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SPRING 2020
Enrichment short courses & special events specially developed for folks 50 and better.
No homework. No tests. No pressure. It’s just learning for the joy of it!
osher.ku.edu
DEAR FRIENDS, FEES FOR
It’s an honor and a privilege to Join our very own Jim Peters as
OSHER INSTITUTE
be working as the director of the we explore historic Nicodemus COURSES AND
Osher Institute and collaborating and make a visit to the Sternberg
with so many partners to bring Museum, stopping by Gella’s SPECIAL EVENTS
enrichment programming to Diner in Hays for lunch. We’ll also
seniors throughout our region. take a day trip to visit the newly
renovated Dwight D. Eisenhower
Courses
Ann Evans and Presidential Library and Museum The Osher Institute strives to
I are excited to and enjoy a delicious family-style keep our fees as low as possible to
be embarking meal at the Brookville Hotel. help ensure more folks are able to
upon our spring afford them.
semester, but we We plan to celebrate the life and One course..........................$50
couldn’t have art of Rita Blitt with a conversation Two courses.........................$100
done it without led by Connie Gibbons, the chief Three courses......................$130
the support of our curator of the Rita Blitt Collection Four courses........................$170
outgoing director, at the Mulvane Art Museum at Five courses.........................$210
Jim Peters. We Washburn University. Six courses...........................$250
are very grateful to Jim for his
dedication and commitment, as Plan to attend the Magical Natural Multicourse discounts apply to a
he continues to provide guidance. History Tour at the Museum at single transaction only.
We’re thrilled to announce that Jim Prairefire, or the screening of “The
will continue teaching for the Osher Tree,” along with a panel discussion Special Events
Institute. and a Q&A session. Fees for special events vary
and are based upon the costs to
We will celebrate a milestone this You’ll also want to join us for two
develop the events. Special event
spring, offering a record number book-talk events. One is with
fees are NOT subsidized by the
of courses. We have 75 courses Dave Tell on his book, Remembering
residential community partners.
planned at 29 sites and in 16 cities. Emmitt Till. The other is with Rex
We have six new instructors, 23 Buchanan, Burke Griggs and Josh
new courses and nine special Svaty discussing their new book,
events. With the wide variety Petroglyphs of the Kansas Smoky Hills. JOIN OSHER
of offerings and our incredible
Finally, we plan to visit the Watkins ON FACEBOOK
instructors, we are sure you will
Museum for a presentation on
find something of interest.
“Lawrence: Then and Now,” and If you have a Facebook page, “like”
This spring we welcome three see the newest exhibit, Electrifying the Friends of Osher: Kansas page.
new partners. Mission Chateau Lawrence. It’s easy, and you’ll get regular
will be hosting their first course updates about what’s happening
It’s going to be a great semester, with the Osher Lifelong Learning
on-site this semester. We will have
and we look forward to seeing you
a special event at the Prairiefire Institute at the University of Kansas.
soon.
Museum. And the Riley County
Seniors’ Service Center is onboard Sincerely, To “like” our Osher page:
to host three courses in the spring,
expanding our reach in the 1. Log-in to Facebook.
Manhattan area.
2. Go to the Friends of Osher:
You won’t want to miss our three- Linda Kehres Kansas page at facebook.com/
day trip to Crystal Bridges Museum 785-864-1373 osherkansas.
in April to see the dogwood trees linda.k@ku.edu
blooming! We’ll also stop by Harry 3. Click on the “Like” button under
Truman’s Birthplace and Gordon the cover photo, to the right of
Parks Museum. the name “Friends of Osher:
Kansas.”
4. The button will change from a
thumbs-up icon to a checkmark
and say, “Liked.”
2 osher.ku.edu Tel. 913-897-8530 Spring 2020
SPECIAL EVENTS
Gordon Parks
A Three-Day Tour of the Crystal Bridges Museum, Harry Truman’s Birthplace & Gordon
Parks Museum
Wednesday, April 29 - Friday, May 1
The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Ark., boasts a world-class collection of American
masterworks on 120 acres of natural Ozark landscape. While there, you may choose among various tours offered
during our time at the museum:
• Bachman-Wilson House – Enjoy this exquisite Frank Lloyd Wright house built originally in New Jersey, but
skillfully disassembled and reconstructed on a specially designed site. Docent-led tour.
• Architecture Tour – This tour introduces the unique features of Moshe Safdie’s design (who also designed the
Kauffman Center) and provides insights into some of the challenges the site posed. Docent-led tour.
• Collection Highlights Tour – Visit some of the best-known names in American art, including Gilbert Stuart’s
George Washington, Asher B. Durand’s Kindred Spirits and Norman Rockwell’s Rosie the Riveter. Docent-led tour.
• Art Trail Tour – View the sculptures, waterways, and native plants found along Crystal Bridges’ Art Trail—a
paved path that includes a steep incline requiring appropriate footwear. Self-guided tour.
• Infinity Mirrored Room – This artwork by Yayoi Kusama is an enclosed room filled with mirrors and dotted
paper lanterns that change color. Not for individuals sensitive to flashing lights. Viewing time is 90 seconds.
Admission to the museum is free, and on your schedule. That evening Rd., Overland Park, on Wednesday
but the docent-led tours are $10 we’ll explore downtown Bentonville and returns Friday at 3:00 p.m.
each tour. Pay only for the tours and dinner on your own in one of $445 fee per person – double
you want when you register. the colorful restaurants. occupancy
Wednesday, April 29 Friday, May 1 $545 fee per person – single
We’ll enjoy an eclectic mix of Following breakfast we’ll travel to occupancy
American and Italian fine cuisine Lamar, Mo., birthplace of Harry Fee includes coach transportation,
in historic downtown Bentonville at Truman. Then we’re on to Fort Scott, lodging, welcome reception, two
Fiamma, followed by our first tour. where we’ll enjoy lunch and a visit breakfasts, three lunches and
That evening we’ll have dinner at to the Gordon Parks Museum on the dinner on Wednesday evening.
Fred’s Hickory Inn. campus of Fort Scott Community Dinner on Thursday is not
Thursday, April 30 College. included.
