LIFELONG LEARNING Summer 2025 Catalog   

Who are the American artists not part of the art-world's “avant-garde”? Most people know of the painter, Grandma Moses but who else is known in this unconventional art community? What defines them and their work as naive or outsider?

Come explore some well-known artists of this charming genre. Learn about who these artists are and view images of their art. Join the discussion and learn where some of their work is available to be viewed in person today! Artist Alex Whitney will lead this unique art history class. Come prepared to explore the extraordinary!

Join artist David Ouellette Sunday mornings to learn about art of the Middle Ages. The Middle Ages is the period in European history that ranges from the collapse of Roman civilization in the 5th century ce to the period of the Renaissance (variously interpreted as beginning in the 13th, 14th, or 15th century, depending on the region of Europe and other factors). The arts of the areas that will be discussed have distinct characteristics which are a result, in part, of the social, political and religious circumstances. The course will include Byzantine, Romanesque, Gothic and Late Medieval Italy. Come learn about this fascinating period of European art!

Kingsley Plantation in Jacksonville, Florida is a historic Sea Island cotton plantation where enslaved men, women, and children lived and worked more than 150 years ago. This Lifelong Learning day trip focuses on understanding the two Kingsleys: Zephaniah and Anna Kingsley. Flagler College history professor, Dr. Trevor Bryant, will lead the day trip to this unique site that is part of the National Park Service. The trip will look at many aspects of the planation but focus on these two questions: How did an African Princess became a slave owner in the Antebellum South? How did Zephaniah Kingsley become one of the wealthiest plantation owners in Florida? Come learn about this plantation and its part in Florida history.

Visiting Kinglsley Plantation

Travel by charter coach bus to explore the the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida! The Harn Museum of Art is named in honor of Samuel Peebles Harn (1893-1957), whose widow, three daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren made the founding gift to UF for the museum’s construction. The Harn Museum of Art opened September 20, 1990 and is a 112,800-square-foot facility, making it one of the largest university art museums in the South. The Harn Museum features several outdoor gardens including an Asian Water Garden and an Asian Rock Garden.

Explore four galleries through a docent-led tour. After the tour, take 90 minutes to explore on your own, grab a bite at the cafe, or enjoy your own packed lunch or beverage.

The tour will focus on four galleries: African Collection, Asian Collection, Modern Collection, and the Contemporary Collection. Don't miss this incredible opportunity!

Bus Departure: 9:15 AM in front of the Flagler College Ringhaver Student Center, 50 Sevilla Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084.
Return to Flagler College by 3:30 pm.

The charter bus, museum entrance fee, and a complimentary Flagler College parking pass are included for registered participants.

Dr. Shelly Haser, Flagler College LL Director, will be leading this day trip. Join us!

Shari Duval founded K9s For Warriors in 2011. Her vision was to train shelter dogs as Service Dogs and pair them with Veterans afflicted with military-connected traumas. When her son, Brett, a civilian K9 police bomb dog handler who served in Iraq, came home with PTSD, she realized he was only himself when with his dog. Doctors couldn’t help her son, but she found that a Service Dog could. Shari found a new mission in life: to put all her time and resources into helping restore the life of her son, and the lives of returning combat Veterans through the use of Service Dogs. Today, K9s for Warriors' mission is to end Veteran suicide. It is the nation’s largest provider of trained Service Dogs to military Veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and/or military sexual trauma.

Join Shelly Haser, Flagler College Lifelong Learning Institute Director, as we take a tour of this incredible world class facility and learn more about this unique program. Please note that there is a significant amount of walking involved during the tour. It is requested that participants wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. We will tour the kennels and the Warrior living and training spaces.

This tour meets off site at K9s for Warriors National Headquarters, 114 Camp K9 Rd, Ponte Vedra, FL 32081. When you arrive, there is a gravel parking lot immediately on your left. You can park anywhere in that lot. Meet at 9:45 a.m. in the parking lot. Look for the Lifelong Learning sign. We will enter the facility at 10 a.m.

June is the perfect time to take in America's favorite pastime!

Join as we travel by coach bus from Flagler College to Jacksonville to see our hometown favorite minor league team, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, take on the Nashville Sounds at Bragan Field at the VyStar Ballpark, one of the premier Minor League ballparks in North America! This event includes the charter coach bus and a ticket to the game. Seats are field level right beyond third base. The bus departs at 5:00 p.m. from Flagler College Ringhave Student Center, 50 Sevilla Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084, and returns to Flagler College after the game. The game starts at 7:05 pm.

