Travel back to 1777 Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where the Marquis de Lafayette is recuperating from injuries he sustained at the Battle of Brandywine as a major general helping the Continental army fight the Revolutionary War. We will study the culture, history, and traditions of this time in our country as we discuss The Bookmark by Anne Supsic. Each member of the class will have the opportunity to share a book they've read by giving a ten-minute presentation to the class.

REQUIRED BOOK: The Bookmark by Anne Supsic

Facilitator: Carl Hays

Medea Banjamin protests often and is arrested often. When protesting an Obama speech, Barack stopped, saying: "The voice of this woman is worth listening to— obviously I do not agree with much of what she said—these are tough issues." She heckled Donald Trump's acceptance speech with a sign saying "Build Bridges Not Walls." In addition to Madea Benjamin, the course content will focus on Enis Kanter Freedom.  He came from Turkey to play in the NBA and is known for his stance on human rights.  He wore his cause on his basketball shoes painted with protest messages.

Co-Facilitator: Priscilla Gruber

In school, what did you learn about the Pilgrims? Was it true? Discerning what is true or not is essential to understanding history. James Leowen wrote Lies My Teacher Told Me to examine how misinformation about history is used as a weapon against us. We will explore how and why this happens and consider the climate around teaching history in the past and today. Our author says simplified history prevents us from learning critical thinking skills and exploring complex human behavior. For example, on Facebook, a picture of our history reflecting a great nation always and only getting better is to deny the rich tapestry or our American experience with all its complexity and humanity. We progress through honest evaluation not by denying reality. As a side note: The U.S. Naval Academy recently banned this book.

REQUIRED BOOK: Lies My Teacher Told Me by James Leowen 

Co-Organizer: Ann Hastert

Have you ever wondered about the uniquely built fascinating Coal House aka Pumpkin House aka Round House at 404 S Edgelawn Drive, Aurora? This is your chance for the long awaited fantasy inside tour thanks to the generosity of Sid Robinson, current owner. The Albert “Sam” and Ruth Van Sickle Ford home was beautifully designed using local and organic materials in 1949 by imaginative architect Bruce Goff. The house is always the focus of much local attention and wonder, and was recently designated as a National Historic Landmark. The tour by Mr Robinson will be about 1 1/2 hrs. LIMITED attendance allowed.

This same tour wil be repeated in the afternoon.

Registration deadline: April 14, 2026 Activity Level: On Your Feet

Co-Organizer: Ann Hastert

Have you ever wondered about the uniquely built fascinating Coal House aka Pumpkin House aka Round House at 404 S Edgelawn Drive, Aurora? This is your chance for the long awaited fantasy inside tour thanks to the generosity of Sid Robinson, current owner. The Albert “Sam” and Ruth Van Sickle Ford home was beautifully designed using local and organic materials in 1949 by imaginative architect Bruce Goff. The house is always the focus of much local attention and wonder, and was recently designated as a National Historic Landmark. The tour by Mr Robinson will be about 1 1/2 hrs. LIMITED attendance allowed.

This tour is a REPEAT of the morning tour.

Registration deadline: April 14, 2026 Activity Level: On Your Feet

Facilitator: Carl Hays

Free speech is a human right. Free thought is the essence of being human. America was founded on free speech. The First Amendment of The Constitution is the greatest commitment to free speech in history, yet many oppose it.

BOOK NOT REQUIRED: The Indispensable Right: Free Speech In An Age of Rage by Jonathon Turley

Co-Orgainzer: Carolyn Hopkins

This exhibit at the Schingoethe Center Museum on the Aurora University Campus proposes a historical view of the iconic Pilsen neighborhood in Chicago through the account of print exhibitions and printmakers' activities along with the social and political conditions that brought in waves of migrants. It is a rare look back at a community over the last century, highlighting its mural achievements and the social and political struggles residents faced in building the neighborhood’s resilient social fabric.

Registration deadline 5/1/2026 Activity Level: easy going