Harper College instructor Myra Loris shares current issues relating to immigration and when, historically, we have addressed the issues in successful and meaningful ways, advancing both the individuals involved and the nation. Focuses on the work and ideas of Jacob Riis, Lillian Wald, Jane Addams, LBJ and more. Continue Reading Why It Matters: Immigration
Harper College instructor Myra Loris explores the current state of US infrastructure and when, historically, we have successfully mastered the infrastructure challenges that an expanding nation required. She will examine the Transcontinental Railroad, the Erie Canal, the WPA, the Federal Highway Program and more. Continue Reading Why It Matters: Infrastructure
U.S. Representative Peter J. Roskam will provide an update on what is happening in Washington D.C. Representative Roskam encourages Garlands members and community members to ask questions and express their opinions. In accordance with The Garlands policy, topics are limited to legislative updates and may not include any political or election-related conversation. Continue Reading Washington D.C. Update with Representative Peter J. Roskam
Academic entertainer Barbara Rinella invites you to meet Julia Dent Grant, wife of Ulysses S, and Madame Jule when they were two little girls, growing up on the opposite ends of opportunity before the Civil War. Barbara delivers as only she can this fascinating story of a blossoming friendship. Continue Reading Luncheon and Show: Julia Dent Grant and Madame Jule, with Barbara Rinella
Barrington resident Jeff Degner has been involved with the volunteer charity organization Healing the Children (HTC) for over 25 years and is currently Director of the Illinois/Indiana chapter. Through HTC, he has escorted dozens of needy children from third-world countries to their successful surgeries here in the United States and back home again after. He has also organized and participated in many medical missions to Nicaragua. Jeff will share some of the moving and heart-warming stories he has witnessed through “Healing the Children”. They range from Nicaragua and El Salvador o our own front yard. You’ll see before-and-after photographs that will buoy your spirits for days to come. Continue Reading Heal the Children
Mother Jones was one of America’s most effective and dynamic labor organizers. In 1903, she marched striking mill children from Philadelphia to President Roosevelt’s home in Oyster Bay, New York, to draw the nation’s attention to the crime of child slavery. “These children are to be the future citizens of America! Yes, pray for the dead and fight like hell for the living!” Betsey Means – who, in April, brought us the stunning, heroic story of Alicia Appleman-Jurman – returns to The Garlands as formidable, also heroic, Mother Jones. Continue Reading Mother Jones: March of the Mill Children
We love them; we wear them. Jeans are an iconic garment, and they tell the legendary story of the American West. But did you know they were made world famous by an adventurous Bavarian Jew who combined his marvelous business sense with German ingenuity? Join German Historian Anette Isaacs, M.A., for a fascinating journey into the days of the Gold Rush 170 years ago and learn about Levi Strauss and his amazing life! Continue Reading Levi Strauss, the Gold Rush and the World’s Most Famous Pair of Pants
Coming in September: Powerful Tools for Caregivers helps family caregivers reduce stress, improve self-confidence, better communicate their feelings, balance their life, and enhance their ability to make tough decisions and to locate helpful resources. The program, which is offered several times a year, consists of six weekly sessions and is designed for the nonprofessional care-giver who is helping to care for a parent, spouse, or friend. This is a perfect example of “Put on your own oxygen mask first, then that of your loved one.” Continue Reading BACOA Presents: Powerful Tools for Caregivers
Peter Oprisko returns to The Garlands, this time in a tux with a fresh, unique, and modern salute to Ol’ Blue Eyes. “Oprisko is the Rolls Royce of singers today! He’s a great talent!” – Grammy-winning jazz pianist, Ramsey Lewis. What more need we say about this true entertainer who performs over 300 singing engagements a year … for over 20 years … and doesn’t seem to be slowing down at all? Continue Reading Fabulous Frank!
