Course Catalog

Abilene

The Magnetosphere: Earth’s Invisible Shield AstronomyIn-Person
Fee: $20.00
Dates: 10/1/2026 - 10/1/2026
Times: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Days: Th
Sessions: 1
Building: Abilene Heritage Square
Room: Stone Owl Academy
Instructor: Wayne Keith

The Earth’s magnetosphere may be invisible, but it plays an important role in making life on Earth possible. The course will begin with a brief account of how our understanding of the magnetosphere and its importance has evolved over time. A description of the various regions will follow, concluding with how the magnetosphere affects life on Earth and the ways that we study it.
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OSHER ONLINE-The History and Experience of Route 66 Online
Fee: $60.00
Dates: 10/5/2026 - 11/9/2026
Times: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Days: M
Sessions: 6
Building:
Room:
Instructor: Peter Dedek

Route 66 is as much an idea as it is a place. Since its creation in 1926, America’s most famous highway has evolved from a 2,400-mile transportation corridor into a powerful symbol of nostalgia, travel, and the American road. Today, it functions as a kind of pilgrimage route, marked by neon signs, roadside attractions, and preserved motels, cafés, and gas stations. In this course, we will explore the history, cultural meaning, and enduring appeal of Route 66. Together, we will examine its origins, rise and decline, late-20th century revival, the role of nostalgia and car culture, preservation efforts, and the possible futures of this iconic highway.
If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are three possible reasons. 1) Registration may not be open 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership 3) You are not signed in.

OSHER ONLINE-Cults and New Religious Movements in America Online
Fee: $60.00
Dates: 10/6/2026 - 11/10/2026
Times: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Days: Tu
Sessions: 6
Building:
Room:
Instructor: Kate Davis

America has provided fertile ground for new and alternative religions to sprout and grow. Some prosper and eventually become accepted as part of the normal religious landscape, some wither away and are forgotten, and some detonate, creating public scandal and in the worst cases, national tragedy. This course will examine New Religious Movements, popularly known as "cults", within the US context. We will examine these religious movements both from insider perspectives and outsider perceptions. We will analyze the history, practices, and beliefs of these organizations to better understand them and deconstruct misconceptions. This course covers the 18th and 19th centuries.
If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are three possible reasons. 1) Registration may not be open 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership 3) You are not signed in.

OSHER ONLINE-Post War Architecture: The Innovative Architects of the Midcentury Modern Period Online
Fee: $60.00
Dates: 10/7/2026 - 11/11/2026
Times: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Days: W
Sessions: 6
Building:
Room:
Instructor: Eleanor Schrader

From sleek new industrial materials to innovations in housing, mid-20th-century designers faced the challenge of shaping an aesthetic that reflected the ideals of post-World War II America. In this course, we will explore the optimism that defined the relationship between design and lifestyle during this period, particularly through the emergence of open living spaces in architecture. We will examine the influence of the Case Study Program and the work of leading designers, including Charles and Ray Eames, John Lautner, Eero Saarinen, E. Fay Jones, and Donald Wexler, while considering these developments within the broader context of rapid social and cultural change.
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Striving For Honor: Evermore In-Person
Fee: $15.00
Dates: 10/8/2026 - 10/8/2026
Times: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Days: Th
Sessions: 1
Building: TTUHSC Public Health (opens in new tab)
Room:
Instructor: Glenys Young

"It began as a magazine. It's grown into so much more. Join us to hear the stories behind the production of Texas Tech's internationally recognized publication, Evermore, and how the brand's continued growth proves that From Here, It's Possible."
If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are three possible reasons. 1) Registration may not be open 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership 3) You are not signed in.

Tour of an Outstanding Natural HIstory Collection In-Person
Fee: $15.00
Dates: 10/13/2026 - 10/13/2026
Times: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Days: Tu
Sessions: 1
Building: Abilene Christian University
Room: Onstead Science Center
Instructor: Thomas Lee

Come for a personalized tour of the Natural History Collection at ACU, hosted by Dr. Tom and Pebbles Lee. The collection contains over 2,500 specimens and 1,500 tissue samples, representing animals from every continent except Antarctica. A special focus is species that are native to Texas and the Southwest, as well as unique exhibits collected on research trips in North and South America. Members will hear stories from first-hand visits to the remotest parts of the Andes and gain a valuable understanding of this type of research to our planet.
If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are three possible reasons. 1) Registration may not be open 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership 3) You are not signed in.

