World’s fairs have long served as global showcases for innovation, culture, and progress. In a 3-part series, art historian Jennie Hirsh delves into the pivotal exhibitions held in St. Louis in 1904, San Francisco and San Diego in 1915, and Paris in 1925, examining how these landmark events showcased each era’s groundbreaking achievements in technology, culture, science, art, and architecture. This session focuses on the St. Louis 1904 World's Fair.

Art historian Sophia D’Addio surveys the cradle of the Renaissance, Tuscany, which boasted Florence's unparalleled artistic wealth alongside Siena, Pisa, and Lucca’s cultural treasures. Renowned for its simple yet flavorful cuisine and its prized wines, the region blends medieval charm, coastal beauty, and enduring culinary and viticultural traditions into Italy’s cultural heart. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

The American War of Independence freed the 13 British colonies in North America from Crown rule and set the stage for the United States’ bold experiment in self-government. Drawing on primary sources, historian Christopher Hamner traces the war from its roots in the crises of the 1770s to the first shots fired at Lexington and Concord, through the surrender of British troops under Charles Cornwallis at Yorktown, and the Treaty of Paris that followed in a springtime series. This session focuses on pre-American Revolution events from the Boston Massacre in 1770 to the battle at Bunker Hill in June 1775.

Historian Edward T. O’Donnell explores America’s dramatic shift from neutrality to engagement in World War I, highlighting the war’s overlooked but profound impact. He examines the causes of the conflict, American isolationism, and the pivotal events that led to U.S. involvement. O’Donnell also discusses military mobilization, the nation’s role in defeating the Central Powers, and the domestic consequences, including propaganda, suppression of dissent, and Wilson’s promotion of the League of Nations.

World’s fairs have long served as global showcases for innovation, culture, and progress. In a 3-part series, art historian Jennie Hirsh delves into the pivotal exhibitions held in St. Louis in 1904, San Francisco and San Diego in 1915, and Paris in 1925, examining how these landmark events showcased each era’s groundbreaking achievements in technology, culture, science, art, and architecture. This session focuses on the California 1915 World's Fairs.

The Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is a living testament to William Penn’s “Holy Experiment,” his ambitious vision of a society built on religious freedom, tolerance, and communal living. Founded in 1732 and dissolved in 1934, the cloister’s legacy is remarkable: over 1,000 hymns, intricate Germanic calligraphy, and striking buildings that still stand. Brad Smith, curator at the Ephrata Cloister, leads a journey into its rich history. He explores the radical theology of this unique religious community and discusses how its members’ preservation of faith, culture, and architecture continues to resonate today.

Montgomery Meigs is best known as the quartermaster general of the Union Army who played a key role during the Civil War. Less known, however, is that he also was an engineer, architect, inventor, patron of the arts, and regent of the Smithsonian. Delve into his life and legacy as you enjoy a full day of history and architecture with the Washington, D.C., area as your backdrop. Bill Keene, a lecturer in history, urban studies, and architecture, leads the tour.

Around the year 1000, explorer Leif Erikson crossed west from Greenland and made his way down the coast to the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Viking activity in the Americas has been more precisely dated to 1021 by scientists examining a Norse settlement in Newfoundland. But there is more to the story of Norse exploration of North America. Historian, writer, and BBC broadcaster Eleanor Barraclough shares other evidence and delves into the 19th-century afterlife of Viking adventures.