Moderator Allan Howey presents a comprehensive survey of Gettysburg, the costliest battle of the American Civil War. This two-hour seminar examines the broader campaign leading up to the battle, the key events on each of the three days of fighting, and the immediate aftermath. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of strategic/tactical decisions, personalities, casualties, and the battle's lasting significance.

Moderator Bill Lavin presents an exploration of the life and music of Ray Charles, born Ray Charles Robinson (1930–2004), one of the most influential artists in American music history. A pioneer of soul music, Charles fused rhythm and blues, gospel, jazz, and blues, while also breaking racial barriers in country and pop music through groundbreaking crossover recordings. Celebrated by Rolling Stone as one of the greatest singers of all time and praised by artists such as Frank Sinatra and Billy Joel, Charles preferred to be known simply as “Brother Ray.” This seminar traces his life, legacy, and enduring impact on American music in the latter half of the twentieth century.

Charles Kettering was so near-sighted that he had difficulty reading; as he once remarked, “I thought a lot.” And he thought about big ideas. Hired by Dayton’s NCR in 1904, Kettering electrified the cash register, earning one of the earliest among his 186 patents. His most significant invention was the automotive self-starter, which replaced the hazardous hand-crank starter. A Dayton resident, he served as General Motors’ Vice President for Research from 1920 to 1947. During that time, he helped develop fast-drying automotive paint, high-octane gasoline, air-conditioning, the diesel locomotive, and much more. He became a national spokesman for science and technology and appeared on the cover of Time magazine in 1933. His guiding belief: “Believe and act like it is impossible to fail.”

Are you curious about electric cars or already driving one? Join us for this informative and interesting two-hour seminar that explores what it’s really like to own an electric vehicle. We’ll discuss costs, available options, benefits, and common challenges that EV owners face. Whether you’re just exploring or looking to better understand your current EV, this session will help you feel more informed and confident.

This seminar explores the remarkable story of Gennett Records, a pioneering record company based in nearby Richmond, Indiana. As a division of the Starr Piano Company, Gennett filled a critical gap in the 1920s by recording American popular music artists overlooked by major labels such as Victor and Columbia. The company made the first recordings of jazz legends King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, and Jelly Roll Morton, as well as early recordings by Bix Beiderbecke and Hoagy Carmichael, including Stardust. Gennett also recorded blues, folk, gospel, and western musicians, and even captured William Jennings Bryan’s famed “Cross of Gold” speech. Located just 45 minutes from Dayton, Gennett Records played a pivotal role in shaping American popular music a century ago.