spray paint on a wall.
Discover the rescue, rehabilitation, and release process at the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Care Center™. In partnership with SCDNR, they have released over 400 sea turtles. The state-of-the-art Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery™ (ZFSTR) facility allows us to observe the care of these endangered species. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the journey of these incredible creatures!
Due to popular demand, Karen returns to guide us through captivating towns across the Midwest and West Coast. From vibrant art scenes and unique historical landmarks to rich music, history, and culinary delights, discover the heart and soul of America’s hidden gems. Join travel enthusiast and author Karen Gershowitz as she shares photos and stories of these off the beaten path destinations.
Join film historian Brian Rose as he explores TV’s “golden age,” when NBC and CBS introduced live dramas, comedies, and vaudeville-style shows in the late 1940s. Programs like Kraft Television Theatre launched the careers of stars like Paul Newman and Rod Serling. By the late 1950s, the era ended, along with New York’s role as a TV production hub. Learn about the forces behind this brief yet influential period, including blacklisting and the quiz show scandals.
Explore with the WWII Museum in New Orleans the story of Eva Hashiguchi, who spent her high school days as an internee at the Japanese American Relocation Center in Jerome, Arkansas. Through her account, witness how wartime hysteria and racial prejudice led to one of the darkest chapters of American history. Examine the country’s actions to apologize for the injustices committed against Japanese Americans, and hear about the struggles and tremendous accomplishments of the Purple Heart Battalion, a Japanese American combat unit.
Join film lecturer Rich Knox as he explores Frank Sinatra’s legendary career, from his early days in Hoboken to his rise to stardom with big bands, iconic films like Anchors Aweigh and On the Town, and his Oscar-winning performance in From Here to Eternity. Discover his success with Capitol and Reprise Records and unforgettable live performances in the ‘70s and ‘80s. The program also features the award-winning documentary The House I Live In, showcasing Sinatra’s lifelong commitment to racial and religious tolerance.
They are the gears that power the engine of the film industry, yet many movie fans may not know the names of some of Hollywood’s most important contributors. In this hour-long lecture, Dan Hudak, film lecturer, examines the people behind the scenes whose work you’ve probably loved for years and will immediately recognize. Note: This talk does not include actors or directors – they always get the headlines. Instead, we’ll study Drew Struzan, Don LaFontaine, Rick Baker, and more. (Remember you may not know their names, but you certainly know their work!)
Join Art Historian Jennie Hirsch for a fascinating lecture on the history of glass in the U.S. from the late 19th century to today. Explore the legacy of influential figures like Louis Comfort Tiffany, Frank Lloyd Wright, Harvey Littleton, Dominick Labino, and Dale Chihuly. This illustrated talk covers key techniques such as stained glass, glassblowing, and cold working, with a special focus on the rise of the American Studio Glass Movement.
Before the movies learned to talk, they learned to sing, and within a few short years of the early talkie revolution, the Hollywood studios cranked out elaborate musicals for a music-mad public. From Busby Berkeley extravaganzas and elegant Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers tuners to the lavish MGM treasures of Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse, there has been nothing to surpass the great era of Hollywood musicals from the 1930s through 1950s. Join film historian Max Alvarez for this dazzling behind-the-scenes look at the historic movie musicals and their creators.