The Academy for Lifelong Learning (ALL) at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (CBMM) will introduce its spring semester programs on Thursday, April 9 at its Spring Social, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. in the Steamship Gallery at CBMM in St. Michaels, Md. The event is open to all who want to learn, share experiences, and connect with kindred souls.
This semester, ALL offers a diverse selection of courses, discussions and events, ranging from boating, geopolitical issues and exploration of the challenges of aging to James Joyce, digital photography, and the cello. The courses take place in St. Michaels, Easton and Oxford; fees range from no charge to $30 for ALL members. The semester, which begins in April, offers both multiple session courses and single session events and presentations through June.
John Miller and John Ford will lead discussions of “‘Dubliners:’ The Short Stories of James Joyce,” on Wednesday afternoons, April 14-May 13. Jerry Friedman will present “Boating Essentials for the First Mate” on Fridays, April 16-30, and Kate Mann will teach “Introductory Digital Photography,” on Fridays from April 24-May 8.
Fred Smyth will lead the Great Decisions Discussion Program on Tuesday afternoons, April 21- June 9. The program, developed by the Foreign Policy Association in 1954, is the longest-standing and largest grassroots world affairs educational program of its kind. This semester’s topics include Russia and the Near Abroad, Privacy in the Digital Age, Syria’s Refugee Crises, Brazil’s Metamorphosis, and more.
George Merrill and Sarah Saddler will offer a series of sessions on the challenges of aging and making the most of one’s later years in “It Ain’t Over ‘Til it’s Over: Wisdom Practices for Completing Life’s Journey,” on Thursday mornings, May 7-June 11. On Thursday afternoons, May 21-June 11, Phil Hesser will discuss “Stormy Weather on the Boy: Learning from Hurricanes and Other Big Blows.”
Sam Barnett will be joined by a number of knowledgeable co-hosts in a new offering, “Conversations,” on Tuesday mornings from May 12-June 8. The informal sessions will be a weekly forum for lively discussion about a particular topic, including intergovernmental cooperation, the second amendment, museums, and more.
ALL also offers field trips. Dr. Stephen Goldman will led a field trip by bus to the Newseum in Washington, D.C. on Monday, April 20. Mike Henry will conduct tours of the Easton Airport on May 7 and June 4. On another bus trip, participants will visit the Crow Farm Winery in Kennedyville, Md., for a tour and tasting on May 5.
Single-session presentations include “A Listening Guide to the Solo Suites for Cello by Bach,” with cellist Denise Nathanson on Wednesday, April 29, and “Submarines and the Cold War,” with E. Payne Kilbourn on April 28.
The Sheldon Goldgeier “Meet the Author” Lecture Series will feature five local authors. On Wednesday, May 6, Johnny O’Brien will discuss his autobiographical book, “Semisweet: An Orphan’s Journey Through the School the Hersheys Built.” On May 11, L. David Horner will present his book, “The Earhart Enigma: Retracing Amelia’s Last Flight,” which represents 13 years of research on the 1937 flight. Larry Denton will talk about “Unionists in Virginia: Politics and Their Plan to Prevent Civil War” on May 15, and Bill Dudley will feature sections from his book, “Maritime Maryland: a History,” on June 3. On June 9, author Phillip Hesser and photographer Cristina Creager will review “Beyond the Backwater: Cowman on the River,” a story from their book, “What a River Says: Exploring the Blackwater River and Refuge.”
Affiliated with the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, Md., the Academy for Lifelong Learning is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization committed to exploring ideas, exchanging knowledge, and sharing experiences. To join, register for courses or receive the ALL printed catalog, call 410-745-4941. To download the catalog, go to cbmm.org/l_academy.htm.
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