Join us for a great evening!
Participants must be 18+.
Flagler College parking pass included for Lifelong Learning Institute members.

Dr. Shelly Haser, Flagler College LL Director, will be leading this event.

Sharpen and develop your drawing skills!

This course  focuses on basic drawing techniques by concentrating on the elements of descriptive drawing through observation. Be prepared to develop the qualities of line and volume with a full range of values. The course will also cover linear perspective and compositional design. There will be regular critiques. Come join artist David Ouellette for this informative course!

NOTE: This class meets for 2 hours each week for 6 weeks.

Drawing I Materials and Supplies List

Elvis Presley is one of the most internationally recognized representatives of American culture and music in the 21st century. Over the years, he has evolved into a complex historical figure who both represented and influenced America's music, culture, and society. But who was Elvis, and what does he reveal about the region that produced him?

Join Flagler College history professor and Humanities Department Chair, Dr. Michael Butler, as he dives into Elvis's life and legacy including his humble roots in Tupelo, Mississippi, religious influences, the crossing of racial boundaries in the era of Southern segregation, rise to stardom (on the radio, television, and Hollywood), life at Graceland, and beyond. Trace how his unique fusion of blues, country, and gospel started at Sun Studio, a Memphis recording studio that shaped his signature sound and music and attracts visitors from around the world. The course will also include students to the importance of historical memory and emphasize how a focus on popular culture can enrich (and distort) our understanding of American History.

Join us for a fun and engaging journey as we spotlight the “King of Rock and Roll”!

Estate planning may not always be a trending topic, but its importance cannot be overstated!

This four-part course will guide you through key topics, including: understanding what estate planning is and the benefits of having a plan for your legacy; the essential documents involved in creating a plan, such as wills, trusts, and Powers of Attorney; understanding income, gift, and estate taxes, and strategies to legally minimize these costs; and effective planning tools and techniques to create a lasting legacy, reduce expenses, and achieve your goals.

Led by Steve Parrish, JD, RICP^®, ChFC^®, CLU^®, RHU^®, AEP^®, Professor of Practice in Retirement Planning at The American College of Financial Services, this course will equip you with valuable insights to better prepare for your estate planning needs.

Please note, the instructor will not be offering any services or soliciting business.

No story about environmentalism in the Sunshine State is complete without the mention of Florida women. From the movement’s beginnings in the early twentieth century to today, women often led and continue to lead the fight to protect our subtropical paradise. This course will look back at over a century of Florida women from across the state that changed how we view our natural resources as well as the role of women in our society. 

Join course instructor and historian, Casey Wooster for this special course that highlights different women and their roles in protecting Florida natural resources.

Calling all artists, from fresh newcomers to seasoned professionals. Step into the essence of figure drawing, honing your skills through innovative perspectives. You will be guided by sight, translating your observations onto a 2D surface with a keen focus on figure-ground relationships and the enhancement of color. Let your creativity flourish in this relaxed and engaging setting. Join artist Alex Whitney in this popular course!

PLEASE NOTE: There is an additional model fee ($30) for this class. Supplies are not included.

SUPPLIES (Bring these with you to the second class):

• HB pencil
• large newsprint
• charcoal, conte
• pastel: 1 each, red, blue, yellow
• eraser
• soft cloth
• drawing board and blue painters’ tape to hold paper to board
• travel easel or table easel
• drop cloth

Materials can be flexible, please no acrylics, no oil paints.

Even before the advent of sound, many Hollywood movies has musical scores. This course looks at the development of the movie soundtrack and at the notable composers who created memorable musical scores. We will cover the early pioneers as well as composers working today, watching film clips illustrating outstanding Hollywood soundtracks. Among the great composers to be discussed are Alfred Newman, Max Steiner, Bernard Herrmann, Henry Mancini, John Williams, and Rachel Portman. This is not a music theory class but more a music appreciation one. Join instructor Tom Hischak, retired Professor of Theatre at the State University of New York at Cortland, playwright, and author of non-fiction books about theatre, film, and popular music!

Delve into the rich history of St. Augustine starting with the Pre-Columbian and Exploration periods and then move through the Colonial and American eras. The focus is on specific areas of the city such as the Castillo de San Marcos Fort and City Gate Area, North Restoration Area, the Plaza, Bay Street, South George St., Aviles St., Saint Francis St., Palm Row, and the area west of the Plaza (including Ponce de Leon Hotel - Flagler College). Explore places off San Marco Ave. (including Fort Mose), Lincolnville, and Anastasia Island (Lighthouse and Alligator Farm and Zoological Park). Learn fascinating stories, struggles, and facts that make St. Augustine a unique city and impress your friends and family when they come to visit you!  

