Tuesday   

Meet some of the people and become familiar with the programs that make the Center for People one of Lincoln’s most dynamic nonprofit agencies. Visit the newly redesigned People’s Pantry, observe job seekers as they fine-tune their resumes or learn new computer skills and peek at an English language learning class for new Americans. Obtain a history of the 21-year- old organization and highlights plans for its innovative future, built on the mandate to “solution differently.”

Explore midwifery through the ages—from cave women to the midwives that defied pharaoh to the deep South African American midwives who save black, white and mixed-race babies. Community midwives make a huge difference in maternal and infant mortality and present-day movement for modern day midwives of color changes the lives of their Inuit, tribal and black urban communities and regains their cultures. Midwives caught babies on The Trail of Tears. Learn about the famous midwives in Nebraska, Texas and Oklahoma—especially those in Lincoln, Langston, Edmond and Cherokee, Sioux and the other five civilized tribes midwives.

Explore midwifery through the ages—from cave women to the midwives that defied pharaoh to the deep South African American midwives who save black, white and mixed-race babies. Community midwives make a huge difference in maternal and infant mortality and present-day movement for modern day midwives of color changes the lives of their Inuit, tribal and black urban communities and regains their cultures. Midwives caught babies on The Trail of Tears. Learn about the famous midwives in Nebraska, Texas and Oklahoma—especially those in Lincoln, Langston, Edmond and Cherokee, Sioux and the other five civilized tribes midwives.

Join OLLI members on an evening field trip to the Branched Oak Observatory (BOO) in nearby Raymond for an unforgettable astronomical experience. We will meet experienced professional and amateur astronomers, deepen our understanding of astronomy and see for ourselves the deep-space wonders of the night sky. If conditions are favorable, we will peer through telescopes at various stars, clusters, and galaxies, including the mighty Milky Way. If clouds get in the way or the temperature plummets, we will gather in the heated educational center and see stored images. This first-rate observatory is equipped with state-of-the-art telescopes, including one that helps low-vision people see images on their tablets or phones if they’re unable to view through the scope. 

Join History Nebraska archeologist Nolan Johnson for an intimate and in-depth tour of the “Piecing Together the Past” exhibit at the Nebraska History Museum. The exhibit answers the 10 questions archeologists are most often asked using examples from Nebraska archeological sites. Nolan has been involved in Nebraska archeology for nearly 20 years and will be able to provide an insider look at the exhibit and Nebraska archeology not available to the public or regular museum goer. The tour will provide additional context and details about the artifacts that are on display and the archeological sites they came from as well as any aspects of the exhibit design process.

Join director Ian Borden for a discussion about Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest.” This story of courtships, betrothals and confused identities is a satire of Victorian morality that has delighted audiences throughout the ages. The director will be joined by the production design team who will discuss their concepts and show examples of their drawings, illustrations, models and more. The session will include a sneak-peek at the set, lighting, costumes and sound.

Build your confidence on performing simple maintenance items on your bike. Bike anatomy, fit, ABC quick check, fix a flat, and simple brake and shifting adjustment will be covered. Gain confidence to make simple repairs on the road and to talk to a bike mechanic for the more complex repairs.

Obtain an overview of this April 2025 OLLI travel opportunity to the picturesque landscapes and charming towns along the majestic Rhine River. Begin your adventure in Basel, Switzerland, where the Swiss, French, and German borders meet, offering a unique cultural fusion. Delve into the medieval charm of towns nestled into the Black Forest and experience the harmonious blend of French and German cultures in Strasbourg, France. In Schwetzingen, Germany, marvel at the opulence of Baroque palaces and meticulously manicured gardens. Learn about the historic significance of Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers converge, before being captivated by the soaring spires of Cologne’s iconic cathedral. Conclude your voyage in Amsterdam, Netherlands, where charming canals wind through historic streets, offering a glimpse into the city’s vibrant culture. Each destination promises a rich tapestry of history, architecture, and local charm, ensuring an unforgettable journey.

