American History   

Extremely timely, given the resurgence of the so-called "Great Replacement" theory of white Nationalism today. The 1790 Naturalization Act was biased in allowing any free white person to become a citizen of the new republic; all others need not apply. This presentation demonstrates the historical effort to keep America white. Despite this, the struggle also enjoined an America of diversity.  E Pluribus Unum can be interpreted two ways: homogeneity or heterogeneity. America has become a primer for other nations today who are struggling with issues of homogeneity and heterogeneity.  America has been a petri dish.

A completely different tour with totally different artifacts whose background stories are revealed and colorfully illustrated by a CIA Retiree who was in the Agency when most of these events were happening. This is Part 2 of an ongoing series that will contain, as they are declassified, new clandestine items and missions previously highly classified in full color and with unique illustrations created to show how they were carried out. It reveals two of the most expensive operations in CIA history!

A completely unique tour with totally different artifacts and background stories revealed and colorfully illustrated by Dr. Don Wyman, CIA Retiree who was in the Agency when most of these events were happening. This is Part 3 of an ongoing series that contains as they are declassified, new clandestine items and missions previously highly classified in full color and with unique illustrations created to show how they were carried out to combat smothering enemy surveillance.

The raid on March 10, 1865 was the only time the war came to Marion County. Misrepresented and inaccurately portrayed, this risky raid came only weeks before the war's end. Learn about the "experiment" in having Black soldiers and their difficult journey. Then, follow a unit of Black men who planned and led their own mission, traveling 100 miles behind enemy lines to prove their mettle as they are being chased by the local Confederate hero. A gripping journey awaits.

The story of the Navy during the American Revolution and Civil War is often overlooked, yet it is a fascinating tale of Privateers, Ships-of-the-Line, Ironclads, Blockade Runners, and Submarines. This course covers them all, including anecdotes of the men who served on them.

Florida had been a refuge for enslaved persons escaping from slave states and were welcomed by the native population. Florida eventually entered the Union as a slave state. It became part of the "Cotton Kingdom" from 1845 until the Civil War.  Currently, descendants of slave holders and enslaved sharing the same surname are residents.

The "Lost Cause" and neo-Confederates advocates disparage Reconstruction as a failure. Yet, historians today call it "The Second American Revolution," as it made the idea of equality more than an aspirational notion, spelling out in law implications of equality in the 13^th, 14^th, and 15^th amendments. In today's Congressional climate, they would probably never pass.  Reconstruction made equality more of a reality, bringing us closer to "A more perfect Union."

Two almost unknown heroes who saved the Revolution before it had really begun. One gave Washington his first major victory, without firing a shot. The second saved the Army from certain destruction and gave Washington his first battlefield victory. Plus, some "revolutionary" women. Who were they and what did they do? Come find out.

This PowerPoint program opens a door into the Native American's world of Art, Time, Peace Pipes & Treaties, Dwellings, Music & Instruments, Dances, Bows & Arrows, Numerology and Sacred Rituals & Ceremonies. Then, it reveals the hardships they had to endure, over and over, from the “Manifest Destiny” incursions on their homelands, hunting grounds, food sources, pony express, telegraph lines, settlers, gold-miners and soldiers building their forts and carrying out of their frequent, surprise massacres.