Eras of History
To register please call 914-606-6830 and press option 1
Spring 2021
Frederick Douglass–The Great Abolitionist
Discuss the early life of slavery that Frederick Douglass endured. Fortunate to have learned to read, learn how his intelligence shaped his development as an outstanding orator and writer of his time. Trace the escape route he followed to freedom and how his life then developed into his becoming the most outstanding abolitionist of his time. Discover through Douglass’ autobiographical writings the greatest gift he gave his country…his story.
CE-HIST 2140VA, 2 Wed., Feb. 10 & 17, 1:30-3:00 pm, $37. C Andersen. #21589
Freedomland U.S.A.: The Definitive History
Freedomland U.S.A., the “Disneyland of the East,” survived only five seasons, from 1960-1964. The park generates fond memories among baby boomers who enjoyed its American history-themed attractions. C. V. Wood, known as Woody, brought Walt Disney’s imagination to life and led the team that built the park. Discover why landowner William Zeckendorf, Sr., local politicians, city planners and construction unions considered the park a “placeholder” until property variances permitted significant development on the marshland and how these variances provided the green light for the construction of Co-op City, the largest cooperative housing community in the world.
CE-HIST 2137, 1 Wed., May 5, 7:00-9:00 pm, KNC-3, $26. M Virgintino. #21524
The History of the Postal Service-We Deliver!
Discover the history of postal services, from 6,000 years ago to the present. Topics covered will include how war in the Persian Gulf highlights the importance of mail, man’s ingenuity in transporting messages, and the history and development of the U.S. Postal Service. Learn about Rowland Hill’s invention of the adhesive stamp and how it augured in universal mail delivery. Discuss the problems with privatization and contracting out, the importance of the 1971 postal strike, automation, and the Postal Inspection Service.
CE-HIST 2050, 3 Wed., Apr. 21-May 5, 6:30-8:30 pm, KNC-4, $78 (+ textbook). T Riley. #21455
Orphan Train to Destiny
Discover the history of the Orphan Train Era (1853-1929), which saw the largest migration of children in American history. So many orphans were sent to Iowa that it is estimated that one in four Iowans are descendants of orphan train riders. Come unravel the mystery and the truth behind the Orphan Trains! Contact instructor at totrwriter@aol.com for list of optional books.
CE-HIST 2052, 3 Wed., Mar. 3-17, 6:30-8:30 pm, Room TBD, $78. T Riley. #21465
The Great Hunger in Ireland and Its Legacy
Between 1845-1852, the population of Ireland was reduced from 8 million people to less than 5 million due to the Irish Famine. This course examines its causes, and its effects on America. It examines the conquest of Ireland by Oliver Cromwell and his imposition of draconian laws, which contributed to the famine. We will explore the viewpoint of well-known Irish scholars on the Irish Diaspora to Canada, Australia, Europe and America, and the starvation and emigration of millions of people
CE-HIST 2067, 3 Tues., Feb. 9-23, 6:30-8:30 pm, KNC-2, $73. T Riley. #21473
From Orphans to Governors
Discover the incredible coincidence of two boys who rode an Orphan Train to Noblesville, Indiana and became Governors of Alaska and North Dakota. One boy was taken in by a farmer at a young age where he worked 7 days a week and after 3 years ran away to join the Civil War as a Drummer Boy. The other boy was picked up by a judge who saw that he went to Yale, and after graduation sought his fortune in Alaska as a missionary, lawyer, and businessman. Both governors were childhood friends and maintained their friendship.
CE-HIST 2145VA, 3 Mon., Feb. 8-22, 6:30-8:30 pm, KNC-3, $73. T Riley. #21713
Art Plunder and Recovery
Hollywood actor/director George Clooney fell in love with dramatic tales of the fight to recover works of art stolen by the Nazis during WWII. His movie The Monuments Men was a fictionalized account of monuments men (and women) from 14 countries who served in the Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives (MFAA) division of the Allied Forces. Join us remotely to discover the history of the MFAA division and the incredible stories of the real WWII monuments men and women who raced against time to protect cultural treasures from destruction.
CE-HIST 2144VA, 1 Sat., Apr. 10, 10:00 am-12:00 noon, $26. R Shayo. #21714