History   

When the Black Death hit Florence in 1348 it wiped out more than half of the population. However, like a burnt field yielding to new growth, Florence became fertile grounds for the rebirth of the “Humanism” of Greek and Roman Times. In two parts we will explore, first, the end of the Dark Ages in the “Early Renaissance of Rome, Venice, and Florence.” Then we will examine the “High Renaissance of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.” We will end with Savonarola’s attempt to eradicate sin in Florence’s “Bonfire of the Vanities.” This anti-renaissance conflagration destroyed many works of art including books like Boccaccio’s “Decameron”. Although it is said that Sandro Botticelli threw several of his paintings on the fire, he didn’t toss “The Birth of Venus.”

When the Black Death hit Florence in 1348 it wiped out more than half of the population. However, like a burnt field yielding to new growth, Florence became fertile grounds for the rebirth of the “Humanism” of Greek and Roman Times. In two parts we will explore, first, the end of the Dark Ages in the “Early Renaissance of Rome, Venice, and Florence.” Then we will examine the “High Renaissance of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.” We will end with Savonarola’s attempt to eradicate sin in Florence’s “Bonfire of the Vanities.” This anti-renaissance conflagration destroyed many works of art including books like Boccaccio’s “Decameron”. Although it is said that Sandro Botticelli threw several of his paintings on the fire, he didn’t toss “The Birth of Venus.”

The Constitutional right to abortion was eliminated last year by the U.S. Supreme Court in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health case. The basis of that right was found in a Nebraska case, Meyer v. The State of Nebraska, decided 100 years ago. At least one Supreme Court justice has written that Meyer, like Roe, was wrongly decided. We will discuss Meyer and the loss of personal liberties should it fall.

The Constitutional right to abortion was eliminated last year by the U.S. Supreme Court in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health case. The basis of that right was found in a Nebraska case, Meyer v. The State of Nebraska, decided 100 years ago. At least one Supreme Court justice has written that Meyer, like Roe, was wrongly decided. We will discuss Meyer and the loss of personal liberties should it fall.

Before she passed away in 1974, Felicia Bornstein Lubliner wrote about her internment in Polish ghettos and two Nazi concentration camps, Auschwitz and Gross-Rosen. Her powerful stories have recently been published by her son, Irv Lubliner, an emeritus Southern Oregon University professor and OLLI instructor. He will share excerpts from “Only Hope: A Survivor’s Stories of the Holocaust,” shedding light on his mother’s experiences and indomitable spirit, as well as his experience as a child of Holocaust survivors and his process in bringing the book to fruition.

Before she passed away in 1974, Felicia Bornstein Lubliner wrote about her internment in Polish ghettos and two Nazi concentration camps, Auschwitz and Gross-Rosen. Her powerful stories have recently been published by her son, Irv Lubliner, an emeritus Southern Oregon University professor and OLLI instructor. He will share excerpts from “Only Hope: A Survivor’s Stories of the Holocaust,” shedding light on his mother’s experiences and indomitable spirit, as well as his experience as a child of Holocaust survivors and his process in bringing the book to fruition.

The following video programs are on demand on the online platform CANVAS. Learn at your own pace, on your own time and at your convenience. This programming is available for a single cost of $30. After registration, you will receive an email with a “Join Code” and instructions for how to access programming.

All programming originates from OLLI at UNL.

A History of Lincoln’s Auditoria and the Pershing Auditorium Block

Before a village could become a true city, it needed a newspaper and an opera house— not a place to hear opera but a theatre or auditorium where you could witness a play or hold a graduation. Lincoln and Nebraska Historian Jim McKee explores Lincoln’s auditoriums, both private and public, from theatre held in the first capitol to Pershing Municipal Auditorium, with the largest outdoor mural in the world at the time, as well as Block 63 where Pershing sat for over half a century and what may take its place.

Take a Walk in the Clouds

During our childhoods, we may have spent time lying in the grass on a hot, summer day, gazing at the clouds and talking with our siblings or friends about what shapes they formed. KOLN/KGIN TV Meteorologist Brad Anderson shares information regarding the different types and shapes of clouds, the weather they can bring, and how they form.