After breakfast, we’ll board the Schedule: Wednesday, April 29 Museum tours fees - $10 each
bus for a visit to the Museum of 7:00 a.m. – Coach departs Lawrence Refund must be requested by April 22
Native American History before Osher Institute, 1515 St. Andrews minus a $100 administrative fee.
returning to Crystal Bridges for Dr., on Wednesday and returns on
more scheduled tours and/or Friday at approximately 4:00 p.m.
exploring the museum, gift shop 8:00 a.m. – Coach departs KU
and grounds on your own. You’ll Edwards Campus, 12600 Quivira
enjoy an included lunch at your pace
Spring 2020 Tel. 913-897-8530 osher.ku.edu 3
SPECIAL EVENTS
Photo by Sam Wise
Exploring Historic Nicodemus and the Incredible Dave Tell Shares His New
Sternberg Museum Book, Remembering
Friday, April 3 Emmett Till
Trip originates in Lawrence with a stop at Manhattan Junction Monday, February 10
Join us for a reception with Dave
Join us for a visit to Nicodemus, Enjoy two delicious meals Tell as he reads from his book,
the historic town site of the 1877 including lunch at Gella’s Diner, Remembering Emmett Till. He will
westward migration of African the international award-winning discuss how the memorials devoted
Americans looking to enjoy their microbrewery and restaurant to the murder of Emmett Till have
newfound freedom on land they in Hays and a wonderful boxed altered the Mississippi Delta’s
owned and farmed. Nicodemus is dinner for your return trip home. physical and cultural landscape.
the oldest and only remaining Black 7:00 a.m. – Coach departs the Osher Tell gives us five accounts of the
settlement west of the Mississippi Institute, 1515 St. Andrews Dr., commemoration of this infamous
River. Lawrence crime. In a development no one
We will be treated to a historic could have foreseen, Till’s murder—
8:20 a.m. – Coach picks up travelers
review of Nicodemus and then one of the darkest moments in the
at the Manhattan Junction (I-70 &
enjoy a guided bus tour around region’s history—has become an
KS-177)
town visiting five historic buildings, economic driver for the Delta.
which represent the spirit of 7:10 p.m. – Arrive Manhattan
Dave Tell is Professor of
Nicodemus and illustrate the Junction
Communication Studies at the
individual and collective strength 8:30 p.m. – Arrive Osher Institute University of Kansas and author
of character and desire for freedom of Confessional Crises and Cultural
of these early pioneers. Politics in Twentieth Century and
$160 fee includes coach Remembering Emmett Till. His work
We will also stop by the Sternberg
transportation, program, museum has been published in the Chicago
Museum at Fort Hays State
admission, guided historic tour Tribune, Atlantic Monthly, LitHub
University for a docent-guided tour
around Nicodemus, lunch at Gella’s and The Conversation.
to learn about the Earth’s natural
and a boxed dinner.
history and the evolutionary forces Monday, February 10
that impact it, focusing on the Great Refund must be requested by Mar. 27, 7 p.m.
Plains. Exhibits will transport us minus a $20 administrative fee.
to an age when dinosaurs roamed Osher Institute
the land and reptiles flew overhead. 1515 St. Andrews Dr.
We’ll also see the famous Fish-in- Lawrence
a-Fish Fossil, a 14-foot Xiphactinus $20 fee includes talk and reception.
with its final meal, a 6-foot Gillicus, Refund must be requested by Feb. 3,
preserved within its ribcage. minus a $10 administrative fee
4 osher.ku.edu Tel. 913-897-8530 Spring 2020
SPECIAL EVENTS
Photo by Jimmy Emerson
Rex Buchanan, Burke Griggs and Experience the Newly Renovated Dwight D.
Josh Svaty share their new book, Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum
Petroglyphs of the Kansas Smoky Hills Friday, March 13
Wednesday, February 26 It’s time to revisit the all-new 25,000 square feet of museum
Long before the coming of Euro-Americans, native exhibit space at the Eisenhower Presidential Library
inhabitants of what is now Kansas left their mark and Museum in Abilene, Kan., and see Ike again for the
on the land: carvings in the soft orange and red first time. The most recent innovations in technological
sandstone of the state’s Smoky Hills. Petroglyphs of components and interactive exhibits are guaranteed to
the Kansas Smoky Hills features photographs from engage audiences of all ages and learning styles.
14 sites in Russell, Ellsworth and Rice counties Enjoy a tour of the newly renovated facility with interactive
and offers viewers a chance to read the stories displays that bring Ike and Mamie to life. Visitors will
that these carvings tell of the region’s first people. explore Eisenhower’s pre-WWII career assignments
Join us as the authors discuss their new book and and examine the impacts of the Cold War during the
provide a rare glimpse into a compelling part of Eisenhower Administration.
Kansas history.
In addition to seeing historically significant artifacts and
Rex C. Buchanan, a native of central Kansas, is hearing stories from the archives, visitors will come away
the director emeritus of the Kansas Geological with a better understanding of Ike and Mamie’s life stories.
Survey at the University of Kansas and editor of Using newly digitized and never-before-seen footage from
Kansas Geology. the National Archives, new minitheaters offer visitors the
Joshua L. Svaty is the fifth generation of his opportunity to hear Ike’s words firsthand on a variety of
family to farm in Ellsworth County and has events and issues from D-Day to world peace.
worked on natural resource issues with nonprofits There will be time to visit the Eisenhower boyhood home,
and state and federal governments. He was the Place of Meditation (where the Eisenhowers are buried) and
fourteenth Kansas secretary of agriculture. gift shop. For lunch, we’ll enjoy the famous family-style
Burke W. Griggs, associate professor of law at dinner and elegant ambiance of the celebrated Brookville
Washburn University, is a fellow at the Woods Hotel. Before heading home, we’ll be treated to a guided bus
Institute for the Environment and an affiliated tour of historic Abilene.
scholar at the Bill Lane Center for the American 7:30 a.m. – Coach departs the Osher Institute, 1515 St.
West. Andrews Dr., Lawrence
Wednesday, February 26, 7 p.m. 8:50 a.m. – Coach picks up travelers at the Manhattan
Osher Institute Junction (I-70 & KS-177)
1515 St. Andrews Dr. 3:35 p.m. – Arrive Manhattan Junction (I-70 & KS-177)
Lawrence
5:00 p.m. – Arrive Osher Institute
$20 fee includes talk and reception.
Refund must be requested by Feb. 19, minus a $10 $130 fee includes coach transportation, museum admission,
administrative fee guided bus tour of historic Abilene and lunch.
Refund must be requested by Mar. 6, minus a $20 administrative fee.
Spring 2020 Tel. 913-897-8530 osher.ku.edu 5
SPECIAL EVENTS
Watkins Museum Presents “Lawrence: A Magical Natural History Tour at the
Then and Now” Museum at Prairiefire
Friday, March 6 Wednesday, April 8
In this exclusive Osher experience, explore the History and science take center stage at the Museum at
development of the Watkins Museum’s core exhibits Prairiefire. Through a mix of permanent and traveling
and tour the newly completed installation on the third exhibits, as well as interactive spaces like the Discovery
floor, which chronicles Lawrence’s transformation Room, museum visitors explore both regional and
from a frontier town to a Midwestern city—including worldwide paleontology, geology, astronomy and more.
exhibits on the changing role of agriculture in Douglas The education begins before you walk through the
County and the development of Massachusetts door with the eye-catching exterior, which has become
Street as a retail district. Get a look back in time from one of the most photographed places in Overland
Kathryn Tuttle who will share highlights of the life of Park. Inside the museum, the learning continues
early Lawrence resident, Elizabeth Henley. in thoughtfully designed spaces that teach visitors
See the museum’s newest changing exhibit, Electrifying through immersion and interaction.
