As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the Jefferson Educational Society (JES) is launching an extensive summer lineup of programs designed to explore the nation’s past, present, and future through the voices of historians, authors, scholars, and eyewitnesses to history.
The summer term begins July 6 with the return of historian and classicist Dr. Robert Garland, the Roy D. and Margaret B. Wooster Emeritus Professor of the Classics at Colgate University. Garland will lead a weeklong residency titled Democracy: From Beginning to Now, examining the origins, evolution, challenges, and future of democracy. The residency concludes July 10 with a presentation titled Where is Democracy Now.
Garland will also lead a four-part lunchtime discussion series, A Voyage ‘round the Odyssey, exploring Homer’s epic poem and its enduring influence ahead of the July 17 release of Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey.
The JES will continue its USA 250 programming from July 27 through August 4 with Moments That Shaped America — A Nation and Independence at 250, a series featuring prominent speakers discussing pivotal moments in American history.
Highlights include:
9/11 25 Years Later: White House Chief of Staff Andy Card’s Eyewitness to History on July 27.
From FDR to Trump: Life in the Modern White House featuring Gary Walters and Stuart McLauren on July 28.
A Conversation on “We the Women: The Hidden Heroes Who Shaped America” with bestselling author Kate Andersen Brower on July 29.
Against All Odds: Front Line Stories from World War II featuring author Alex Kershaw and World War II veteran David Yoho on July 30.
Two performances of Music of the Revolution: America’s 250th by Dr. David Hildebrand and Ginger Hildebrand on August 3 and August 4.
Additional USA 250-themed events include “My Name is Sacagawea” on July 13, featuring Robin Pease portraying the famed explorer, and Spirits that Moved America: Lessons through Liquor on July 16 with author and beverage educator Brian Freedman.
The summer schedule also includes programs focused on innovation, technology, medicine, and community development.
Business and entrepreneurship programs include Innovation in Action: NW PA Founders Conversations on July 15 and Futuremakers: How Every Community Member Can Help Build What Comes Next on August 13.
Artificial intelligence will be explored during Work in the Age of AI: What’s Changing, What’s Not and What Matters Most with Dr. Leighann Forbes of Gannon University.
Medical topics will include:
‘Death is But a Dream’: Exploring Lessons of Medicine’s and Humanity’s Greatest Mystery with Dr. Christopher Kerr on July 14.
It’s Not in Your Head: Understanding the Midlife Hormonal Shift on August 19.
What Happens when Veins Struggle to Return Blood to the Heart and What to Do About It? on August 20.
The Power and Potential of Personalized Medicine: Discussing Hereditary Cancer Risk on August 26.
History enthusiasts can also attend Command & Courage: Oliver Hazard Perry, a two-day symposium hosted by the Hagen History Center at Gannon University on August 13 and August 14, as well as The Dirty History of Soap presented by historian Judith Ridner on August 27.
According to the Jefferson Educational Society, more than 75% of the summer programs are free to attend. Additional information, reservations, and membership details are available by calling (814) 459-8000 or visiting the JES website.