Fly Girls

In 1929, at the dawn of aviation when every flight was a test of courage, 20 gutsy and passionate female pilots in propeller-driven planes raced from California to Ohio in the first female cross-country air race, making 18 stops in nine days, while competing for the $8,000 prize. During World War II, the 1,034 Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) ferried and flight-tested aircraft bombers in the U.S. and taught men how to fly. When the war ended, Congress clipped their wings and sent the WASPs home; they did not receive military status until 1977. In 1961, 13 remarkable women pilots underwent secret testing to become America’s first female astronauts. The Mercury 13 were ignored by NASA and on Capitol Hill while the USSR sent its first woman into space in 1963. Self-taught historian Lynn Roper and other experts of women aviators share in this fascinating series of lectures.

Women of the Bible

Dr. Jonathan Redding, Assistant Professor of Religion at Nebraska Wesleyan University, analyzes the portrayal of women in Biblical literature. He explores critical theories of feminist, womanist, and gender studies alongside their application to biblical studies. What factors may have influenced how these ancient authors portray women?

Trading Under the Buttonwood Tree: Founding the Stock Market

On May 17, 1792, 24 men gathered under a tree in lower Manhattan to establish an auction market among themselves to trade government bonds. The NYSE then and now seeks to complete transactions quickly and cheaply and to always provide liquidity with a ready buyer and seller of securities. Still using an auction market with a “bid” and an “ask,” electronic trading still uses a market maker and specialist system. Lynn Roper, retired senior vice president at Merrill Lynch, shares the history, mechanics of trading, and significant events shaping the NYSE as the world’s largest securities trading system.

America and the World War in Ukraine (and Other Modern Challenges)

Since the beginning of the 20th century, the U.S. has been, by many measures, the most influential nation in the world. As Americans and their government have navigated complicated global currents,  they have encountered difficult challenges, including: nationalism and globalization from the American revolution to the Russian war on Ukraine; Russia, the Cold War and the challenge of socialism; the place of China and Asia in the American story; and the American role in climate change. UNL Modern World History Professor Tim Borstelmann explores each of these critical issues in the American relationship with the rest of the world.

Deterrence: From Korea to Ukraine – The Evolution of a Vital National Security

General George C. Marshall once said, “The only way human beings can win a war is to prevent it.” Deterrence, specifically nuclear deterrence, has been a mainstay of United States foreign policy and national security. The term lost relevance with the demise of the Soviet Union in the early 90’s but is front page news again after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Retired Major General Roger Lempke explores the definitions, dilemmas, and stories of nuclear deterrence that helped avert a nuclear conflict during the Cold War. After a thirty- year hiatus, very direct nuclear threats have emerged again. Would stronger deterrence actions before the Russian invasion perhaps caused Putin to think twice?

The American Civil War: Causes and Consequences – More Than You Think

Volume after volume has been written about the American Civil War. Despite all that information, do we really know the whole story about what led up to the war and what came after? The causes can be traced back to early settlements in 1607 and events that led to the war. We are still dealing with the consequences. Come along this historical journey as Gary Timm, retired history faculty member at Northeast Community College explores the causes and effects of the Civil War. It’s more than you think.

We will learn about the changing history of slavery and freedom from the Revolution to the Civil War. For over seventy years and five generations, enslaved families in the U.S. filed hundreds of lawsuits for their freedom against slaveholders, often taking their cause all the way to the Supreme Court. Between 1787 and 1861, these lawsuits challenged the legitimacy of slavery in American law and put slavery on trial in the nation’s capital. Hear the intricate and intensely human story of the enslaved families (the Butlers, Queens, Mahoneys and others), their lawyers (among them a young Francis Scott Key), and the slaveholders who fought to defend slavery, beginning with the Jesuit priests who held some of the largest plantations in the nation and founded a college at Georgetown. Consider the moral problem of slavery and its legacies in the present day. We will also use the instructor’s recent award- winning documentary films "Anna" (2018) and "The Bell Affair" (2022) to discuss this important topic.