Lawrence, recounting the growth and development of Join us for a Magical Natural History Tour and discover
electrical power in the city starting with hydroelectric how ancient Romans helped design the Museum at
power generated from the Kansas River in the 1870s. Prairiefire. Meet the boy from Kansas who discovered
Enjoy a presentation on the Chautauqua phenomenon Tyrannosaurus Rex and learn how you are related to a
by Dr. Sarah Bell. Get a sneak preview of the upcoming Permian monster! We will keep you entertained and in
exhibits funded by a grant from the Institute of awe as you make your way around the museum during
Museum and Library Science, led by Museum Director, this exclusive, behind-the-scenes experience. Maximum
Steve Nowak. of 30 participants. Register today!
Friday, March 6 Wednesday, April 8
Watkins Museum of History 6:30 p.m.
1047 Massachusetts St. Museum at Prairefire
10 a.m. – Presentation and exhibition tour 5801 W. 135th Street
Overland Park
Noon – Lunch
$30 fee includes talk, animal presentations, exclusive
1-2 p.m. – Chautauqua presentation and upcoming tour and reception
exhibits Refund must be requested by April 1, minus a $15
$25 fee includes presentations, tour and lunch. administrative fee
Refund must be requested by February 28, minus a $15
administrative fee.
6 osher.ku.edu Tel. 913-897-8530 Spring 2020
SPECIAL EVENTS
The Life and Art of Rita Blitt ‘The Tree’: A Timely
Monday, April 13 Movie and a Substantive
Conversation
Rita Blitt is an international award-
winning painter, sculptor and Wednesday, March 4
filmmaker, whose words “Kindness “Sometimes the road back home
is contagious. Catch it!” have takes the journey of a lifetime…”
inspired people all over the world. So begins the poignant, heart-
Join Rita Blitt as she reviews her warming story of an 88-year-old
life and work in conversation with widow, Dorothy Thorp, who takes a
Connie Gibbons, the chief curator road trip from Wamego, Kan., back
of the Rita Blitt collection at the to her hometown of Terre Haute,
Mulvane Art Museum at Washburn Ind., to visit her oldest and dearest WOULD
University in Topeka. childhood friend. This locally
produced film raises questions
YOU LIKE TO
We’ll discuss the new book, Rita
Blitt: Around and Round scheduled about aging, independence, PARTICIPATE IN
to be released in spring 2020 assistance and family relationships.
which explores the joyful work Following a screening of “The A KU HEALTH
of the internationally renowned, Tree,” a panel will lead a discussion
contemporary American artist. Rita and answer your questions about STUDY?
Blitt: Around and Round presents the issues raised in the film or other
a selection of colorful plates and issues of interest. We’ll finish the
evening with an informal reception. The KU Dept. of Health,
reproductions from several decades
Sport and Exercise
of the artist’s career, accompanied Wednesday, March 4 Sciences is conducting a
by insightful essays by curators, 6:30 p.m. research study looking at
art historians, and others. We’ll
Riley County Seniors’ the impact of resistance
spend time in the Rita Blitt Gallery
Service Center training on changes in body
and enjoy a reception following the
301 N 4th Street composition and muscle
event.
Manhattan, KS 66502 quality in adults 55-85
Monday, April 13
$25 fee includes screening of years old. The study takes
6:30 p.m.
“The Tree,” panel discussion and place at the KU Edwards
Mulvane Art Museum reception. Campus in Overland Park.
Washburn University If you’re interested or
Refunds must be requested by February want to learn more, please
1700 SW Jewell Ave.
26, minus a $15 administrative fee. contact Dr. Ashley Herda at
Topeka, KS 66621
a.herda@ku.edu or call her at
$25 fee includes talk, tour and 913-897-8618.
reception
Refund must be requested by April 6,
minus a $15 administrative fee.
Spring 2020 Tel. 913-897-8530 osher.ku.edu 7
COURSES LAWRENCE
The Legacies of Lawrence Fellini: Master Magician of United States Citizenship:
Suffragists Cinema What’s Hot and What’s Not
Many remarkable Lawrence This class will explore Federico Issues will include birthright
suffragists worked tirelessly to Fellini (1920-1993) who celebrates citizenship granted by the 14th
win women’s right to vote and to his 100th birthday this year! Amendment and citizenship
run for local and state offices over Federico was the great “fabulist” through naturalization or birth
five Kansas campaigns from 1854 of film for whom life was a circus abroad, distinctions between U.S.
to 1912. They organized suffrage ring of beauty and terror. During citizens and nationals, how to
societies, signed petitions, voted week one, we will examine Fellini’s immigrate or work legally in the
in municipal elections, lobbied roots in “Italian neo-realism” U.S. and how to become a citizen.
state legislators and ran for state in the late 1940s” (The Miracle, I We’ll also address whether asylum
offices. In the book, History of Vitelloni). Week two will trace his at the U.S. border is working, which
Woman Suffrage, Susan B. Anthony global celebrity in the 1950s and citizenship or immigration laws
“often said that Lawrence was the early 1960s (La Strada, La Dolce Vita, and “quotas” might change, the
headquarters of the movement” 8 1/2). Week three will continue N-400 U.S. citizenship application,
in Kansas. Based on the words with the “surreal fantasies” and civics test and mandatory interview
of these suffragists published in “erotic dreams” of his later years for acquiring citizenship, and an
newspapers, we’ll consider how (Fellini Satyricon, Juliet of the Spirits, overview of the naturalization
their persuasive arguments and Amarcord). We’ll also discuss other ceremony. Not to be missed: Is
political strategies still resonate Fellini-related events in and around baby Archie Windsor a U.S. citizen?
today. Come celebrate their legacies the KU campus. Could he be king of England? Will
during the centennial of the 19th John C. Tibbetts, Ph.D., is a retired his children be U.S. citizens?
Amendment in 2020. Associate Professor in Film & Attorney Anita Tebbe is the
Jeanne Klein, Ph.D, is a retired Media Studies at KU. He taught retired Director of the Johnson
Associate Professor of Theatre courses in film history, media County Community College
at KU where she taught several studies and theory and aesthetics. Legal Studies Program. Attorney
courses, directed theatre He is an author, educator and Kathleen Harvey retired from her
productions and published broadcaster, as well as an artist and Immigration Law Practice in 2016.
numerous articles. She has written pianist. Thursdays
historical essays on horticulture Wednesdays Feb. 6, 13 & 20 • 2-4 p.m.
in Douglas County and women’s Feb. 5, 12 & 19 • 2-4 p.m.
suffrage and theatre in Lawrence Osher Institute
from the mid-19th through early- Osher Institute 1515 St. Andrews Dr.