OSHER ONLINE-Living off The Laughter: History of Comedy in America Online
Fee: $60.00
Dates: 10/14/2026 - 11/18/2026
Times: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Days: W
Sessions: 6
Building:
Room:
Instructor: Eddy Friedfeld

This course is a history class with a laugh track. We will analyze the significant periods and players of the 20th and 21st Centuries against their historic context and legacy, using humor as the platform. We will discuss how comedy was shaped by and responsive to American society, and how comedians influenced and shaped American life. We will cover Silent Films, Vaudeville, Radio, Screwball and Romantic Comedies, Comedy Teams, and the Golden Age of Television. We will study how America laughed in each generation, and how the change in American character and persona shaped how they laughed and what (and whom) they laughed at.
If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are three possible reasons. 1) Registration may not be open 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership 3) You are not signed in.

OSHER ONLINE-Power and the People: The Evolution of the U.S. Federal Judiciary Online
Fee: $60.00
Dates: 10/15/2026 - 11/19/2026
Times: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Days: Th
Sessions: 6
Building:
Room:
Instructor: Lauren Andersen

The American Experiment began with the Declaration of Independence and led to the creation of the federal judiciary, one of the country’s greatest experiments. In this course, we will trace the evolution of the courts from their English roots to their formal establishment in the Constitution. We will explore how the Supreme Court, lacking the power of the purse or military, derives its authority from its ability to connect with the people of the US and protect democracy. We will examine creation of the federal judiciary and the power of the Marshall Court, the Court’s evolution through the New Deal, the Vinson Court, the Warren Court’s “Rights Revolution,” and the role of today’s US Supreme Court.
If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are three possible reasons. 1) Registration may not be open 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership 3) You are not signed in.

Pundits, Polls & Politics: The Mid-Term Edition! Hybrid
Fee: $15.00
Dates: 10/21/2026 - 10/21/2026
Times: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Days: W
Sessions: 1
Building: TTUHSC Public Health (opens in new tab)
Room:
Instructor: Doug Stowell

On November 3, all 435 seats in the U.S. House and 35 in the Senate will be up for re-election. This mid-term may be more consequential than any recent one. We'll dig into all the national issues, looking at how they rank - by party affiliation, generation and region. We'll look at some of the better forecasts of results and then conduct our own on-line, in-class polls. YES, we will forecast the House - Senate results by party!
If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are three possible reasons. 1) Registration may not be open 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership 3) You are not signed in.

All About Bees: A Visit to Sadie Grace Farms In-Person
Fee: $30.00
Dates: 10/22/2026 - 10/22/2026
Times: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Days: Th
Sessions: 1
Building: Sadie Grace Farms (opens in new tab)
Room:
Instructor: Chrissy Ward

Buzz on over to Lawn, Texas, for an exclusive, hands-on look into the fascinating world of apiculture! We will meet a local master beekeeper to explore the inner workings of a honeybee hive. Discover the vital role these pollinators play in our ecosystem, learn about the rewards and challenges of modern beekeeping, and see how sweet local honey goes from hive to jar.
If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are three possible reasons. 1) Registration may not be open 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership 3) You are not signed in.

Beyond the Squint: The Cinematic Legacy of Eastwood In-Person
Fee: $15.00
Dates: 10/27/2026 - 10/27/2026
Times: 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Days: Tu
Sessions: 1
Building: TTUHSC Public Health (opens in new tab)
Room:
Instructor: Zachary Ingle

From Clint Eastwood's antihero of the Spaghetti Westerns to an Oscar-winning director of profound American dremas, he shapes the cinematic landscape like few others. With our favorite movie hound Zach Ingle, we'll explore his decades-long legacy as a star and filmmaker. Through clips and vibrant discussions we'll look at his evolution from a symbol of rugged masculinity to a direcetor who deconstructs violence, morality and aging. Join us for an enjoyable look at the lifetime work of a true Hollywood legend.
If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are three possible reasons. 1) Registration may not be open 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership 3) You are not signed in.