This course is an excellent resource for those who are interested in taking the St. Augustine City test for "Sightseeing Tour Guides" and aligns with the Official Handbook for Sightseeing Tour Guides.

Have a digital camera but not sure how to use it? Confused by all the buttons and dials? Heard terms like exposure, aperture, and ISO but don't know what they mean?

This Introduction to Digital Photography course will demystify your camera with easy-to-follow instructions and hands-on practice. During classes you'll learn how to navigate your camera's functions and discover essential tips on lighting, posing, and composition-helping you capture better photos every time.

Please view the REQUIRED EQUIPMENT LIST before registering for this course.
The first item on the list is a Digital Camera (DSLR or Mirrorless) with removable lens.

Note: This course does not include instruction for phones, tablets, or cameras without a removable lens.

Explore the fascinating life and career of Alfred Hitchcock. Delve into his upbringing, his early days in film, his mid-career move to Hollywood, and his monumental successes. This seminar examines his creative process, inspirations, industry relationships, successes, failures, and overall career arc. Hitchcock’s unparalleled ability to maximize tension and to build suspense were a part of his movies, but how did he do this? Hitchcock’s innovative visual storytelling techniques and his complex humanistic themes will also be discussed and examined. Come learn about his abilities as a compelling storyteller including his twisted tales and often morally ambiguous characters. The impact Alfred Hitchcock has left on the film industry during the golden age of film will forever be remembered and his legacy still resonates with many today! Join us!

Join us for a special Minorcan re-enactment event: The Fromajadis Serenade!

Come hear Maria Castel Pacetti (portrayed by Michelle Reyna) explain to Lifelong Learners that because she sings so loudly and talks so much her husband, Andres Pacetti, has “sent her here to talk to the people.” After a brief history of the Minorcans and an explanation of her period clothing, Maria Pacetti invites the group with her as she begins a short walk-through what is known today as the Minorcan quarter. With the aid of guitarist Ed Kalal, Maria approaches the homes of other Minorcan families and sings the traditional Easter time song, Fromajadis Serenade. This hymn has been sung on Holy Saturday evening by the Minorcans of the area and their descendants for over 200 years.

As Maria and the Lifelong Learning group make their way from house to house, Maria is singing and entertaining the occupants of the home in hopes of receiving the necessary ingredients in order to prepare this small cheese pastry (fromajadis) for an Easter Sunday morning treat!

After serenading a few homes, the group will be escorted back to Pollard Hall where the program first began, and the entertainment continues with several Spanish guitar pieces presented by Mr. Kalal.

Light pastries and coffee will be served!

Meet at Pollard Hall at 5:30 p.m. This event involves standing and walking outside for approximately 30 minutes.

Discover the story of St. Augustine that’s buried under your feet!

Archaeologists have been uncovering the history of the nation’s oldest city for a century. These surveys have helped fill gaps in the historic records, understand growth and changes through the years, reconstruct historic structures, and get to know the people who have called the city home since 1565 and before.

This seminar includes a brief introduction to archaeological research in St. Augustine, followed by a walking tour (approximately 1.5 miles) of some of the most notable sites discovered through the years. The tour starts and ends at Pollard Hall. Join Emily Jane Murray, Public Archaeologist for the Florida Public Archaeology Network's Northeast Region and Flagler College alumna, for an intriguing look at the Ancient City!

Richard Attenborough's 1982 film "Gandhi" was an Oscar-winning film and a classic. Twenty years in the making, Gandhi is considered one of the most important films of all time and won eight Academy Awards® including Best Picture, Best Actor (Ben Kingsley), and Best Director (Richard Attenborough). The film traces Gandhi's transformation from a young Indian lawyer into one of the world's great spokesmen for peace and moral courage who became the beloved spiritual and political leader of India. Through the power of non-violent protests, he won his country its freedom and continues to inspire to this day.

One might ask, however, how realistic was this film?  Was it a true-to-life description of the Mahatma's life? 

Join Flagler College Religion and Philosophy professor, Dr. Jim Rowell, for a showing of the film (3 hours long) and a post-viewing discussion of its realism. Be ready to be transported to a different place and time through the movie and discussion.

Join us for a full film screening and discussion of Alfred Hitchcock’s, “Vertigo.”