20th centuries. 1515 St. Andrews Dr. Lawrence
Lawrence
Tuesdays
Feb. 4, 11 & 18 • 2-4 p.m.
Osher Institute
1515 St. Andrews Dr.
Lawrence
8 osher.ku.edu Tel. 913-897-8530 Spring 2020
LAWRENCE
Highlights of the Spencer The Flint Hills: America’s The Greening of America
Research Library’s Last Tallgrass Prairie Fifty Years On
Collection of Manuscripts The five million acres of the Flint Fifty years ago a young Yale Law
and Books Hills are all that remain of a School professor named Charles
The Spencer Research Library’s 150-million-acre tallgrass prairie Reich published a book that was
collection of manuscripts and that once extended from Canada to to become one of the intellectual
early printed books is a hidden Texas and east to Indiana. Ranching foundations of the world as we
jewel on the KU campus. Its rare culture here differs from that in the know it today. At the time he
objects include Egyptian papyrus rest of the ranching West, partly published the book, Reich was best
scrolls, Sumerian clay tablets, hand- from seasonal grazing (which can known for his article on the “new
written and decorated medieval put nearly four pounds per day property,” a brilliant extension
books and folia and early printed on transient cattle), partly from of traditional property law
books. Join us for a look at this the annual spring prairie fires and jurisprudence. But in The Greening
fascinating collection and consider partly from a mix of farming and of America Reich reached out to
the materials and methods used ranching. The folk culture of the the general public and became a
for creating them. For the first two Flint Hills is rich, from tales of spokesman for the generation that
weeks, we’ll meet at the Osher world champion rodeo cowboys, to was to dominate the American
St. Andrews campus. The last stories of bootleggers, to legends of scene for decades and to change the
session will be held at the Spencer murders and bank robberies. way we view the world. Although
Research Library. Transportation Jim Hoy, a native of the Flint Hills Reich died in June 2019 his work
to the Spencer Research Library is near Cassoday (“Cow Capital of lives on. In this course we will read
required and will cost $15. Kansas”), is director emeritus of The Greening of America in the light
the Center for Great Plains Studies of the past half-century and attempt
Martha Breckenridge has a
at Emporia State University. He is to understand its importance not
master’s degree in French and a
the author of Flint Hills Cowboys, only historically, but for the next
doctorate in art history from KU.
and has another Flint Hills book half-century to come.
Having begun in French language
and literature, she then studied art forthcoming: Gathering Strays Mike Hoeflich, Ph.D., a professor
history, specializing in medieval in the Flint Hills: Observations, at the KU School of Law, holds
French manuscripts. Contemplations and Reminiscences a doctorate from Cambridge
from America’s Last Tallgrass Prairie. University and a law degree from
Mondays
Thursdays Yale Law School.
Feb. 10, 17 & 24 • 2-4 p.m.
Feb. 13, 20 & 27 • 7-9 p.m. Thursdays
Osher Institute
Osher Institute Feb. 27, Mar. 5, & 12 • 2-4 p.m.
1515 St. Andrews Dr.
Lawrence 1515 St. Andrews Dr. Osher Institute
Lawrence 1515 St. Andrews Dr.
On Feb. 24, bus departs Osher
Lawrence
Institute at 1:30 p.m. All members are
required to ride the bus and pay the Book available for purchase on eBay,
$15 transportation fee. Amazon and AbeBooks.
Spring 2020 Tel. 913-897-8530 osher.ku.edu 9
LAWRENCE
You’ll Wanna Know This Stories and Songs of Big Climate Change? What’s
About Your Aging Brain Rivers and the Great Lakes True, How Bad and What
Research in the past decade has The Mississippi, Missouri and Can We Do?
brought about a remarkable Ohio rivers and the Great Lakes In this course we will explore the
paradigm shift from aging as are rich in history, tall tales and global climate crisis, discussing
a problem to aging as a time of music. Come learn how canal boats, potential solutions using the most
promise and potential. You already steamboats, tugs and barges, plus reliable science. We will delve into
know the downfalls a normal aging Great Lakes freighters played a what other nations are doing and
brain may experience: slower speed major role in U.S. territorial and consider hopeful options. We will
of recall, “senior moments” and the economic expansion. We will discuss certain propaganda that has
“why-did-I-come-into-this-room?” review the Steamboat Arabia, the been used to obscure facts, using
perplexity. Now learn about the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald the same Big Tobacco lobbyists
marvelous gifts your aging brain and more. The grandson of a Great who fought the true evidence
wants to deliver. Understanding the Lakes sailor, the instructor has about cancer for decades. The topic
positive power of a normal aging visited the Great Lakes and rivers has been taught for 18 years at
brain positions you to take full covered in the class and shares Washburn University and at KU by
advantage of rewards and capacities, photos from his own collection, Dr. Chris Hamilton.
which were unavailable to the as well as film of large, modern
Chris Hamilton, Ph.D., is a two-
younger you. vessels.
time Fulbright Scholar, a policy
Sandra Lyke is a licensed clinical Carl Graves, Ph.D., holds a master’s scientist, a native Kansan, Professor
social worker with master’s degree in U.S. history from KU Emeritus and former Chair of
degrees in social work and and a doctorate from Harvard. Political Science at Washburn
counseling. Retired after 35 years He taught at the university and University. He teaches climate
as a psychiatric social worker, she community college levels, and policies, solutions and politics at
has additional experience as a at Kansas City’s Pembroke Hill both Washburn and KU. He is
hospice worker, hospital chaplain School. author of four books and 40 journal
and adjunct instructor at Park Tuesdays and conference articles, and has
University. Mar. 3, 10 & 17 • 2-4 p.m. taught in universities for 42 years.
Mondays Osher Institute Tuesdays
Mar. 2, 9 & 16 • 2-4 p.m. 1515 St. Andrews Dr. Mar. 3, 10 & 17 • 7-9 p.m.
Senior Resource Center for Lawrence Osher Institute
Douglas County 1515 St. Andrews Dr.
