In Person   

Some artists of “Tales We Wear” look across the centuries and the world to delve into the enhanced body as a means of expression. Others utilize clothing to make gender repression, poverty, and racial exploitation visible. Attire can not only communicate who we are but can become art itself. Learn about the complex language of clothing in exceptional works from the Karen and Robert Duncan and the Kathryn and Marc LeBaron art collections.

Thousands of quilts are stored at the International Quilt Museum. Go behind the scenes to tour the climate-controlled storage area and learn how staff and volunteers care for the world’s largest public quilt collection. Afterward, explore the galleries and current exhibitions at your own pace.

Explore how taste, smell, and the trigeminal system shape our daily experiences—from food to social interaction. Learn how these chemical senses work at the genetic, cellular, and brain levels, how they change with age or illness, and how disorders affect health. Examine chemosensory function across the lifespan and discuss current and emerging approaches to diagnosing and managing related disorders. Participants will taste and smell items during class, providing examples of the concepts discussed.

Data centers are a core part of the digital world, but they also rely on water. Explore common data center cooling systems and the water they use, for both direct cooling and energy generation. Learn about Nebraska’s surface and groundwater, how they are used today, and the basics of Nebraska water governance. Join us to better understand how development, water use, and policy intersect for the future of Nebraska.

Visit one of the most popular exhibitions at The Durham Museum, with newly added objects from The Rosemary Clooney House and the collection of Stephen and Heather French Henry. Hear the music of Irving Berlin while viewing the costumes of Edith Head, props, sheet music and archival photos. Join us and make new holiday memories.

Explore modern floral design approaches that emphasize color and texture as seasons change from summer to fall. Participants are provided with tools and all supplies necessary for the creation of three unique designs to take home. Styles include: Colorful Tray Collection, Textural Green Ombre, and Fall Elegance in Cylinder Vase. All levels of floral design experience are welcome.

From 1663-1673, nearly 800 women traveled from France to marry men in Canada as part of a program commonly called The King’s Daughters. It is calculated that two-thirds of today’s Canadian population and millions of Americans of French-Canadian descent owe their ancestry to these founding mothers of Canada. History and genealogy merge in this fascinating look at the program and some of the women who made the journey, including a few in the presenter’s personal family tree.

Get festive with fun, homemade holiday gifts! From sweet to savory treats, create delicious goodies perfect for neighbors, party hosts, or anyone on your list. Learn easy, hands-on recipes and creative wrapping ideas to make your gifts extra special— and extra tasty!

Dive into the compelling and inspiring history of Celia and Eliza Grayson, two enslaved Black women who made a daring escape from Nebraska Territory in 1858. Explore the Grayson sisters’ remarkable journey to freedom and the broader context of Black enslavement in the antebellum Midwest.

Anyone can get dementia, and many worry about that. Learn about dementia vs. normal brain aging, including what changes we should and shouldn’t worry about when we see them in ourselves or loved ones. We’ll discuss what might prevent dementia, and address risks diagnosis, treatment and dementia’s impact on families and society.

What if this season of life could feel joyful, intentional, and beautifully alive? In this empowering and perspective-shifting class, create your own Personal Palooza — a meaningful, doable plan to bring more passion, purpose, and pizzazz into everyday living. Through guided reflection and honest conversation, rediscover what lights you up, what may be holding you back, and design ways to celebrate the life you’re already living. Be open. Be inspired. Be brave. The life you want is closer than you think.

In 1900 there were 300+ opera houses in Nebraska; today there are a few left and a small number can be used. Learn what was meant by the term “opera house,” their purpose, why they flourished for a relatively short period of time (ca. 1880-1930) and what happened to them. Is there a future for the extant buildings? We will discuss the amazing opera houses in Red Cloud, David City, Fremont, and Friend and their importance to the past and today.

Register for the performance in the company of fellow OLLI members in a reserved section of the theatre or attend the production at a different time that works with your schedule by purchasing a ticket on your own. The same OLLI discount on ticket prices applies either way you attend.