Considered by many film critics and film historians as Alfred Hitchcock’s magnum opus, “Vertigo,” a psychological thriller, will be screened and include a post-film discussion to analyze the film’s key components. In “Vertigo,” Hitchcock’s artistry and exquisite use of visual imagery is fully on display. His use of symbolism using color is innovative and highly effective. James Stewart and Kim Novak relate to each other’s inner demons to perfection with murder, mistaken identity, and obsession becoming the drivers of the film. In an international poll conducted by Sight and Sound in 2012, “Vertigo” overtook “Citizen Kane” as the greatest film ever made.

Don’t miss this one!

Monuments and Memory: One Plaza—Many Monuments

Join visiting German professor Dr. Helmut Flachenacker for an engaging seminar exploring the relationship between monuments and collective memory. What historic events do we commemorate, and which do we prefer to forget? Public monuments serve as official markers of remembrance, but how do individuals and communities respond to them over time?

The seminar begins in Pollard Hall with an introduction to the role of monuments in society, including a brief look at German memorial culture. Then, the class will embark on a walking tour of St. Augustine’s Main Plaza, uncovering lesser-known and often-overlooked monuments.

Key topics include:

• The Discovery of Florida (1500s)
• The 1813 Spanish Constitution
• Civil War-era cannons (1860s)
• The Civil Rights Movement (1960s)
• War memorials from WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan
• Civil War monuments and their evolving role in the narrative of Southern pride and historical memory

Do these monuments invite reflection, celebration, or controversy? How do they shape our understanding of the past? Join us to explore the powerful connection between monuments and memory.

Be prepared to walk or stand for about 90 minutes and walk approximately one mile.

Start the morning with complimentary coffee, pastries, and fruit at 8:30 a.m. at Pollard Hall!

Join us for a captivating evening seminar delving into the rich history, culture, and geography of Portugal—experienced through its vibrant gastronomy. Through a curated selection of four exquisite Portuguese wines paired with an assortment of cheeses, charcuterie, and olive oil, participants will explore the country’s diverse regional influences and global connections that have shaped its culinary heritage. Led by Flagler College history professor Dr. Nic Miller, who has lived in Portugal and is fluent in Portuguese, this event combines historical insight with sensory delights. It's sure to be a memorable evening! Set in the elegant and historic Markland House at Flagler College, this seminar offers a unique opportunity to savor, learn, and unwind in a truly special setting.

Are you ready for little humor?

For 300 years people got around using foot, animal, or wind power. They traveled by Indian paths, roads, or on the water. The dawn of the twentieth century brought the combustion engine and things got wild. Join historian Bob Nawrocki as he presents a photographic and semi-humorous look at how people traveled around St. Augustine!

Founded in 1968, Flagler College celebrates almost 60 years of providing a rich, comprehensive liberal arts education with a heritage extending back more than 130 years! Come learn more about the College’s namesake, Henry Flagler, and how a hotel became a college. Who were the people who founded the college and what were the major events and turning points over the decades? Join us as Flagler College Professor Emeritus, Dr. Tom Graham, takes us on a journey through the remarkable history of Flagler College.

Is there a justified war in the name of Christianity? The New Testament is seemingly against everything warlike, instead emphasizing patience, humility, and renunciation of one's own rights. But every believer appears to fight with religious weapons. Are religiose therefore always militias? The practice of a religion is always, at least symbolically, a "holy war."

These general questions bring us to the Military Orders in the Middle Ages, an elite small group of Christian Warriors: the Templars (erected 1118, disbanded 1312), and Hospitallers (since 1530), Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta, and the Teutonic Order (erected 1190 in Acre). All of these orders tried to combine the active fight against ‘pagans’ with a devout life of monks.

The main tasks of the Militia Christi were three pronged:

1. Liberation of the Christian Holy Land from Muslim control during the Crusades
2. Protection of the Roads from the Coast to Jerusalem: Protection of the Pilgrims
3. Hospitals for the pilgrims, poor, and sick

 

Join Dr. Helmut Flachenecker, Flagler College visiting professor of history from Würzburg, Germany and Director of the Research Center for the History of the Teutonic Order at the University of Würzburg for this special seminar that will focus on the historical presence of the Teutonic's Order and their role in the Middle Ages.

How does history shape the present? This course examines the Versailles Treaty as a pivotal moment—everything before it is history, and everything after remains our lived reality; current events. The world we know today was forged in the aftermath of this treaty, influencing global politics, conflicts, and power dynamics across continents.

Come explore the events leading up to the treaty and its far-reaching consequences in Western Europe, the United States, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, including its direct connection to World War II.