745 Vermont Lawrence
Lawrence
10 osher.ku.edu Tel. 913-897-8530 Spring 2020LAWRENCE
Leon Flint
FaceNames: Portraits of Conquistadors in Kansas Kansas City: The Adoption
Men and Women Who During the 16th and 17th centuries, Hub of America and
Helped Create KU Spanish explorers in search of the Willows Maternity
A walk down Jayhawk Boulevard great riches ventured onto the Sanitarium
is a walk through the history of the southern plains in what is now A well-kept secret, Kansas City
University of Kansas. Its buildings Kansas. Two major expeditions, was known as the “Adoption Hub
are named for chancellors and Francisco Vazquez de Coronado of America” in the early- to mid-
faculty leaders from its opening and Juan de Oñate, visited the 1900s. Fearing ostracism from
day through decades of challenges plains in search of Quivira. Both society, young women would be
and changes. In this class we will explorers had previously gone to sent to live in one of several homes
look at Francis H. Snow, L.L. Dyche, New Mexico looking for Cibola, but for unwed mothers, deliver their
James Green, Erasmus Haworth, were disappointed in the Pueblos babies, place them for adoption
Carrie Watson and Frank Strong, there. On the plains they found and return home heartbroken. This
among others, and give a special extensive Indian villages along course will share the reunion of
salute to Elizabeth Watkins, who the Arkansas River growing corn, a mother and daughter 66 years
was so generous to KU and its beans and squash and hunting after being separated at birth at
students. Archival photographs will buffalo. We will examine these and the Willows Maternity Sanitarium.
enrich this look at more than 150 other expeditions to understand We will delve into the history of
years of fascinating people — many the Spanish experience and learn the Willows and dozens of other
of them alumni— and the place about indigenous people and their maternity homes that brought
they built. contact with Europeans in the early more than 100,000 young women
centuries. shrouded in secrecy to Kansas City.
Evie Rapport holds a bachelor’s
degree in theater education and a Lindy Eakin has his doctorate KelLee Parr holds bachelor degrees
master’s in journalism from KU and in history from the University in agriculture and education
worked for more than 35 years as of Kansas. He has taught classes plus a master’s degree in adult
an editor, critic and writer. In recent in Native American history, the and occupational education from
years she has made KU and its Spanish Frontier in North America Kansas State University. He has
history a special study. and U.S. history. He has published taught elementary school many
on native peoples in Spanish Texas. years in Topeka and now writes
Wednesdays
Mar. 4, 11 & 18 • 2-4 p.m. Wednesdays science curriculum for Nancy
Mar. 4, 11 & 18 • 7-9 p.m. Larson Publishers.
Osher Institute
1515 St. Andrews Dr. Osher Institute Thursdays
Lawrence 1515 St. Andrews Dr. Mar. 5, 12 & 19 • 7-9 p.m.
Lawrence Osher Institute
1515 St. Andrews Dr.
Lawrence
Spring 2020 Tel. 913-897-8530 osher.ku.edu 11LAWRENCE
A New Reading of the The Struggle over Social The Tallgrass Prairie
Ancient Story of Job Security Origins, Inhabitants and
How did Job’s useless comforters The stakes are high, the politics Remnants
get it so wrong? This ancient story intense. Social Security provides The North American Tallgrass
that predates Judaism struggles to Americans with financial protection Prairie is one of the most unique
answer the Adversary’s question in against some risks of life, paying ecosystems in the world. Less than
Job 1:9, essentially asking whether benefits to millions of retired four percent of the original prairie
humans can faithfully worship the and disabled workers and their still exists and most of that is in
Almighty apart from the rewards families and to families of deceased eastern Kansas. This course will
they receive and the punishments workers. Nearly all workers and increase our appreciation of what
they want to avoid. Job debates with employers contribute. In Kansas we have here. We will explore the
his three friends, but the actual alone, there are half-a-million child, geologic and climatic factors that
struggle is within himself. adult and elderly beneficiaries. The created the prairie and discuss
As the plot develops, the focus program had its last makeover in key inhabitants, from bison to
shifts from the character of Job to 1983, and it is due for another if it butterflies to meadowlarks. We
a search for justice. What positive is to serve the generations of the even discuss the first humans and
purpose could suffering possibly 21st century. Reform proposals indigenous tribes! Prairie remnants,
have? Does God cause suffering? are controversial, caught up in starting with the long struggle
Adonai (God) concludes with a larger struggles about the role of to establish the National Prairie
surprising answer from within a government in American life. Will Preserve, are examined. A brief
whirlwind. the fixes for Social Security mend it, review of prairie-inspired literature
end it or expand it? concludes this course.
Paul Williamson is a retired family
physician who teaches Biblical David Ekerdt, Ph.D., is Professor Thomas Luellen recently
studies as well as medicine. His of Sociology and Gerontology at retired after 31 years in hospital
education includes Protestant, the University of Kansas. He has administration and 14 years as an
Catholic and Jewish education specialized in studies of work and adjunct instructor at Washburn
through the doctoral level. The class retirement with a special interest University. He has a master’s degree
will read excerpts of his translation in the changing role and practice in geography from the University of
of the Book of Job from the original of retirement. He is the editor-in- Kansas. His personal interests have
Hebrew and discuss new insights. chief of the Macmillan Encyclopedia always been his native state and its
of Aging. history.
Mondays
Mar. 30, Apr. 6 & 13 • 2-4 p.m. Tuesdays Wednesdays
Mar. 31, Apr. 7 & 14 • 7-9 p.m. Apr. 1, 8 & 15 • 2-4 p.m.
Osher Institute
1515 St. Andrews Dr. Osher Institute Osher Institute
Lawrence 1515 St. Andrews Dr. 1515 St. Andrews Dr.
Lawrence Lawrence
12 osher.ku.edu Tel. 913-897-8530 Spring 2020LAWRENCE
William Tecumseh Sherman
Civil War in the West, Sympathy for the Devil’s Rediscovering the Arkansas
1861-1865 Music: A Story about Rock River
We will examine the early battles ‘n’ Roll Continues Rediscover the country’s sixth-
in the neutral Border States and Rock ‘n’ Roll didn’t die in 1959 longest river, its history in
the war along the Tennessee and (whew!), but rockers were exploring westward expansion, its uses for
Cumberland rivers. We’ll consider new avenues of expression as transportation and irrigation, and
the tactical and strategic advance well as new markets. The songs how current populations interact
of Ulysses Grant and William of Jerry Lee, Fats, Chuck, Buddy with it. The course will build upon
T. Sherman during the first two and Richard were now honored the insights gained from two solo
years of the war. The second “oldies,” and “Rock” was firmly kayak adventures taken by Hannes
session will survey the war along established as the official teenage Zacharias down the Arkansas
the Mississippi River in 1863 soundtrack. Rock ‘n’ Roll morphed River, one in 1976 and again in 2018,
and the capture of Vicksburg, into new forms of what would now following a drop of water from the
which split the Confederacy and be called Rock music. These would headwaters at Tennessee Pass in
denied the South important Texas include Motown, with its girl and Colorado to the Mississippi and on
resources. The final class will focus guy groups; Phil Spector’s “Wall to the Gulf of Mexico. Rediscover
on the battles of Chickamauga, of Sound;” surf music; “authentic” what you forgot about this wild,
Chattanooga and Atlanta and folk music; soul; folk rock; blues by massive, and sometimes non-
Sherman’s march through Georgia. Brits; and re-energized pop music. existent river as it cuts across 2,060
We’ll also look at the home front We will consider the first half of the miles of America’s midsection.
and the war’s effect on the civilian 1960s music scene as a transitional Hannes Zacharias is a Professor
populations. time until the next Elvis appeared of Practice at KU’s School of Public
Robert Smith, Ph.D., is the director as Mop Tops bringing the First Affairs and Administration. His
of the Fort Riley Museum. He has a British Invasion to America. Join 35-year career in local government
doctorate in history from KSU and our conversation about how Rock concluded as Johnson County
has published numerous articles on adapted to changing times. Manager. Hannes has spent 45
military history. Steve Lopes, AE, BA, MA, MEd, years paddling rivers, including
Wednesdays was an educator for 15 years the Colorado through the Grand
Apr. 1, 8 & 15 • 7-9 p.m. prior to 30 years of advocating Canyon, 1,000 miles on the Missouri,
for teachers as a Kansas-NEA and down the Arkansas River.