Make Microsoft Excel Your Personal Ally In-Person
Fee: $15.00
Dates: 10/29/2026 - 10/29/2026
Times: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Days: Th
Sessions: 1
Building: LIFT Center (opens in new tab)
Room:
Instructor: Chrisstie Crim

It comes with your computer most times, but many of us don't fully utilize the powerful program. Excel expert Chrisstie Crim will take us through easily understandable real-life demonstrations of ways we can unlock overlooked features. Without buying any specialized software, you can add more clarity to your finances and recordkeeping. If you're a visual learner, build beautiful charts that communicate, and more. We will be in a computer classroom at ATEMS, the Science and Technology high school of Abilene.
If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are three possible reasons. 1) Registration may not be open 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership 3) You are not signed in.

OLLI Member Play Monday at the SPARK Center In-Person
Fee: $20.00
Dates: 11/9/2026 - 11/9/2026
Times: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Days: M
Sessions: 1
Building: Spark Science Center (opens in new tab)
Room:
Instructor: Marsha Hammack

Following last semester’s hit sneak peek, join OLLI for an exclusive, private visit to the SPARK Center at Abilene Heritage Square. Director Marsha Hammack is opening the doors on a Monday just for us, giving members free rein of the fascinating interactive exhibits without the usual daytime crowds. In addition to exploring, you’ll hear from Marsha herself as she shares insights on the vital role of STEM education, drawing from her 35 distinguished years as a science educator.
If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are three possible reasons. 1) Registration may not be open 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership 3) You are not signed in.

Eyes of the Plains: Inside the West Texas Mesonet -AbileneIn-Person
Fee: $15.00
Dates: 11/18/2026 - 11/18/2026
Times: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Days: W
Sessions: 1
Building: TTUHSC Public Health (opens in new tab)
Room:
Instructor: Natalie Trout

Launched by TTU, the West Texas Mesonet features over 180 stations capturing hyper-local weather events. We will explore how this grid provides real-time, rapid data that can be used for precision forecasting leading to earlier warnings for concentrated cloudbursts, like those behind the flooding that turned the Guadalupe River catastrophic and made serene Hill Country creeks rage. Since most stations sit on private land, we will highlight the critical partnership between the university and landowners and how the community directly assists emergency managers when minutes matter most.
If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are three possible reasons. 1) Registration may not be open 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership 3) You are not signed in.

The Curator's Eye: Newest Grace Art Installations In-Person
Fee: $20.00
Dates: 12/8/2026 - 12/8/2026
Times: 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Days: Tu
Sessions: 1
Building:
Room:
Instructor: Judy Deaston

Private gallery tour with curator and art historian Judy Tedford Deaton. Explore current art exhibitions at The Grace Museum located in the Abilene Cultural District. The tour will feature two exhibitions on view. Emily LaCour: At the Table and All Creatures Great and Small: Selections from The Grace Permanent Collection. Emily LaCour’s solo exhibition features gestural paintings of friends and family gatherings painted from life to explore “the felt dynamics of relationships.”
If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are three possible reasons. 1) Registration may not be open 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership 3) You are not signed in.

Swenson Family's Christmas at the Swenson House In-Person
Fee: $25.00
Dates: 12/15/2026 - 12/15/2026
Times: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Days: Tu
Sessions: 1
Building: Swenson House (opens in new tab)
Room:
Instructor: Janet Payne

The 1910 W.G. and Shirley Swenson House will be decorated for Christmas in all its early 20th Century glory. Come for tea and stories about the Swenson family plus a tour of this grand house.
If you do not see the "Add to Cart" button, there are three possible reasons. 1) Registration may not be open 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership 3) You are not signed in.

OSHER ONLINE-Great Artists in American Roots Music Online
Fee: $60.00
Dates: 9/28/2026 - 11/2/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Days: M
Sessions: 6
Building:
Room:
Instructor: Taylor Ackley

REGISTRATION FOR THIS CLASS IS CLOSED. This class is already in session.

