Lifelong Learning

Learn for the love of it! 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. Discover something new, plan your next trip, or an amazing meal.

For questions about Lifelong Learning classes,
Contact Emily Starnes: email Emily.Starnes@talgov.com phone 850-891-4017

January Spring House Tour
Tuesday, January 27th, 1:30 pm – 3:30 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

Sourdough Making 101
Thursday, January 29th, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Join us at the Tallahassee Senior Center for a fun, beginner-friendly sourdough class where you’ll learn how to create your own starter, keep it happy, and bake delicious homemade bread. Jessica Burns at Burns Buns will walk you through each step, share tips and tricks, and everyone will go home with their own mini starter (and a few extra goodies) to keep the baking going. No experience needed—just come ready to learn, laugh, and enjoy the magic of sourdough! Fee $40 Located in TSC Dining Room

Register Here

Make Your Own Glass Night Light
Thursday, January 29th, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Light up your creativity! Join this fun class to design your very own plug-in glass night light. The Instructor, Kim Campbell, will handle the firing at my home studio and let you know when your masterpieces are ready to pick up. Each piece will have its hardware already glued on—so it’s ready to shine the moment you take it home! No glass-cutting skills required, just bring your imagination. All supplies (and yes, safety goggles!) are included. Fee $40; Located at Lake Jackson Community Center

Register Here

Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I- The Tudors
Fridays: January 30, February 6, 13, & 20, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm (4-Part Series)

Take a fascinating journey through the Middle Ages and England’s Golden Age when the Tudor dynasty ruled. This snapshot in time will explore the reigns of Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I, their lives, loves and lost adventures. After registering, please pick up a Session I packet of information at the TSC front desk. Fee: $20 for 4-part series

Register Here

The Library of Congress: America’s Library
Thursday, February 5th, 12th, & 19th, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm (3-Part Series)

Founded in 1800 with just 540 volumes, the Library of Congress has grown into the world’s largest library, housing more than 170 million items. This class explores the history and purpose of the Library while highlighting treasures such as the Gutenberg Bible, Thomas Jefferson’s personal library, and even the contents of President Lincoln’s pockets on the night he was assassinated. Participants will enjoy a virtual tour of the magnificent Jefferson Building, known for its mosaics, murals, and breathtaking Main Reading Room, and learn how to access the Library of Congress’s vast online resources from Tallahassee. The course is taught by Nell Stranburg, a former Library of Congress docent who brings her firsthand knowledge and passion for this iconic institution. Fee: $15 for 3-part series

Register Here

Meek Eaton Black Archives Tour at FAMU
Thursday, February 5th, 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Visit the Meek-Eaton Black Archives, Research Center, and Museum to view its newest exhibit, “Service & Sacrifice: Military Legacies Preserved in the Vault”. Housed in the historic Carnegie Library, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the founding home of the Black Archives since 1976, the center preserves an extensive collection documenting the history of Africans and African Americans.

Register Here

Connect with a Classic Banned Book: The Kite Runner
Monday, February 9th, 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Come join our book group for a lively discussion of the highly acclaimed 2003 novel Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. This beautifully written novel explores the themes of love, betrayal, and redemption amid the tumultuous conflicts of war-torn Kabul, Afghanistan in the 1970’s before and after the Soviet invasion. Religious and socio-political factions of the region predominate much of the plot, but the soulful and heartfelt relationships between the main characters are what have captivated readers of this novel for more than two decades. For lovers of historical fiction, Hosseini’s skilled narration will not disappoint! Join instructor Kathy Allman for a presentation and lively discussion of the plot, characters, and themes of this adored novel! Fee $5. Class meets at CHP Metropolitan 1264 Metropolitan Blvd. off Thomasville Rd.

Register Here

Questions about the Death Penalty
Monday, February 23rd, March 2nd, & March 9th, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm (3-Part Series)

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

Register Here

February Spring House Tour
Tuesday, February 24th, 1:30 pm – 3:30 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