Obtain an overview of this April 2025 OLLI travel opportunity to the picturesque landscapes and charming towns along the majestic Rhine River. Begin your adventure in Basel, Switzerland, where the Swiss, French, and German borders meet, offering a unique cultural fusion. Delve into the medieval charm of towns nestled into the Black Forest and experience the harmonious blend of French and German cultures in Strasbourg, France. In Schwetzingen, Germany, marvel at the opulence of Baroque palaces and meticulously manicured gardens. Learn about the historic significance of Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers converge, before being captivated by the soaring spires of Cologne’s iconic cathedral. Conclude your voyage in Amsterdam, Netherlands, where charming canals wind through historic streets, offering a glimpse into the city’s vibrant culture. Each destination promises a rich tapestry of history, architecture, and local charm, ensuring an unforgettable journey.

Learn about the history of Lincoln’s Kennard House, originally the home of Thomas P. Kennard, Nebraska’s first Secretary of State. The Kennard House is the oldest building still standing that was part of Lincoln’s original town plat and was restored as a memorial to Nebraska statehood in 1967. We will tour the home, discuss its construction and architectural history, and learn about archeological investigations of the property conducted by UNL’s Summer Field School in Archeology and the History Nebraska State Archeology Office in the 1990s.

Uncork the secrets of winemaking and learn how to make wine at home. From selecting the finest ingredients to mastering fermentation and aging techniques, explore the art and science behind creating your own delicious wines. Gain insight on the basics of the process, equipment, terminology, and sanitation. Obtain practical tips, troubleshooting advice and insider insights to ensure your success; no tasting or sampling is included.

Do you wonder what early nature experiences inspired Michael Forsberg and other notable Nebraska naturalists? Well, this course instructor needed to know—and set out on a data-collecting mission. Stories from these interviews helped to build a course outline that will encourage you to appreciate your own nature connections and inspire your efforts to generate nature noticing in your families and communities. Discover how to learn and think about the features of Nebraska naturalists’ nature experiences in early childhood; then explore nature- connection strategies to prompt wonder and develop appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the natural world. Brief outdoor experiences will help us remember our own childhood nature experiences and learn simple teaching strategies we can use with our families and communities. Dress for your own comfort and safety (i.e. closed-toe shoes, hiking stick).

Learn about the evolution of the Kimono from the Edo period (1615-1868) to the present. Exploration begins with the origins, traditions and cultural significance of this unique garment that remains synonymous with Japanese culture. A look at the shape, structure, materials, and needle craft of the kimono will lead to an appreciation of the symbolism and artistic qualities of this distinctive form of dress. Exploration continues as we delve into the journey of the kimono to the West. After first appearing in Europe in 1867, it soon found favor among women of the Aesthetics Movement. Its form and style were next embraced by fashion designers including Paul Poiret (1919), Geofrey Beene (1965), and Ralph Rucci (2004). Its simple geometrics and abstract relation to the human form allow it to continue to serve as a dynamic canvas for creative interpretation by artists and designers worldwide.

Learn about the evolution of the Kimono from the Edo period (1615-1868) to the present. Exploration begins with the origins, traditions and cultural significance of this unique garment that remains synonymous with Japanese culture. A look at the shape, structure, materials, and needle craft of the kimono will lead to an appreciation of the symbolism and artistic qualities of this distinctive form of dress. Exploration continues as we delve into the journey of the kimono to the West. After first appearing in Europe in 1867, it soon found favor among women of the Aesthetics Movement. Its form and style were next embraced by fashion designers including Paul Poiret (1919), Geofrey Beene (1965), and Ralph Rucci (2004). Its simple geometrics and abstract relation to the human form allow it to continue to serve as a dynamic canvas for creative interpretation by artists and designers worldwide.

The City of Lincoln adopted its first climate action plan in 2021. The State of Nebraska completed its first climate action plan in March 2024. Learn about the exciting things happening with each of these plans, including the who, what and why of the respective plans and how they complement one another.

The City of Lincoln adopted its first climate action plan in 2021. The State of Nebraska completed its first climate action plan in March 2024. Learn about the exciting things happening with each of these plans, including the who, what and why of the respective plans and how they complement one another.

Naturally occurring Radon can gather in Nebraska homes. It increases the risk of lung cancer but can be easily mitigated. Learn the best testing practices and how to make informed decisions on mitigating your home or not. We will dispel myths of radon and focus on the clear facts of the invisible gas. Nebraska DHHS helps to inform and protect our citizens.

Naturally occurring Radon can gather in Nebraska homes. It increases the risk of lung cancer but can be easily mitigated. Learn the best testing practices and how to make informed decisions on mitigating your home or not. We will dispel myths of radon and focus on the clear facts of the invisible gas. Nebraska DHHS helps to inform and protect our citizens.