From its emergence amid rapid cultural change in the early 20th century, country music has resonated with people who feel left behind by a shifting world. A key genre of American roots music, it captures hardships of modern life while intentionally evoking emotional response. Whether facing troubled relationships, unemployment, homelessness, loneliness, or spiritual bereft, there is a country song for you. This course traces the history of country and American roots music through the stories and artistic developments of influential performers. Each session highlights key figures including the Carter Family, Bill Monroe, Hank Williams, and Dolly Parton.

OSHER ONLINE-Tracing Our Roots: DNA, Family History, and the Politics of Identity Online
Fee: $60.00
Dates: 9/30/2026 - 11/4/2026
Times: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Days: W
Sessions: 6
Building:
Room:
Instructor: Angel Cervantes

REGISTRATION FOR THIS CLASS IS CLOSED. This class is already in session.

How does DNA reshape our understanding of ancestry, colonial society, and identity in the Americas? In this course, we will explore the science and methodology of genetic genealogy through the lens of first contact between European and Indigenous peoples. Using the New Mexico DNA Project as a central case study, we will examine how Y-DNA and mitochondrial DNA can confirm, complicate, and challenge traditional research. Topics include Y-DNA Adam, Indigenous maternal haplogroups, the Spanish castas system, and colonial identity. We will consider the ethical and political implications of DNA testing and the limits of what genetic evidence can, and cannot, reveal about race and belonging.

Tour of the Swenson Ranching Archives In-Person
Fee: $35.00
Dates: 11/4/2026 - 11/4/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Days: W
Sessions: 1
Building: Museum of the West Texas Frontier (opens in new tab)
Room:
Instructor: Jewellee Kuenstler

THIS CLASS IS FULL. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.

A fall trip to Stamford is coming up in partnership with the Museum of the West Texas Frontier. We'll have a guided tour of the historic archives of the SMS Ranches empire and the as well as lunch at the museum and a visit to the 1927-28 SMS Ranches principal headquarters building. Our tour will include lunch at the museum. Members will receive a short history of the SMS ranches and information about travel coordination two weeks before the class.

The $35.00 course fee includes a lunch.

OLLI Book Club: "This Book Made Me Think of You" In-Person
Fee: $15.00
Dates: 12/2/2026 - 12/2/2026
Times: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Days: W
Sessions: 1
Building: Seven and One Books (opens in new tab)
Room:
Instructor: Arlene Kasselman

THIS CLASS IS FULL. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.

British author Libby Page delivers an uplifting tribute to the power of literature and community in this bestseller. Five months after losing her husband, Joe, Tilly Nightingale receives an unexpected gift at her local bookstore: 12 books chosen by Joe, each accompanied by a personal letter to guide her through her first year of grief. What follows is a globally-inspired journey of self-discovery, connection, and healing. Join us to discuss this beautiful "love letter to books," and share your thoughts on how reading has the unique power to connect us and transform our lives.

OSHER ONLINE-Art Detectives Forgery, Provenance, and the Science of Authentication - 6 SessionsOnline
Fee: $60.00
Dates: 9/28/2026 - 11/2/2026
Times: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Days: M
Sessions: 6
Building:
Room:
Instructor: Christine Massdam

REGISTRATION FOR THIS CLASS IS CLOSED. This class is already in session.

The public often sees the art world as the domain of wealth, trendsetters, and high rollers, yet deception lurks behind the façade. After weapons and drugs, art is the third most lucrative illicit trade, with reports suggesting that more than half of artworks are fake or misattributed. In this course, we will ask: When is a copy simply a copy, and when is it a forgery? What techniques do master forgers use? Does a collector hold true title, and how important is provenance? What can science tell us about art authenticity? We will uncover riveting stories of criminal art activity, gallery closings, and master forgeries.

Some Title

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)

Address

3301 4th Street, Room #224, Museum at Texas Tech University, Lubbock TX 79415
Mailing: Box 45095, Lubbock, TX 79409-5095
Phone
(806) 742-6554
Email
olli@ttu.edu

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)

Address

Phone

Email