Explore how physical spaces impact productivity, stress, and well-being. Discover how clutter causes distraction and learn actionable, simple strategies to clear excess belongings. Learn from real-life examples to help you build time-saving systems, organize for efficiency, and design an environment tailored to your goals. Take control of your space, boost your daily focus, and spend less time managing belongings so you can focus on what matters most.

Learn how to turn great photos into masterpieces through post-processing and editing. Discover how to control brightness, contrast, sharpness, cropping, and much more. You will need a laptop with an editing program such as Photoshop, Affinity Photo, Nikon NX-1 or another comparable recent editing program. Bring at least two photos in RAW format and two photos in JPEG format to the class to get started.

Explore the science of chocolate making. Learn the importance of each step of chocolate making from growing cocoa trees to molding the final product. Discuss various types of chocolates and the role that each ingredient and processing conditions play in obtaining a high-quality chocolate with outstanding flavor. Common defects found in chocolate and the science behind them will be also discussed. Samples will be provided.

Join us for a holiday celebration unlike any other at Show Stoppers. Enjoy delicious dining, festive entertainment, and joyful moments with OLLI friends. With live performances and holiday spirit around every corner, it's the perfect way to celebrate the season and create memories worth remembering.

Explore this 2020 addition to the National Register of Historic Places and learn about the infamous and notorious Robber’s Cave. Tour the cave (which is 55 degrees year round) and discover its fascinating past, including the cave’s ownership through the past century and beyond as well as hear about the legends who used the cave. Learn about not only the geological and man-made origins of the cave but hear entertaining anecdotes along the way.

Explore this 2020 addition to the National Register of Historic Places and learn about the infamous and notorious Robber’s Cave. Tour the cave (which is 55 degrees year round) and discover its fascinating past, including the cave’s ownership through the past century and beyond as well as hear about the legends who used the cave. Learn about not only the geological and man-made origins of the cave but hear entertaining anecdotes along the way.

Camille Saint-Saëns' grand opera “Samson et Dalila” dramatizes the biblical tale of a heroic Hebrew leader whose divine, superhuman strength makes him the ultimate threat to the oppressive Philistines. However, he is seduced by the cunning Philistine woman Dalila, who uncovers the secret of his power and betrays him, leading to a tragic climax where a blinded Samson invokes God one last time to collapse the temple upon his enemies. We'll listen to highlights, discuss the opera's history, structure, musical elements, and explore how it fits into the broader world of opera.

Big stories can come in the smallest packages! Join us as we discover remarkable artworks from the Joslyn Museum that are rich in detail, beauty, and imagination. From sparkling portraits and charming still lifes to intricate sculptures and treasured devotional objects, these miniature masterpieces invite us to look closely and see more. Together, we’ll explore how artists use scale to create wonder, stir emotions, and make tiny works leave a lasting impression.

Discover the only roller-skating museum in the world housed in a building on the historic register. Established in 1980, the museum provides the public with the history, sport, and recreation of roller skating. In addition to skating, the museum has exhibits of wheel evolution, vaudeville acts, touring tent rinks, rink organs, and the unusual in skating’s 300-year history. Information about rink hockey, speed and figure skating, and artistic skating will be presented in preparation for the championships.

Stay active and strong during your golden years with guidance from a certified personal trainer. This program blends education and exercise, focusing on functional fitness, cardio, strength, flexibility, balance, and core training. All activities can be modified to meet individual needs, and take-home workout copies are provided. Wear comfortable workout clothes and tennis shoes. Participants must complete a health questionnaire and UNL Rec Center waiver, which will be emailed for electronic signature before the first session.

Tired of leftovers for lunch? Ready for a new eating adventure? Join us for lunch at the Great Plains Culinary Institute at Southeast Community College. In addition to a delicious buffet lunch prepared and served by the students, learn about the culinary program by taking a tour of the facility and observing a food preparation demonstration. Past participants are welcome to attend again. Parking information will be provided prior to this event.

Gain greater proficiency in digital photography while using an advanced amateur camera (adjustable), mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (MILC) or digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera. Learn the fundamentals as you practice with your own personal camera. Basic principles of photography will be reviewed and then more sophisticated digital camera operations, such as controls, function and purpose, lighting, composition, hardware options and software will be discussed.

