NEW What better time to rediscover Beethoven than now, the upcoming 200th anniversary of his death. Trace his journeyman years mastering the style of Haydn and Mozart, his revolutionary middle period inspired by Napoleon, and the spiritualism of his last years. For newbies and connoisseurs, Beethoven will reanimate your listening with musical demonstrations, spectacular video performances, and large dollops of humor.

NEW This Penguin book collection is edited by Daniel Halpern. You will be guided by a list of dates and stories to be read. Receive a brief bio and interesting meaningful facts on the story. Discuss each one.

NEW A Pulitzer Prize-winning author and a photographer, Welty’s texts offer insightful, clever, and realistic portrayals of life in the American south. Her work is often characterized by its modernist techniques, sharp wit, and profound understanding of human relationships. Read, view, and discuss a collection of Welty’s short stories and depression-era photographs, along with her philosophy that the act of writing is a "continuous thread of revelation" and “a process of becoming.”

NEW Learn how the intrepid Maryland 400, “Washington’s Immortals,” saved the nascent nation from destruction less than two months after the Second Continental Congress declared independence. Follow this unit and other patriotic Continental Army units as they battle through the next few months of the “Times that try men’s souls.” Analyze how they endured the discouragement of the New York Campaign and the retreat across New Jersey while securing the survival of the U.S. See our 2 day bus trip, 10/8 and 10/9,on page 69.

NEW The U.S. had two beginnings: in Jamestown and in Philadelphia. Epidemics and disease struck both places, threatening to destabilize government and the economy. Examine what archaeological work and historical records tell us about the management of public health.

Embark on a 2-mile historic journey within McKaig Nature Center. Discover Colonial and Revolutionary American history rooted in this very land, from the symbolism of the Tree of Liberty and the Pine Tree Riot to a 1731 Swedish Settlers Farm House. The hike culminates in tracing the route of the Continental Army's march to Valley Forge after the battle of Germantown in 1777. Expect some moderate elevation changes and uneven terrain along serene trails.

NEW Using their combined backgrounds in folklore, folk art, and the fine arts, the Blyn sisters will re-examine the work of Henri Rousseau for those who may have missed the phenomenal exhibit at Philadelphia's Barnes Foundation. Is this art "true naïve," "faux-naïve" or "academic?" For those who did attend, we can share our recollections.

NEW Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 aimed to stop Ukraine from joining the European Union and NATO. After four years of fighting, despite the US withdrawing military assistance, the balance of the conflict now is tipping in Ukraine’s favor. Ukrainian drones are decimating the Russian army’s front lines and destroying fuel and equipment in its rear. How will Russia respond? Is peace around the corner? A new Cold War? The beginnings of WWIII?