We will learn about the changing history of slavery and freedom from the Revolution to the Civil War. For over seventy years and five generations, enslaved families in the U.S. filed hundreds of lawsuits for their freedom against slaveholders, often taking their cause all the way to the Supreme Court. Between 1787 and 1861, these lawsuits challenged the legitimacy of slavery in American law and put slavery on trial in the nation’s capital. Hear the intricate and intensely human story of the enslaved families (the Butlers, Queens, Mahoneys and others), their lawyers (among them a young Francis Scott Key), and the slaveholders who fought to defend slavery, beginning with the Jesuit priests who held some of the largest plantations in the nation and founded a college at Georgetown. Consider the moral problem of slavery and its legacies in the present day. We will also use the instructor’s recent award- winning documentary films "Anna" (2018) and "The Bell Affair" (2022) to discuss this important topic.

Creating a play based on history can be a creative challenge, particularly when staging plays about recent history and living people. Join the creative artists in Angels Theatre Company’s production of “Predictor” for a fascinating behind-the-curtain look at creating and staging a new play. “Predictor” is the real-life story of Margaret Crane who, in 1967, defied all odds and expectations to become the inventor of the first home pregnancy test. Registrants are encouraged to attend the production of “Predictor” at the Johnny Carson Theatre in the Lied Center for Performing Arts. Performances run February 10-19. Please check the Lied Center website at liedcenter. org/events-page for showtimes and availability. OLLI members receive a discounted ticket rate of $23.80 per ticket. The cost of tickets to attend the performance is not included in the cost of the course.

Creating a play based on history can be a creative challenge, particularly when staging plays about recent history and living people. Join the creative artists in Angels Theatre Company’s production of “Predictor” for a fascinating behind-the-curtain look at creating and staging a new play. “Predictor” is the real-life story of Margaret Crane who, in 1967, defied all odds and expectations to become the inventor of the first home pregnancy test. Registrants are encouraged to attend the production of “Predictor” at the Johnny Carson Theatre in the Lied Center for Performing Arts. Performances run February 10-19. Please check the Lied Center website at liedcenter. org/events-page for showtimes and availability. OLLI members receive a discounted ticket rate of $23.80 per ticket. The cost of tickets to attend the performance is not included in the cost of the course.

Many are familiar with the famous air war known as the “Battle of Britain” that pitted German air forces against British defenders over British skies in 1940. Winston Churchill acknowledged the brave British pilots by his words “never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few”. But the story behind how the aircraft, radar systems, and communications network performed so perfectly at the right moment is even more fascinating. Dan Heath’s 2020 book “Upstream: The Quest to Solve Problems Before They Happen” drives home the point to not only focus on solving current problems but to also address potential problems. We will focus on how over a decade, key elements came together under great technical uncertainty and opposition just in time to defeat the German Air Force.

Many are familiar with the famous air war known as the “Battle of Britain” that pitted German air forces against British defenders over British skies in 1940. Winston Churchill acknowledged the brave British pilots by his words “never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few”. But the story behind how the aircraft, radar systems, and communications network performed so perfectly at the right moment is even more fascinating. Dan Heath’s 2020 book “Upstream: The Quest to Solve Problems Before They Happen” drives home the point to not only focus on solving current problems but to also address potential problems. We will focus on how over a decade, key elements came together under great technical uncertainty and opposition just in time to defeat the German Air Force.

The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls 75 years ago was a paradigm changing event in biblical studies. The biblical scrolls from the Judean Desert caves revealed all sorts of information about the text of the Hebrew Bible and the history of its development in the Second Temple period. The instructor is one of the editors for the biblical Dead Sea Scrolls and has spent her career working with this material. She will discuss the new insights we have learned about the Hebrew from the scrolls.

The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls 75 years ago was a paradigm changing event in biblical studies. The biblical scrolls from the Judean Desert caves revealed all sorts of information about the text of the Hebrew Bible and the history of its development in the Second Temple period. The instructor is one of the editors for the biblical Dead Sea Scrolls and has spent her career working with this material. She will discuss the new insights we have learned about the Hebrew from the scrolls.

Crops irrigated by water from the High Plains/ Ogallala Aquifer comprise a significant portion of the world’s food supply. This water is Nebraska’s most important natural resource. Learn how raging rivers, flowing off the Rocky Mountains starting about 18 million years ago, formed this feature that is of such importance to us today.

