Lifelong Learning

Learn for the love of it! Discover something new, plan your next trip, or an amazing meal. A variety of interesting classes are offered throughout the year for adults who enjoy the fun and excitement of learning new things. We offer classes in diverse areas such as history, science, nature, music, current events and places of interest in the Big Bend region. Our affordable programs are open to anyone 18 years and older. 

We offer some classes on Zoom. If you would like to learn how to use Zoom, please call 850-891-4000 and Senior Center staff will set you up with a volunteer who can help you over the phone or computer. Or click here for our Zoom guide.

For more information, email Maureen.Haberfeld@talgov.com

Be sure to read our weekly emails for upcoming classes. Click here to sign up for our email list.

Experiences of a German Girl Growing up during the Nazi Era, End of World War II, and Mandatory Teaching of the Nazi Genocide in German Schools
 *Unfortunately, this class has been cancelled.

May Spring House Tour
Tuesday, May 27, 1:30 pm
While attending the 1950 World Federalist Conference at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, FL, George and Clifton Lewis of Tallahassee asked Frank Lloyd Wright to design a home for them, saying they “have a lot of children and not much money.” Wright agreed and the couple located a beautiful five-acre parcel on the outskirts of Tallahassee. Mr. Wright completed the plans in 1952 of an unconventional pod-shaped home, described as a passive solar “hemicycle” It took just nine months to build the house in 1954. Take a guided tour of this unique structure which is the only Frank Lloyd Wright designed private home in Florida. Most of the fee from this one-of-a kind tour goes to the restoration of this local treasure. Fee $37.

Register Here

Jack Hadley Black History Museum in Thomasville
Thursday, June 5, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Thomasville’s First Black History Museum was established to educate individuals about the history and culture of African Americans locally and nationally. One African American historian, James “Jack” Hadley has preserved over 4,669 pieces of artifacts with emphasis on Thomasville’s First Black Achievers, states and national achievers that commemorate their lives and accomplishments. See collectible artifacts dating back to slavery, the Buffalo Soldiers, exhibits on Lt. Henry O. Flipper, Dr. Martin L. King, Jr., blacks in the Military from the Spanish American War to Desert Storm/Iraq War, African American Life on the Southern Hunting Plantation, 1993 Heisman Award Winner Charles Ward, Jr., and black Women. After the museum there will be 2 hours for lunch and shopping in downtown Thomasville. Fee $15 includes museum admission and transportation from the TSC. Lunch is on your own.

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Connect with a Classic Banned Book: The Color Purple
Monday, June 9, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
The Color Purple is an award-winning novel written in 1982 by acclaimed novelist Alice Walker. It won the 1983 Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award for fiction. The book has been the subject of controversy and appears on the American Library Association list of the 100 most frequently banned and challenged books. Set in South during the Jim Crow era, the story unfolds against the backdrop of racial segregation and patriarchal oppression. Join instructor Kathy Allman for a presentation and lively discussion of the plot, characters, and themes of this groundbreaking novel. Fee $5. Class meets at CHP Metropolitan 1264 Metropolitan Blvd. off Thomasville Rd. 

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Summer Wreath Making Class
Tuesday, June 10, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Unleash your creativity by crafting a beautiful summer wreath using a variety of artificial greenery, flowers, and decorative accents. All supplies are included for you to design and take home a unique wreath to adorn your door or wall.  Instructor Joni Hirschman. Fee $25 includes all supplies. Limited space available.

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Behind the Scenes of the O.J. Simpson Trial
Thursday, June 12, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
The sensational 1995 criminal trial The People of the State of California v. Orenthal James Simpson is one of the most well-known trials in American history. Join Bob Feuerstein, former still and video photographer for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office and San Diego County from 1991 – 2009, to find out what happened behind the scenes of this notorious case. He will also discuss his work on other famous cases such as the Rodney King police brutality trial. Fee $5

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Questions about the Death Penalty
Mondays, June 16 – July 7
There are many claims made, issues raised, positions taken, and questions asked about capital punishment. This course addresses some of these issues and attempts to answer some of the most important questions.  For example, does the death penalty save the state money? Does the death penalty deter potential murderers from committing murders? Have innocent people been executed? Does the death penalty reduce the suffering of homicide victim’s families? Is the death penalty used against the ‘worse’ of the ‘worst’ crimes and criminals? Do all countries use the death penalty? Do all states in the United States use the death penalty? Do all religions favor or oppose the death penalty? Instructor is Dr. Gordon P. Waldo Professor Emeritus FSU College of Criminology. Fee: $15 for 3-part series
Mondays: June 16 (3:00 – 5:00 pm); June 30 and July 7 (1:30 – 3:30 pm) in Senior Center Dining Room.  *Note time is different for the first class.

Register Here