Osher Institute organizer. He enjoys researching
1515 St. Andrews Dr. Thursdays
Rock ‘n’ Roll history and sharing it Apr. 2, 9 & 16 • 7-9 p.m.
Lawrence with Osher participants.
Osher Institute
Thursdays 1515 St. Andrews Dr.
Apr. 2, 9 & 16 • 2-4 p.m. Lawrence
Osher Institute
1515 St. Andrews Dr.
Lawrence
Spring 2020 Tel. 913-897-8530 osher.ku.edu 13LAWRENCE
From the Right to Vote Deep Time: Stories from iPhone Photography –
to Running for President: the Rocks Beyond Point-and-Shoot
Women’s Struggle for It is only in relatively recent history Go mobile with your digital
Political Equality that we have come to understand photography and explore creative
We’ll review the long struggle for that the earth is immensely older possibilities with your iPhone
women’s participation in the public than a few thousand years. By camera. We will help expand your
sphere from the early suffrage leaders careful studies of rock layering and skill set using your iPhone camera,
to the historic 2016 presidential race. their fossils and minerals, ancient exploring the basic operations,
Participants will be introduced worlds have emerged out of our tools, apps and tricks to help make
to some lesser-known leaders for seas, forests and deserts. The study you smartphone camera-smart.
women’s suffrage and political rights, of geology has the axiom that “the Included will be discussions and
especially those in Kansas, and will present is the key to the past.” demonstrations on how to improve
learn more about famous figures However, the record of the rocks your photography through creative
such as Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth can also tell us something about the visual devices and techniques.
Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, Alice future of the planet. In this class Please bring your iPhones so we
Paul and Carrie Chapman Catt. we will review some chapters from can do some hands-on practice in
We’ll look at famous speeches and earth history and examine fossils class.
petitions. Videos from documentaries and rock samples that provide clues Mike Yoder, formerly with the
and Hollywood productions will be to this story. Lawrence Journal-World, has 25
used to bring the women to life. John Doveton at the age of 9 saw years of experience in film and
Diana Carlin, Ph.D., is Professor a picture of a trilobite and was digital documentary photography,
Emerita of Communication at Saint captivated by this little creature and his photographs have been
Louis University and a retired from the very distant past. He included in numerous books.
professor of Communication Studies experienced what geologists refer Tuesdays
at KU. She has co-authored a book to as “Deep Time.” John studied Apr. 21, 28 & May 5 • 7-9 p.m.
on gender and politics and taught geology at university and took field
courses on women as political trips all over Europe before starting Osher Institute
leaders, the rhetoric of women’s rights his career as a wellsite geologist 1515 St. Andrews Dr.
and communication and gender. on drilling rigs in Canada. He has Lawrence
taught at the University of Kansas
Mondays
for more than 40 years.
Apr. 20, 27 & May 4 • 2-4 p.m.
Tuesdays
Senior Resource Center for
Apr. 21, 28 & May 5 • 2-4 p.m.
Douglas County
745 Vermont Osher Institute
Lawrence 1515 St. Andrews Dr.
Lawrence
14 osher.ku.edu Tel. 913-897-8530 Spring 2020LAWRENCE
Photo courtesy of Anne Hassler
Kansas: The Cradle of Aging: A Time of Transition Six Drinks that Changed
Basketball from and Self-Discovery the World: the Historical
James Naismith to Just like teens, older adults face big Geography of Tea, Coffee
Olympic Gold to Phog Allen transitions. Hormones, a changing and Soda
In the 1930s, graduating college body, shifting relationships and This course examines the origins
athletes found the best basketball questions of identity, like “Who and geographical diffusion of
in the AAU Industrial Leagues, Am I?” and “What Do I Want?” the three most popular caffeine
with the best teams found in leave many people uncertain about drinks. Although containing the
Kansas. Learn how businesses what comes next. Using personal most widely used psychoactive
sponsored basketball to market reflections, small group discussions drug, these drinks are seemingly
their products during the Great and engaging activities, you’ll so innocuous they are sold without
Depression. We’ll highlight the rediscover and embrace your aging legal age restrictions and with
McPherson Globe Refiners, a town self, pondering questions such limited regulations worldwide, yet
team that introduced the dunk shot, as: What are my attitudes about they have left a legacy of cultural
originated the zone press, and won aging? What are others saying and environmental destruction
the first Gold Medal in basketball about intimacy, touch and older in the wake of their widespread
in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The adults? How does my family impact adoption during the process of
course covers the first 50 years of life decisions? What messages globalization. For example, we will
basketball, focusing on Dr. James have I received about my body, its learn of the role of tea in the Opium
Naismith, the game’s inventor, who strength, beauty and capabilities Wars of China, coffee’s contribution
mentored legendary coaches Phog and what do I believe? to slavery in the Americas and the
Allen and John McLendon. Judith Galas is an educator in detrimental health effects of sugar
Rich Hughes received a bachelor’s the Our Whole Lives sexuality in sodas—or “pop” if you are from
degree from KU and a master’s in education program and has guided Kansas. This course can be taken
computer science from Kansas State hundreds of people across the age independently of the previous
University. Rich authored the book, span in open, informative and fun “Six Drinks” course on wine, beer
Netting Out Basketball, 1936, on the activities that nurture self-esteem and spirits, the alcohol drinks that
original dream team—the 1936 U.S. and healthy intimacy. changed the world.
Olympics basketball team. Thursdays Tom Schmiedeler, Ph.D., is
Wednesdays Apr. 23, 30 & May 7 Professor Emertus of Geography at
Apr. 22, 29 & May 6 • 2-4 p.m. 10 a.m. to Noon Washburn University.
Lawrence Presbyterian Manor Brandon Woods at Alvamar Thursdays
1429 Kasold Dr. Smith Center Apr. 23, 30 & May 7 • 2-4 p.m.
Lawrence 4730 Brandon Woods Terrace Osher Institute
Lawrence 1515 St. Andrews Dr.