The course is five sessions, divided into four parts:

1. Ancient History – The world before 1914
2. World War I – Setting the stage for 1919
3. The Versailles Treaty – The origins of modern global dynamics
4. The World Reimagined – World War II and the lasting impact of 1919

 

Key topics include:

• The rise of Britain and France at Germany’s expense, setting the stage for World War II and ultimately leading to the European Union
• The creation of artificial states, such as Yugoslavia, and their long-term impact, including the Balkan Wars of the 1990s
• The emergence of the United States as a global superpower
• The Balfour Declaration and its influence on the Middle East
• The redistribution of German and Ottoman colonies in Africa, reshaping regional politics without regard for cultural or ethnic divisions

 

Join us for an in-depth exploration of how this defining moment continues to shape our world today!

Baseball Through the Ages: The Evolution of America’s Pastime

From sandlots and spitballs to modern stadiums and strategic shifts, baseball has captivated generations. This course takes you on a journey through the sport’s evolution, examining how it has adapted over time and shaped American culture.

Explore the stories of legendary players, pivotal moments, and the game’s enduring influence, from its early days to its role as a source of unity and escapism during challenging periods like the Civil War and the Great Depression. Whether you're a lifelong fan or simply curious about baseball’s rich history, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for its impact on society.

Led by Flagler College adjunct faculty history professor, Justin Lawson, step up to the plate and discover the fascinating legacy of America’s pastime. Join us for an engaging exploration of baseball’s past and present!

Check out the group trip to the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp minor league baseball game with Lifelong Learning on June 24th.

Learn the fascinating history of Kingsley Planation then visit the park. Day Trip included!

During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, many people came to Florida. Some, like Zephaniah Kingsley, sought to make their fortunes by obtaining land and establishing plantations. Others were forced to come to Florida to work on those plantations, their labor providing wealth to the people who owned them. This course focuses on the "two Kingsleys"—Anna and Zephaniah.

Why did an African Princess became a slave owner in the Antebellum South? How did Zephaniah Kingsley become one of the wealthiest plantation owners in Florida? These questions and more will be answered in a two-week course on the lives of Anna and Zephaniah Kingsley to understand the broader history of Spanish Florida, the Antebellum United States, and Atlantic worlds.

This course goes beyond the classroom to explore Kingsley Plantation on a day trip by charter bus. Join Flagler College history professor, Dr. Trevor Bryant, as he unfolds the complex historical layers of Kingsley Plantation on a day trip. 

Escape into the vivid world of landscapes with our exclusive course on transparent watercolor techniques. Embrace the joy of painting as you learn to explore and understand the unique characteristics, possibilities, and limitations of the vibrant watercolor medium.

This course provides insight into the special papers, pigments, and brushes employed thus enriching your artwork and expanding your understanding. Regular critiques ensure your steady growth while immersive demonstrations breathe inspiration into your journey as an artist. The creative power of your brushstrokes will brighten your watercolors with the intrigue of transparency in landscape portrayal.

Students are responsible for their own supplies. Click the link below for a printable list.

Watercolor Materials and Supplies

You're invited to explore the art of Zen doodling as a form of meditation!

Through simple, repetitive drawing techniques, you'll learn to quiet your mind, reduce stress, and unlock creativity in a calming atmosphere. Explore various doodling methods—patterns, shapes, and free-flowing designs—that encourage relaxation and self-expression.

This practice emphasizes movement without constraints, helping you let go of perfectionism and stay present. By focusing on your breath, the sensation of pen on paper, and the evolving designs, you'll cultivate a deeper mind-body connection. All skill levels are welcome, from complete beginners to seasoned artists. Guided by artist Liz Monaco, you'll tap into creativity through a meditative lens, fostering a more peaceful and inspired self.

Join us and embark on this mindful artistic journey!

Supplies Needed:

• Art journal
• Black markers or pens
• White gel pens and acrylic markers (e.g., Posca pens)
• Colored pencils and/or watercolor pencils
• Watercolors and brushes
• Graphite pencil
• Ruler

Supplies are not included; please bring supplies to each class.

Step back in time and see St. Augustine through the eyes of the The Meyer family of Camden, New Jersey during their visits to St. Augustine in the 1870s and 1880s. The father-son duo of Hugo and Ernest Meyer took many photographs of St. Augustine and environs. Later, Ernest and his sister Jenny visited as Tin Can tourists in the 1920s, a popular form of "auto camping" in Florida in the 1920s and 30s. Join historian Bob Nawrocki in this photographical journey presentation about the history of the family and the images they took!