Crops irrigated by water from the High Plains/ Ogallala Aquifer comprise a significant portion of the world’s food supply. This water is Nebraska’s most important natural resource. Learn how raging rivers, flowing off the Rocky Mountains starting about 18 million years ago, formed this feature that is of such importance to us today.

From the 1880’s to the 1950’s, Fred Harvey dining rooms along the Santa Fe Railroad line went through eight western states and offered weary travelers gourmet food, served in 30 minutes and provided with high standards of service in 65 different towns. The “Harvey Girls” were courageous young women who wanted to be independent and self-sufficient. “Young women 18 to 30 years of age, single, of good character and intelligent” served as waitresses. They received wages and tips, free room and board, clean uniforms and a train pass. More than 100,000 young women left their homes for a job, an adventure, and a new life out West. Harvey expanded to build 15 destination hotels, notably El Tovar at the Grand Canyon and La Fonda in Santa Fe, which is still operating today. Harvey hired Mary Colter as the architect, and she created the “Santa Fe style” incorporating native American art and culture.

From the 1880’s to the 1950’s, Fred Harvey dining rooms along the Santa Fe Railroad line went through eight western states and offered weary travelers gourmet food, served in 30 minutes and provided with high standards of service in 65 different towns. The “Harvey Girls” were courageous young women who wanted to be independent and self-sufficient. “Young women 18 to 30 years of age, single, of good character and intelligent” served as waitresses. They received wages and tips, free room and board, clean uniforms and a train pass. More than 100,000 young women left their homes for a job, an adventure, and a new life out West. Harvey expanded to build 15 destination hotels, notably El Tovar at the Grand Canyon and La Fonda in Santa Fe, which is still operating today. Harvey hired Mary Colter as the architect, and she created the “Santa Fe style” incorporating native American art and culture.

Severe weather comes to us through our senses, whether it’s the sound of thunder, the feel of high winds and driving rain, the view of storm clouds or the soreness in your joints when bad weather is predicted. Learn the details behind severe weather statistics, safety and terminology. Stories of historic storms and tornadoes will be shared, enhanced by many pictures and videos.

Severe weather comes to us through our senses, whether it’s the sound of thunder, the feel of high winds and driving rain, the view of storm clouds or the soreness in your joints when bad weather is predicted. Learn the details behind severe weather statistics, safety and terminology. Stories of historic storms and tornadoes will be shared, enhanced by many pictures and videos.

On the eve of Women’s History Month, reflect upon the work of Nebraska women in time past. Through photographs from the collections of History Nebraska, view women at work in a wide variety of settings: home, field, shop, office, restaurant, factory, and others. Consider the contributions of this work— paid and unpaid—to the nation’s economy.

On the eve of Women’s History Month, reflect upon the work of Nebraska women in time past. Through photographs from the collections of History Nebraska, view women at work in a wide variety of settings: home, field, shop, office, restaurant, factory, and others. Consider the contributions of this work— paid and unpaid—to the nation’s economy.

When Alexander Hamilton was asked about the United States’ new form of government, he responded, “Here, sir, the people govern.” Do we know as much as we think we know about how we rule ourselves? Could you explain more than the broad outline and generalities? This will not be your typical American government course. We will use real life events to help explain how all of the moving parts mesh together to get us to where we are today. Are you ready for a lively conversation where we can share our own experiences? Are we much different from our cousins living in 1787?

When Alexander Hamilton was asked about the United States’ new form of government, he responded, “Here, sir, the people govern.” Do we know as much as we think we know about how we rule ourselves? Could you explain more than the broad outline and generalities? This will not be your typical American government course. We will use real life events to help explain how all of the moving parts mesh together to get us to where we are today. Are you ready for a lively conversation where we can share our own experiences? Are we much different from our cousins living in 1787?

We will cover 2,000 years of Korean history. Lectures by Craig Benjamin via a DVD from Great Courses will cover the Tang dynasty in China followed by Korea lectures on the Silla, Goryeo and Joseon dynasties, taking us to the 1800’s. We will then discuss the relationship of Korea and Japan. Finally, the PBS documentary “Korea, The Never-Ending War” will cover the Korean War and the era of North and South Korea following it.