Lawrence
Spring 2020 Tel. 913-897-8530 osher.ku.edu 15EUDORA MANHATTAN
German Settlements and Bleeding Kansas: Prelude Nicodemus and the
Culture in Kansas to the Civil War African American
Did you know that 30 percent of Beginning in 1854 the Kansas Migration to Kansas after
Kansans claim German ancestry, Territory was racked by a series of Reconstruction
and German is the most prevalent confrontations between Northern When Reconstruction ended in
language after English and Spanish Free-staters and pro-Southern 1877, the federal troops occupying
spoken at home in 77 counties sympathizers over the debate of the “unredeemed” Southern states
in Kansas? Since the opening allowing slavery in the proposed were withdrawn, unleashing racial
of Kansas in 1854, thousands of states. We will examine the causes violence by white supremacist
German-speaking immigrants have of conflict, focusing specifically on groups such as the Ku Klux Klan
sought to better their lives here, Compromise of 1850 and the 1854 and the White League. This forced
including Pennsylvania Dutch, Kansas-Nebraska Act. Then we will as many as 40,000 African American
Volga Germans, Mennonites, discuss the leading personalities “Exodusters” to flee to Kansas,
Austrians and Swiss. German and the political and quasi-military Oklahoma and Colorado. But it was
churches dot the prairie, and even conflicts that occurred between Kansas, the land of John Brown
now, many rural Kansans speak 1854 and 1860. Finally, we will look and the Free State, which attracted
a dialect of German as their first at the guerrilla and military actions most of the refugees. We will review
language. that took place in Kansas during the events that caused the exodus,
William Keel, Ph.D., is professor the Civil War. Many scholars the arduous trek to Kansas and its
emeritus of German at KU, having believe that America’s Civil War leaders, the communities that were
taught history and culture of began in Kansas and this class will established here and the fate of those
German settlements in Kansas and offer some validity to their claim. communities.
Missouri. Robert Smith, Ph.D., is the Director Jim Peters, J.D., is director emeritus
Tuesdays of the Fort Riley Museum. He has a of the Osher Lifelong Learning
Mar. 31, Apr. 7 & 14 • 2-4 p.m. doctorate in history from KSU, and Institute at KU and author of
has published numerous articles on Arlington National Cemetery: Shrine
Eudora Community Museum military history. to America’s Heroes. He also teaches
720 Main St. a course on the Underground
Eudora Wednesdays
Feb. 5, 12 & 19 • 6:30-8:30 p.m. Railroad in Kansas.
Meadowlark Hills Tuesdays
Community Room Feb. 11, 18 & 25 • 2-4 p.m.
2121 Meadowlark Rd. Riley County Seniors’
Manhattan Service Center
301 N. 4th Street
Manhattan
16 osher.ku.edu Tel. 913-897-8530 Spring 2020MANHATTAN
Lilla Day Monroe
Unlocking the Future with The Wonderful Wizard of Seven Kansas Women Who
Keys from Our Past Oz: A Distinctly American Couldn’t Vote
How can we prepare for the future Fairy Tale Long before Kansas women
if we don’t even know what it looks The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, written obtained the unfettered right to
like? This course will take us on a by L. Frank Baum and illustrated vote in 1912 (a full eight years before
fascinating journey into the future by W.W. Denslow, was published the 19th Amendment established
where we will use the tools of in 1900 and has been inextricably that right nationally), they found
history to unlock the mystery of the linked with our culture ever since. other ways to affect policy in public
next great patterns of our time. We The book gave rise to a series of spheres dominated by men. The
will focus on politics, technology, 40 novels. The story was soon same indomitable spirit that enabled
conflict and energy to offer produced on the stage and then by pioneer women to withstand the
structured perspectives of how our the movie industry beginning with rigors of frontier life infused their
world will evolve between now and silent films. MGM’s 1939 film, The efforts to shape the society in which
the year 2050 when our planet is Wizard of Oz, is ranked 10th in the they lived. Sara Robinson, Julia
expected to reach peak population. American Film Institute’s top 100 Lovejoy, Clarina Nichols, Carry
Furthermore, we will study climate films. Learn about the author, the Nation, Annie Diggs, Mary Lease,
change and its eventual impact series of books, the 1939 MGM film and Lilla Day Monroe, among
upon the human planet. and its stars, and how the classic others, took on such struggles as
Jed Dunham brings his storytelling fairy tale has impacted our lives those to abolish slavery, repel demon
skills and passionate love of history today. rum, improve the lot of farmers and
to life with this new course which secure more rights for women.
Chris Glasgow is Curator for the
encapsulates history, current events OZ Museum/Columbian Theatre Jerry Harper is a retired lawyer and
and a rapidly approaching future. Foundation in Wamego, Kan. has taught as an adjunct instructor at
Thursdays the KU School of Law and Western
Tuesdays
Feb. 20, 27 & Mar. 5 Civilization in the KU humanities
Mar. 17, 24 & 31 • 2-4 p.m.
6:30-8:30 p.m. program. He has an ongoing interest
Riley County Seniors’ in Kansas’ more colorful characters.
Meadowlark Hills Service Center
Community Room Wednesdays
301 N. 4th Street
2121 Meadowlark Rd. Mar. 18, 25 & Apr. 1
Manhattan
Manhattan 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Meadowlark Hills
Community Room
2121 Meadowlark Rd.
Manhattan
Spring 2020 Tel. 913-897-8530 osher.ku.edu 17MANHATTAN TOPEKA
The Beauty of the Past: The Creation Stories in The Flint Hills: America’s
Mid-19th Century World Religions Last Tallgrass Prairie
Life was hard in the mid-19th This course will focus on selected The five million acres of the Flint
century, but certain parts of life in creation stories from around the Hills are all that remain of a
those days were beautiful. What world. We will explore origin myths 150-million-acre tallgrass prairie
designers, craftsmen and artisans from ancient Egypt and Babylonia, that once extended from Canada to
of this era seemed to love was a and compare them to current Texas and east to Indiana. Ranching
variety of romantic and dramatic stories in the living religions of culture here differs from that in the
elements, sometimes expressed in India and other parts of Asia, and rest of the ranching West, partly
the most utilitarian of items. The among indigenous peoples of from seasonal grazing (which can
images and objects we will study North America. And, of course, we put nearly four pounds per day
will demonstrate the sheer creativity will examine the story of Genesis on transient cattle), partly from
and whimsy of the time, evident in and its role as the foundation of the annual spring prairie fires and
everything from everyday household Judaism and Christianity. Each partly from a mix of farming and
items, clothing, fashion accessories, story will be considered in terms ranching. The folk culture of the
hairstyles and penmanship. Though of its view of the world and nature, Flint Hills is rich, from tales of
lifestyles have changed since then, its understanding of humans and world champion rodeo cowboys, to
we will gain an appreciation of the their manifold relations, and its stories of bootleggers, to legends of
ways that an often-difficult life of the conception of the powerful agent, murders and bank robberies.
mid-19th century was made more or force, that gave rise to it all. Jim Hoy, a native of the Flint Hills
pleasant through the decorative arts. Barry Crawford, Ph.D., recently near Cassoday (“Cow Capital of
These fashion elements and trends retired as professor of religious Kansas”), is director emeritus of
were inspired by movements such studies at Washburn University. the Center for Great Plains Studies
as the Greek, Gothic, Rococo Revival at Emporia State University. He is
styles, Exotic Revival and others. Tuesdays
Apr. 14, 21 & 28 • 2-4 p.m. the author of Flint Hills Cowboys,
Cynthia Naughton is a Kansas and has another Flint Hills book
native, a licensed cosmetologist, Riley County Seniors’ forthcoming: Gathering Strays
makeup artist, wife, mother of Service Center in the Flint Hills: Observations,
three adult children and a historical 301 N. 4th Street Contemplations and Reminiscences
re-enactor. Manhattan from America’s Last Tallgrass Prairie.
