Eras of History
To register please call 914-606-6830 and press option 1
Spring 2020
Great Sioux Campaign and Battle of Little Big Horn
The gold rush led to an influx of settlers and miners in the Dakota Territory, resulting in the Grant Administration’s revocation of the 1868 Laramie Treaty (originally intended to resolve disputes between Native American tribes and the U.S. Government). With the Sioux and Cheyenne tribes refusing to cede ownership, the U.S. Army took military action to force surrender. Learn about the difficulty Army units had traversing unchartered territory, the impossibility of communication between forces, and the unpredictable weather of the High Plains. Trace the battle of the Powder River, the battle of Rosebud Creek, and the epic battle at the Little Big Horn River that led to Custer’s death.
CE-HIST 2134, 1 Sat., Apr. 25, 9:30 am-12:30 pm, KNC-3, $35. F Wagner. #15487
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., Jan. 22-Feb. 5, 6:30-8:30 pm, KNC-2, $75. T Riley. #15145
American Icon: The Rise and Fall of George Armstrong Custer
Follow the life of George Armstrong Custer from his youth, to his earning a teaching certificate, his acceptance to West Point, and beyond. Follow his army career through his rise in rank during the Civil War and ending with his demise during the Great Sioux War at Little Big Horn.
CE-HIST 2126, 1 Thurs., Apr. 23, 9:00 am-12:00 noon, KNC-2, $40. D Fruci. #15324
American Icon: The Life of Theodore Roosevelt
An in-depth view of the life of Theodore Roosevelt starting with his younger years. Watch him develop into the man who became the youngest president in American history. Examine how life’s turmoil along the way helped him develop into a conservationist, naturalist, writer, war hero, and an American statesman.
CE-HIST 2125, 1 Thurs., Apr. 23, 1:00-4:00 pm, KNC-2, $40. D Fruci. #15326
Liberation of the Concentration Camps
This seminar will focus on the liberation of the Nazi concentration camps by the Allied forces. As the Soviets liberate the camps during their westward move towards Berlin, the Western Allies move east to discover the monstrous conditions that surpass the typical horrors of war.
CE-HIST 2059, 1 Tues., Apr. 21, 1:00-4:00 pm, KNC-2, $35. D Fruci. #15316
Summer 2020
Best American Short Stories of the 20th Century
An in-depth study of the short story. Discover traditional and new perspectives on celebrated and beloved short stories.
CE-LIT 2037, 6 Thurs., May 28-July 2, 1:00-3:00 pm, KNC-4, $150. T Meltzer. #5860
Life and Times of Thomas Paine
Join us to discuss the works of Thomas Paine, famous American patriot of the Revolutionary War generation. His writings had an influence on the course of the war and on our young nation’s history in the aftermath. Learn about the impact Mr. Paine’s work had on his own life in the years following the war.
CE-HIST 2138VA, 1 Sat., June 6, 12:30-2:30 pm, KNC-4, $25. L DiMartino. #5852
Aaron Burr: Patriot or Scoundrel?
Aaron Burr was a patriotic American to some, and a scoundrel to others. We will explore some of the reasons he is considered one of the most misunderstood personalities of the American Revolution. Infamously known by historians for the Hamilton-Burr Duel, there is so much more to his story and his influence on our history. (Recommended reading: Aaron Burr by Gore Vidal.)
CE-HIST 2139VA, 1 Sat., June 13, 12:30-2:30 pm, KNC-4, $25. L DiMartino. #5853
James Fenimore Cooper: Early Writer of the American Frontier
James Fenimore Cooper was writing colorful stories about the earliest days on the American frontier. We will talk about the impact his work had on future American writers and revisit his career as a naval midshipman and his years in self-exile in Europe. (Recommended reading: The Leather Stocking Tales and The Spy by James Fenimore Cooper.)
CE-LIT 2036VA, 1 Sat., June 20, 12:30-2:30 pm, KNC-2, $25. L DiMartino. #5854
Lon Chaney: The Man of a Thousand Faces
Lon Chaney was not only a wonder actor of the silent film era (1915-1930), but also a gifted makeup artist who created many memorable character roles on the silver screen. A multi-talented craftsman, his work impacted and helped to shape American cinema. We will view some examples of his more famous movies and film trailers, and talk about his early work as a Vaudeville performer on through his contributions to the silent film era in Hollywood.
CE-FILM 2049VA, 1 Sat., June 27, 12:30-2:30 pm, KNC-2, $25. L DiMartino. #5855
Historic Glen Island Walking Tour
Originally opened in 1880 and operated as a private amusement park, Glen Island has a rich history spanning almost 150 years. This walking tour will visit the current county park and explore remnants of Glen Island’s storied past as well as the development of New Rochelle and nearby islands in Long Island Sound. Bring binoculars!
CE-TRVL 2048, 1 Sat., June 20, 11:00 am-1:00 pm, $25. C Gioia. #5856
Freedomland USA: The Definitive History
Freedomland USA the “Disneyland of the East,” survived only five seasons, from 1960-1964 but the park still generates fond memories among baby boomers who enjoyed its American history-themed attractions. Discover how Freedomland USA became 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., June 24, 7:00-9:00 pm, KNC-2, $25. M Virgintino. #5859