Lectures, History and Science   

Discover how an observatory in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, became the birthplace of modern astrophysics and helped shape our understanding of the universe. In this engaging presentation, you will explore the fascinating history of Yerkes Observatory, founded in 1897 by visionary astronomer George Ellery Hale and funded by Chicago businessman Charles Tyson Yerkes.

You will learn about the observatory's groundbreaking scientific contributions, the famous Great Refractor telescope—the largest refracting telescope in the world—and the remarkable astronomers who conducted research there, including Edwin Hubble, Nancy Grace Roman, and Carl Sagan. Through stories of discovery, innovation, and exploration, you will gain insight into how Yerkes played a pivotal role in advancing modern astronomy.

The presentation will also highlight the observatory's recent restoration and transformation into a thriving center for science, education, and the arts. Whether you are an astronomy enthusiast or simply curious about the wonders of the cosmos, you will leave with a greater appreciation for the people, discoveries, and legacy of this world-renowned institution.

Step beyond the familiar history books and uncover the lesser-known, surprising, and sometimes strange stories of World War II in this four-part series. You’ll explore events and perspectives that are often overlooked—stories that are unusual, unexpected, and deeply fascinating.

You’ll fly alongside the all-women Soviet aviation regiment known as the Night Witches as they carried out daring nighttime attacks. You’ll examine the staggering human cost of the war, including the Soviet Union’s loss of approximately 25 million lives and the devastating impact on Poland, which lost about 17% of its population. You’ll also discover how wartime innovation shaped everyday life, giving rise to inventions still used today, such as microwave ovens, duct tape, and super glue.

You’ll learn about the only battle fought between the United States and Japan on U.S. soil, test your knowledge by matching WWII-era military slang, and uncover which well-known celebrities served in the military—and what roles they played.

This engaging four-part series offers a broad and compelling look at the events, lives, battles, and lasting consequences of a global war, inviting you to see World War II from fresh and unexpected angles.

Step back in time and explore the remarkable 175-year history of Camp Randall—one of Wisconsin’s most significant historic sites. In this presentation, you’ll trace Camp Randall’s transformation from a Civil War training ground to one of the most iconic college football stadiums in the nation.

You’ll learn how Madison became Wisconsin’s capital in 1848 and how land once used for state fairs was repurposed during the Civil War to train Union soldiers under Governor Alexander Randall. Discover the powerful stories of the more than 70,000 Wisconsin soldiers who trained at Camp Randall, as well as the Confederate prisoners of war who were held there and whose final resting place remains in Madison today.

As you move beyond the Civil War era, you’ll follow Camp Randall’s transition into a University of Wisconsin athletic facility. Relive the excitement of early Badger football, including the historic 1917 victory over the University of Minnesota, and see how the stadium evolved through decades of expansion and renovation.

You’ll also experience the traditions that make Camp Randall legendary—from game day rituals like “Jump Around” to the post-game “5th Quarter.” By the end of this presentation, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for how Camp Randall became a symbol of Wisconsin history, resilience, and Badger pride.

ON WISCONSIN!

Handle and analyze artifacts as you explore Wisconsin’s past before it became the Dairyland. Archaeologist George Christiansen will introduce you to what life may have looked like for the first people to arrive in Wisconsin from 13,000 to 3,000 years ago. Through lecture and discussion, based on artifacts and the archaeological record, you will come to appreciate the relationships between the past and the present.

Handle and analyze artifacts as you explore Wisconsin’s past before it became the Dairyland. Archaeologist George Christiansen will introduce you to what life may have looked like for the first gardeners and agriculturalists from 3,000 to 300 years ago. Through lecture and discussion, based on artifacts and the archaeological record, you will come to appreciate the relationships between the past and the present.

The internet provides access to much of the information forecasters use to make their predictions, and you can tap into it. Whether you depend on the weather professionally, want to be a storm spotter, or are simply interested in the topic, you can use the internet to get a much fuller picture of what weather is heading your way, than a weather report. Course topics will include weather terminology, general circulation, the role of water in the atmosphere, air masses, fronts, jets, waves and horizontal and vertical motion. You should come away with the ability to describe in basic terms the physical processes that produce common weather phenomena.