Thursdays Thursdays
Apr. 9, 16 & 23 • 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 13, 20 & 27 • 2-4 p.m.
Meadowlark Hills Aldersgate Village
Community Room Manchester Lodge
2121 Meadowlark Rd. 7220 S.W. Asbury Dr.
Manhattan Topeka
18 osher.ku.edu Tel. 913-897-8530 Spring 2020TOPEKA
World War II: The Pacific Forecasting the Making Tracks: American
Theater Presidential Elections Railroads Then and Now
This in-depth examination of Professional political scientists have This course examines the economic,
World War II in the Pacific and been able to accurately forecast political and cultural impact
Asia will first review the origins the popular vote in presidential of U.S. railroad corporations,
of the war beginning with Japan’s elections up to six months in passenger and freight trains, as
1931 aggressive policies in China advance with 98% accuracy well as workers who built, ran
with subsequent European and (and somewhat less accurately and maintained them. Focusing
American responses to them. We’ll forecast the Electoral College)! on years from the Civil War to
also examine events leading up They are also 60% accurate in the present, the class emphasizes
to Japan’s attack on American, forecasting elections for the U.S. not only the Union Pacific-Central
Dutch and British military forces in Senate and House. What forces Pacific transcontinental route, but
Asia and the Pacific in December are in the forecasts? Why don’t also lines in Kansas and Kansas
1941. Then we’ll review Japanese you or the media know? How do City like the Santa Fe and the
military operations in 1942 and some forecasts go wrong? During Rock Island. The nation’s first big
the beginning of America, Britain, this class we will answer these business, railroads still matter
and Australia’s struggle to take the questions and look at current today. We’ll view film clips, read
offensive in 1942-1943. Finally, we forecasts, events, candidates and book and magazine excerpts,
will examine the major 1944-1945 more in the 2020 race. listen to railroad songs, and see
campaigns in the southwest and Chris Hamilton, Ph.D., is a two- photos from the instructor’s own
central Pacific culminating in the time Fulbright Scholar, a policy collection.
August 1945 surrender of Japan. scientist, a native Kansan, Professor Carl Graves, Ph.D., holds a U.S.
Robert Smith, Ph.D., is the director Emeritus and former Chair of history master’s degree, and his
of the Fort Riley Museum. He has a Political Science at Washburn Harvard Ph.D. dissertation was on
doctorate in history from KSU and University. He teaches climate Topeka’s Santa Fe shop workers. He
has published numerous articles on policies, solutions and politics at taught university and community
military history. both Washburn and KU. He is college classes, was a high school
Wednesdays author of four books and 40 journal history instructor at Pembroke
Mar. 4, 11 & 18 • 7-9 p.m. and conference articles, and has Hill School in Kansas City, and
taught in universities for 42 years. published many railroad articles
Washburn University and photographs.
Henderson Learning Center Thursdays
1700 S.W. College Ave. Mar. 5, 12 & 19 • 2-4 p.m. Wednesdays
Topeka Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging Mar. 11, 18 & 25 • 2-4 p.m.
2910 S.W. Topeka Blvd. Brewster Place Chapel
Topeka 1205 S.W. 29th St.
Topeka
Spring 2020 Tel. 913-897-8530 osher.ku.edu 19TOPEKA
America’s First Ladies Kansas Literature: A Dozen From the Right to Vote
Behind every successful man, Writers You Should Know to Running for President:
there is a woman, and throughout but Probably Don’t! Women’s Struggle for
history, America’s First Families Political Equality
Throughout history, Kansas writers
have embodied this saying. The We’ll review the long struggle for
have been creating a significant
role of America’s First Lady is women’s participation in the public
body of work that defines, refines
ever changing with each new sphere from the early suffrage leaders
and shakes up our image of the
occupant of the White House. They to the historic 2016 presidential race.
Sunflower State. There’s “The
are embedded in our memory as Participants will be introduced
Sage of Potato Hill,” whose Story
activists and leaders of the causes to some lesser-known leaders for
of a Country Town (1882) began the
they championed. Women such women’s suffrage and political rights,
revolt against the nostalgically
as Eleanor Roosevelt, Betty Ford, especially those in Kansas, and will
drawn rural town. And Edythe
Abigail Adams and Hillary Clinton learn more about famous figures
Squier Draper, whose stories
have advanced discussions on such as Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth
were known for their innovative
once-taboo subjects and have led as Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, Alice
style and quirky subjects. And
fascinating lives as their husbands. Paul and Carrie Chapman Catt.
Andrew Milward and his brilliant
This course will examine the often- We’ll look at famous speeches and
take on Kansas history in I Was a
secluded lives of these women, petitions. Videos from documentaries
Revolutionary: Stories (2015). Join us
their actions behind the scenes and and Hollywood productions will be
for a look at a dozen writers you
their impact on our nation. used to bring the women to life.
should know about and read.
Tyler Habiger holds a bachelor’s Diana Carlin, Ph.D., is Professor
Thomas Fox Averill is professor
degree in American politics and Emerita of Communication at Saint
emeritus at Washburn University
theatre and a master’s in human Louis University and a retired
where he taught Kansas literature,
services from Drury University. He professor of Communication Studies
folklore and film for more than
has served as a college instructor at KU. She has co-authored a book
40 years. He is the author of three
and is now happily employed at KU on gender and politics and taught
story collections and five novels.
Endowment in Lawrence. courses on women as political
His most recent novel is Found
Thursdays Documents from the Life of Nell leaders, the rhetoric of women’s rights
Mar. 26, Apr. 2 & 9 • 7-9 p.m. Johnson Doerr: A Novel. and communication and gender.
Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging Tuesdays Wednesdays
2910 S.W. Topeka Blvd. Mar. 31, Apr. 7 & 14 • 7-9 p.m. Apr. 22, 29 & May 6 • 2-4 p.m.
Topeka
Washburn University Brewster Place Chapel
Mabee Library 1205 S.W. 29th St.
1700 S.W. College Ave. Topeka
Topeka
20 osher.ku.edu Tel. 913-897-8530 Spring 2020You can also read