This course is for beginning players with limited or no prior pickleball experience. You will learn the basics of pickleball in small groups of four OLLI participants taught by one or two experienced players (mentors). Emphasis will be on the fun and joy of pickleball. A limited supply of paddles and balls are available to borrow. Purchase pickleball paddles at local sporting goods stores starting around $50. On-line purchase is not recommended! Questions? See contact information for the instructor/facilitator below.

Tai Chi is a widely practiced physical and mental exercise form that originated from ancient Chinese martial arts. In class, we will train fundamentals skills comprising the first part of the classic Yang ‘solo routine’ that is the foundation for daily self-practice. All levels of physical capability or Tai Chi experience are welcome. Wear comfortable clothing and flat shoes.

Explore the political events and economic conditions of the 1920s leading up to the Great Depression of the 1930s. Learn the unsettling similarities of the 1920s to our current 2020s. Examine political responses instituted to attempt to alleviate misery (i.e., CCC, WPA, etc.) and discuss the actual effects on several families in their struggles to survive. We will hear memories of Americans from all parts of the nation and from differing socio-economic strata. There will be a discussion of the effect of WWII to place the U.S. on the road to recovery.

Explore the political events and economic conditions of the 1920s leading up to the Great Depression of the 1930s. Learn the unsettling similarities of the 1920s to our current 2020s. Examine political responses instituted to attempt to alleviate misery (i.e., CCC, WPA, etc.) and discuss the actual effects on several families in their struggles to survive. We will hear memories of Americans from all parts of the nation and from differing socio-economic strata. There will be a discussion of the effect of WWII to place the U.S. on the road to recovery.

The secrecy of the Manhattan Project hid the roles of women, leaving the perception it was done by a few brilliant male scientists. The sprawling enterprise with three tightly guarded secret sites included thousands of women in every capacity working and living in Oak Ridge, Tn., Hanford, Wa. and Los Alamos, N.M. Learn the stories of women who served as physicists, chemists, mathematicians, and lab technicians. Forbidden to talk about their work, thousands of young women never knew what purpose their tasks at Oak Ridge would accomplish.  The one ultimate gatekeeper to the secret city of Los Alamos, N.M. was a woman in Santa Fe whose consent was required before anyone could be admitted to the project. Thousands of men, women and children endured hardships in their everyday lives sequestered inside Los Alamos. They lived in hastily built barracks and had to lie to their families about where they were and what they were doing as they disappeared for years.

The secrecy of the Manhattan Project hid the roles of women, leaving the perception it was done by a few brilliant male scientists. The sprawling enterprise with three tightly guarded secret sites included thousands of women in every capacity working and living in Oak Ridge, Tn., Hanford, Wa. and Los Alamos, N.M. Learn the stories of women who served as physicists, chemists, mathematicians, and lab technicians. Forbidden to talk about their work, thousands of young women never knew what purpose their tasks at Oak Ridge would accomplish.  The one ultimate gatekeeper to the secret city of Los Alamos, N.M. was a woman in Santa Fe whose consent was required before anyone could be admitted to the project. Thousands of men, women and children endured hardships in their everyday lives sequestered inside Los Alamos. They lived in hastily built barracks and had to lie to their families about where they were and what they were doing as they disappeared for years.

Thomas Trevelyon, born around 1548, was still alive in 1616. He designed embroidery patterns and was a highly skilled calligrapher and artist. He created two large manuscript books known as miscellanies, which contained illustrated pages about a range of subjects. His 1608 volume is owned by the Folger Shakespeare Library and University of Nebraska owns the facsimile of it in Special Collections. We will look at several of the beautiful pages on such topics as royalty, witchcraft, embroidery, and clothing and some of the books that may have been his sources.

Explore Neil Shubin’s 2008 book and the related PBS series on this subject. Shubin discovered the fossil of Tiktaalik in arctic Canada. This creature was the “fish” that walked onto land some 375 million years ago. The genetic legacy of this creature can be seen today in our own DNA, including the genes used to build our hands and limbs. Learn through Shubin’s unique way of bringing to life ancient traits we evolved through. Each session will include watching the video with the facilitator offering a summary of the biology as well as life on earth during early geological time periods.