Join us for Italiamo! Part 2 to learn basic Italian from the instructor—Italian is her native language—explore even more Italian culture, art, literature, history, and music. After the first class fully dedicated to language basics, we will concentrate on language-learning by mimicking real-life communicative situations related to the topic of the day, for example, vocabulary about food will be offered when learning about Italian cuisine. The instructor will then lecture and take questions and comments from participants, while practicing specific vocabulary learned in the first part of class. Occasionally, guests and experts will join us for this interactive course. As a bonus, you will receive tips about travel and cultural customs. Completion of Part 1 is not required.

Join us for Italiamo! Part 2 to learn basic Italian from the instructor—Italian is her native language—explore even more Italian culture, art, literature, history, and music. After the first class fully dedicated to language basics, we will concentrate on language-learning by mimicking real-life communicative situations related to the topic of the day, for example, vocabulary about food will be offered when learning about Italian cuisine. The instructor will then lecture and take questions and comments from participants, while practicing specific vocabulary learned in the first part of class. Occasionally, guests and experts will join us for this interactive course. As a bonus, you will receive tips about travel and cultural customs. Completion of Part 1 is not required.

The first Christian communities regarded the Jewish scriptures as their highest authority, followed closely by the teachings of the apostles. But gradually, beginning with Paul and the early gospel writers, other writings began to appear in increasing numbers: more gospels, letters, acts, apocalyptic writings, and other texts of various kinds. Since these were regarded with varying degrees of authority in the different communities, a need was felt to determine which writings were authoritative for the growing movement, which were spurious, and which, although not regarded as authoritative, were nonetheless useful for instruction. We will be looking at the changing structure of the proto-church, how texts were shared between them but sometimes interpreted differently, and how decisions were made as to which works would be included in the evolving idea of a canon. Our guides will be the books and Great Courses DVD’s of Bart Ehrman and David Brakke.

Professor Mark Stoler of the University of Vermont has created 24, half-hour lectures via Great Courses DVD. Half of these DVD lectures will be presented in Term 3; the second half will be saved for Term 4. Stoler focuses on those elements of American history that are misunderstood or where myths abound. We will learn about the true origins of religious tolerance; a balanced perspective on causes of the Revolutionary war, and the vital role of foreign assistance; an assessment of George Washington as a general and a statesman; the extent of democracy the framers of the constitution really intended and much more. Discussion will follow each lecture led by the OLLI facilitator.

Twenty years after the “war to end all wars” concluded, another more cruel, more hideous, more destructive war started in Europe, and two years earlier, a similarly barbaric war erupted in Asia. Starting on opposite sides of the Earth, these wars merged into one conflagration: the Second World War. While as many as 100 million soldiers and sailors fought, twice as many civilians died than combatants because humans had now crafted death into a most savage art. The war's growing depravity demanded previously unimaginable sacrifices and weapons, and the war’s outcome was not guaranteed. Truly, the Second World War was a life-and-death struggle in which the imperfect Good defeated the near-perfect Evil. Thankfully, countless examples of compassion helped save humanity from its worst self. Yet, nearly eighty years later, some people deny the Holocaust and openly admire its perpetrators. The war's battle between Good and Evil must continue.

Twenty years after the “war to end all wars” concluded, another more cruel, more hideous, more destructive war started in Europe, and two years earlier, a similarly barbaric war erupted in Asia. Starting on opposite sides of the Earth, these wars merged into one conflagration: the Second World War. While as many as 100 million soldiers and sailors fought, twice as many civilians died than combatants because humans had now crafted death into a most savage art. The war's growing depravity demanded previously unimaginable sacrifices and weapons, and the war’s outcome was not guaranteed. Truly, the Second World War was a life-and-death struggle in which the imperfect Good defeated the near-perfect Evil. Thankfully, countless examples of compassion helped save humanity from its worst self. Yet, nearly eighty years later, some people deny the Holocaust and openly admire its perpetrators. The war's battle between Good and Evil must continue.