History Lectures

Titanic: Voyage and Legacy 

Learn the history of the ill-fated ship from its construction through its maiden voyage and discovery at the bottom of the Atlantic in 1985. Its legacy and continued interest in the Titanic will also be explored in this lecture.

The Hunt for John Wilkes Booth

Many people know the story of how President Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth at Ford's Theatre in Washington, but this program will delve into how Booth escaped and how the U.S. government began a massive manhunt for Booth from the swamps of Maryland to the farms in Virginia.

The Gettysburg Experience: History and Highlights

Join librarian Jim Ward for the history of this famous Civil War battle as well as tips for traveling to Gettysburg. Learn about the best places to stay and eat as well as an overview of the battlefield and town.

The Baltimore Plot: The Mission to Save President-Elect, Abraham Lincoln

In February of 1861, Abraham Lincoln began his whistle-stop train ride to Washington. Along the way in different cities and at train stops, the President-elect made speeches to those wanting to get a glimpse of their soon to be inaugurated president. However, there was a devious plot to kill Lincoln in Baltimore before he even took the oath of office. Assisted by detective Allan Pinkerton, this story is a race to get through Baltimore safely and on to Washington.

Travel Tips: Washington, D.C.

Are you interested in visiting our nation’s capital? Join us for a trip through the best museums and monuments and the historic places that call D.C. home.

Reverse the Curse: The 1993-94 New York Rangers 

For 54 years since 1940, the New York Rangers knew only heartache and playoff defeat. It was believed that the Rangers were cursed and would never win the Stanley Cup ever again. After missing the playoffs in 1992-93, the Rangers entered the 1993-94 season with a new coach, Mike Keenan, who instilled in them that anything but the Stanley Cup was unacceptable. Lifelong Rangers fan and historian Jim Ward will detail how the Rangers, led by Captain Mark Messier, came together and finally ended their 54 year Stanley Cup drought on June 14, 1994.  

The Eagle Has Landed: Man on the Moon 

In 1957, after the Soviets launched the first artificial satellite, Sputnik, into Earth orbit the United States and the Soviet Union became engaged in a Space Race, which was a key aspect of the Cold War to showcase their technological superiority in spaceflight. President John F. Kennedy set the goal to land a man on the moon by the end of the 1960s and to win the Space Race. Librarian and historian Jim Ward will recount the successes as well as the setbacks that eventually led to astronaut Neil Armstrong becoming the first man to set foot on the surface of the Moon on July 20, 1969.

Miracle on Ice: The Story of the 1980 Men's Olympic Hockey Team 

The "Miracle on Ice" is one of the most iconic moments in U.S. sports history. Hockey fanatic and historian Jim Ward will tell the story of how head coach Herb Brooks, the demanding coach and former U.S. Olympic hockey player, united a group of college kids to defeat the Soviet powerhouse, eventually winning the gold medal at the 1980 Winter Olympics.

Appomattox: Where Our Nation Reunited 

April 9, 1865 is cemented into American history as the date of the surrender of General Robert E. Lee to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, Virginia. Historian Jim Ward will discuss the final throes of the Confederacy beginning with the retreat from Petersburg, the Fall of Richmond, and then the Gentleman's Agreement between Lee and Grant to effectively end the American Civil War.

The Declaration of Independence: Birth of a Nation 

Step back to 1776 and explore the bold ideas, powerful words, and daring actions that shaped America’s founding. Historian Jim Ward will examine the events leading to the Declaration of Independence, the document’s revolutionary principles, and its lasting impact on history.