Why do citizens say "no" to war? Explore the history of organized opposition to American military conflicts from the Revolution to the modern era. Discover the complex motivations behind dissent—from religious pacifism and isolationism to political ideology and racial justice—and examine how anti-war movements have profoundly redefined American foreign policy and civil liberties.

The College Football Playoff is entering its 12th season, the second with 12 qualifying teams, based on game results, criteria and ranking by the CFP Selection Committee.  Using a process like that of the real committee, participants in this course will form a faux committee and have fun ranking a weekly, comparative Top 25 from mid-season on, culminating in the final 12 teams that should be in the tournament for the national championship.

This course is co-sponsored by the UNO Alumni Association. UNO Alumni members should register at https://unoalumni.org/OLLI

Get festive with fun, homemade holiday gifts! From sweet to savory treats, create delicious goodies perfect for neighbors, party hosts, or anyone on your list. Learn easy, hands-on recipes and creative wrapping ideas to make your gifts extra special— and extra tasty!

Being a grandparent is a unique and deeply rewarding journey, but it isn’t always easy to balance everything, especially during the busy holiday season. Learn how to create a safe and fun environment for visiting children, navigate changing family dynamics as our children become parents, and make wonderful memories of your holidays together. Discover new ideas through sharing experiences with others who understand the journey.

Join us at Saro Cider, a Lincoln-based cidery, and discover a history of hard cider in the U.S. Take your taste buds on an adventure through a curated cider flight, showcasing the variety of Midwest cider, including cider from apples grown at Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City. A snack will be provided during sampling and you will enjoy a short trek through the production facility to learn the art of cider making.

Though gospel references are brief, Mary Magdalene has captivated the Christian imagination for centuries. A key figure in Gnostic texts, medieval legends, and diverse visual arts, she symbolizes evangelism, repentance, and contemplation. Modern portrayals often cast her as Jesus’ closest companion, reflecting evolving spiritual desires. Through weekly readings and discussions, we will explore these multifaceted interpretations to understand what this enduringly fascinating figure reveals about our own hopes and needs.

This course is a continuation of the Introduction to Bridge I course and is designed for the student with very limited prior knowledge of bridge. Learn how the game is played, bridge vocabulary, basic Standard American bidding, and basic card play. There will be ample opportunities to play hands that will illustrate class concepts. The students will dictate the pace of the course, so all can grasp the basics of the game. 

“Jeopardy: The Team Edition” brings the classic TV game show to life in a fun, collaborative setting. Teams work together to answer questions from a full-size electronic game board, choosing from a variety of topics and point values. The format encourages teamwork, lively discussion, and plenty of laughs. 

Mah Jongg is an ancient Chinese game. Learning the game can be fun and challenging. This class will introduce you to the card, the tiles, the Charleston and the game itself.

Discover what assisted senior living can offer through tours of five Omaha communities. Session one provides an overview of key factors to consider, such as social, physical, medical, and financial aspects when choosing an assisted living option. Each session features a guided tour of a different assisted living community, highlighting unit types, pricing, amenities, and dining. Gain valuable insight into the unique character of each location.

In celebration of the bicentennial (and continuing relevance) of Gilbert Murray’s “Five Stages of Greek Religion”, we will consider the changing ways our Greek forebears described and celebrated ultimate issues of human existence. From prehistoric roots, through Hellenic flowering and Hellenistic reconsiderations, to their reaction to the appearance of Christianity, we will focus on exemplary original texts (translated), their fundamental nature, and their implications for Western civilization.

Join fellow OLLI members for a delicious Taste of Omaha experience at The Linden House. Enjoy a specially curated lunch and hear from Executive Chef Jennifer Coco, a four-time James Beard Award nominee and the first woman from Nebraska to earn that distinction. Chef Jenny’s inspiring journey, culinary innovation, and stories from the world of food make this a unique opportunity to savor great cuisine while gaining insight from one of Nebraska’s most celebrated chefs.

Following a brief look at the 1700s, we will follow the British Empire in Asia and Africa in Queen Victoria’s time. Major developments such as steam ships and the Suez Canal made it possible for Britain to direct the trade and development of large parts of the world. Each session will have an episode of a PBS documentary.