NEW If the Hebrew Bible is a book of law, what place does poetry have? Look at a selection of biblical poems, Genesis 4:23-24, Exodus 15, Psalms 13, 23, and 148, The Song of Songs 8:6-7, and Isaiah 5. Look at the devices that are used in poetry (such as parallelism, assonance and consonance). I once heard poetry described as “deliberate ambiguity." Examine what makes biblical poetry both beautiful and enigmatic.

NEW U.S. policymakers have coveted Cuba since the days of John Quincy Adams. Now, the island might finally fall into their lap. What has brought us here? Chart the long history of intimate yet bitter relations between the United States and Cuba, from the 19th to the 21st century. Emphasized is the mid-twentieth century, when U.S. fears clashed with Cuban yearnings for freedom and set up ideological and political dynamics still at play today.

NEW Enjoy a collection of short films that capture the soul of vintage Philadelphia. Entertainment, foods and restaurants, sports, industry, memorable personalities, and unusual landmarks are the spotlighted subjects. Challenging trivia questions are interspersed throughout the program.

NEW Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic Philly hero and the city he made famous in his own way. Our step on guide will take us to visit iconic movie sites like the Italian Market, Mighty Mick's Gym, Father Carmine's Church, Adrian's Restaurant, the Rocky Steps, the fictional gravesites of Adrian and Paulie at Laurel Hill Cemetery and more! Stops along the way, lunch on your own in the Italian Market. (1 Foot: Easy Walking, Little Standing.)

NEW While less know than her husband the Marquis, who is beloved by Americans to this day, Adrienne de Noailles Lafayette was a brave and principled French noblewoman facing the tumult of the French Revolution. Hear her story through archival prints and manuscripts from Lafayette College’s Special Collections and other holdings.

NEW Walk the streets of Old City and learn about the often-overlooked legacies of its trailblazing Black and women citizens. You’ll hear stories about famous figures like Betsy Ross, wealthy sailmaker James Forten and the brilliant Forten women who shaped the early abolitionist movement. From early leaders like Hannah Callowhill Penn to legendary figures like Alice of Dunk’s Ferry, you’ll see the birthplace of America through new eyes (see Black Founders in Philadelphia lecture 10/06.) (3 Feet: Extensive Walking and Lengthy Periods of Standing.)

We’ve heard of General Washington crossing the Delaware. Learn why the Holiday Season of 1776-77 is designated “Ten Critical Days.” Discover why Washington ordered an audacious attack against the Hessian strong-point in Trenton. Analyze the brilliant tactical plans employed against the fearsome enemy on Christmas Day and the vital follow up attack a week later. Appreciate the effects of the victory and how it saved the Revolution. 

NEW Explore the folklore of Christmas in Ireland, including the origin of the Mummers Parade. Read Irish Christmas poems and learn the words to a few carols in the Irish language (Gaeilge). Also in the Irish language, learn how to say 'Happy Christmas' and the several names for Santa Claus.