In honor of the Illinois Bicentennial, Professor Gary Midkiff has compiled a list of the 10 most important events in the history of our state (plus a few more that deserve attention). He will cover events from all corners of the state and connect many of those Illinois events to national history. Chicago will contribute a few stories (e.g. the Great Chicago Fire of 1871) but so will East St. Louis (the race riots of 1917) and the towns of Alton, Charleston, Freeport, Galesburg, Jonesboro, Ottawa and Quincy (sites of the 1858 Lincoln – Douglas debates). Continue Reading Illinois: Ten Defining Moments
Queen Elizabeth II has reigned longer than any other monarch in British history. In this illustrated lecture, historian Leslie Goddard, Ph.D., explores the life of Britain’s famous monarch, from her childhood, the abdication of her uncle, her marriage to a navy officer named Philip, her World War II service, and her struggle to balance her roles as queen and mother. You’ll get a close-up view of her “red boxes” and her relationships with her children (and their often disastrous marriages) and her grandchildren. Get to know the woman behind the images and the spirited personality, sense of humor, and savvy intelligence with which she meets her demanding obligations. Continue Reading Queen Elizabeth: The Extraordinary Life of a Modern Monarch
A child prodigy, Rod began playing the songs he heard at church on his parents’ piano … while he was in preschool! By age 12 he performed at Carnegie Hall, and before his 20th birthday he performed for Pope Francis in the Vatican. Rod will perform a varied program—from Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald to Nat King Cole and American Songbook classics—for Garlands guests. Continue Reading Roderick Demmings Jr.
From 1920 to 1933 the Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution prohibited the public sale or consumption of alcohol. During those fourteen years our country struggled to manage the largest social engineering experiment we ever attempted. We had good intentions but experienced many unintended negative consequences: we limited government income and supported a system that promoted the rise of organized crime. Join Professor Gary Midkiff for an examination of the intense national lobbying effort launched by the Anti Saloon League, the gallant effort of the Untouchables, and the political careers affected by support for the “Wets” or the “Drys”. You’ll also learn where the phrase “There is no such thing as a free lunch” started. Continue Reading Prohibition
US Foreign Policy expert Gary Midkiff returns to deconstruct and discuss this historic event. The largest and most complex amphibious landing in military history was a success because of courage, training, luck, mistakes, planning, subterfuge, and the differences between the decision-making processes of Dwight Eisenhower and Adolf Hitler. Continue Reading D-Day: June 6, 1944
Take a journey inside the walls of the Vatican. Explore the Belvedere Gardens, Vatican Library and the Vatican Museums and see the great works of artists such as Raphael, Michelangelo, and the masterpieces of classical sculpture. Learn about the contributions and foibles of some of the more famous (or infamous) Popes. Discover lesser known parts of this complex structure. Even if you haven’t been to Rome, you will come away with a better understanding of this amazingly fascinating city. Continue Reading Harper: The Vatican Part II
Celebrate the Illinois Bicentennial by investigating the fascinating historical sites in our state. Discover the ancient Native American city at Cahokia Mounds, the seat of the French government at Fort de Chartres, and Camp DuBois where Lewis and Clark spent the winter before their Voyage of Discovery. See how early Illinois residents lived in Bishop Hill and Nauvoo, and visit the homes of Presidents Lincoln and Grant. Continue Reading Harper: Stepping into Illinois History
Explore the rich history of Vatican City, the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. How did this uncultivated piece of land along the right bank of the Tiber develop into an area of such importance? How does the significance of St. Peter’s Basilica fit into Roman history? Examine its architectural heritage from a wooden structure of the 4th century to one of the world’s most magnificent structures. Live through the sack of Rome in 1527 using actual accounts of the event. Continue Reading Harper: The Vatican Part I
A descendant of Buffalo Bill Cody, Rick travels the plains singing, playing and sharing his knowledge of cowboy and rail history. He performed on the stage with George Strait, Merle Haggard and Dolly Parton, among others. We’re right glad to welcome Rick back to our stage! Continue Reading Rick Pickren
We’ll look at those who influenced Oscar-Claude Monet, his work, and the influence his work had on successive generations of artists. Instructor Debra Levie of Art Alive Programming will also examine the impact of impressionism on neo-impressionism, postimpressionism, fauvism, cubism, and The Blue Rider. Continue Reading Claude Monet: His Influencers and Influences
The presentation explores the Cuban Missile Crisis delving into the 13-day confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union concerning American ballistic missile deployment in Italy and Turkey with consequent Soviet ballistic missile deployment in Cuba. Continue Reading President Kennedy and the Cuban Missile Crisis