Thursday   

Learn how quiltmakers responded to the rapidly changing political, social, and technological landscape during the period from 1870 to 1970. Discover how they embraced new developments: abundant factory-produced fabrics, more affordable sewing machines, and widely available commercial kits and patterns. Following the presentation, enjoy a gallery tour through the exhibition “American Creativity: 1870s to 1970s,” which showcases the immense creative output of American quiltmakers during a time of equally immense change.

Join OLLI members for an evening field trip to the Branched Oak Observatory (BOO) in Raymond. Meet astronomers, deepen your understanding of the night sky, and view deep-space wonders including stars, clusters, and galaxies by naked eye and through state-of-the-art telescopes. If the weather is inclement, you'll see stored images in the educational center.

It can be tough to talk with someone when you disagree politically — even a good friend or family member. This course will teach skills to help you speak with civility and respect across the divide. You’ll receive a variety of insights plus an in-depth lesson from Braver Angels, a national group dedicated to building trust across political differences. You will learn specific skills for those difficult conversations.

Explore the vital work of the Gerald R. Ford Conservation Center, a division of the Nebraska State Historical Society serving individuals, institutions, and agencies. Learn the principles of conservation, restoration, and preservation and their roles in protecting history. This unique experience includes a guided tour of the center’s objects, paintings, and paper labs, where conservators will share current projects like the Willa Cather wallpaper conservation and Amelia Earhart’s 1928 sporting license restoration.

Peek behind the curtains at Stuhr Museum, Nebraska’s premier living history museum. You’ll go places most visitors don't get to see and hear from the people who make history come alive. Following lunch, you’ll discover Raising Nebraska. This education pavilion operated by UNL on the State Fairgrounds helps visitors understand modern agriculture, which is rooted both in nature and science. Enjoy a special class arranged just for OLLI, then enjoy a short drive through Fonner Park which hosts the State Fair.

The history of Lincoln’s African American community is an essential piece of the city’s history, and yet much of it is not widely known. Using historic sources including newspapers, census, directories and photographs, along with personal stories, the class will explore both how African Americans in Lincoln faced challenges with employment, housing, and education; and how their vision and commitment to unity and prosperity for all people continues to enrich our city today.

The history of Lincoln’s African American community is an essential piece of the city’s history, and yet much of it is not widely known. Using historic sources including newspapers, census, directories and photographs, along with personal stories, the class will explore both how African Americans in Lincoln faced challenges with employment, housing, and education; and how their vision and commitment to unity and prosperity for all people continues to enrich our city today.

Learn about Samuel Bak's life followed by a tour of the Fall exhibition, Past, Present, Futures at the Samuel Bak Museum: The Learning Center. During the tour, we will engage in a slow-looking exercise and in-gallery discussions to explore how artists have used the portraiture to reflect and comment on historical and contemporary events, while envision alternative futures.

Enjoy a guided tour through “American Patriotism” and “American Innovations, 1770-1870” led by the curator. Learn how American women expressed patriotic sentiments in their quilts. See the range of symbols they used to convey messages revealing their patriotic feelings and political leanings, and discover the global trade and technological innovations that influenced quiltmaking during the late 18th and 19th centuries.

Whether you haven't written a poem since high school or are a published author, enjoy a fun and friendly approach to writing poems of praise to the small things in your life which are heroic and deserve some recognition.

Have you ever wanted to make restaurant favorites in the comfort of your own home? With this hands-on class, we'll do just that. Let's “copycat” dishes from our favorite restaurants, including soup from Panera, those cheddar biscuits from Red Lobster and some Olive Garden favorites.

Explore 20th-century European fascism, focusing on Mussolini’s Italy and Hitler’s Nazi Germany. Learn about fascist characteristics through Mussolini’s principles, Umberto Eco’s "Eternal Fascism," and Ernst Fraenkel’s "The Dual State." We will analyze these ideologies via five films, including “Triumph of the Will” and “Architecture of Doom.” The final session features the artist Anselm Kiefer, examining how his work confronts Germany’s dark history and the long-term psychological effects of the Third Reich.

Recreational kayaking is a great lifetime activity and way to explore and enjoy the lakes in the Lincoln area. This class will introduce you to the basics of kayaking and safety measures so you can start enjoying this new activity on your own. All kayaking equipment is provided.

The ukulele is an easy instrument to learn. Have fun singing, strumming, and learning with fellow OLLI members. Learning a new instrument keeps the brain sharp, and fingering the ukulele helps arthritic hands. You don’t have to know how to read music to take this class. Any standard "C tuning" ukulele may be used. Bring your own ukulele and music stand; and, members may check out a beginner ukulele from any public library in advance.

Discover what active, independent senior living can offer through tours of five Omaha communities. The first session provides an overview of key factors to consider—social, physical, medical, and financial—when choosing a senior living option. Each session features a guided tour of a different community, highlighting unit types, pricing, amenities, and dining. Gain valuable insight into the unique character of each location and start your search with a well- informed, first-hand perspective.