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. Schedule virtual family time together with your adult children and grandchildren, even if they live out of town. With virtual classes, people can participate from any location with internet access. 

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

Library of Congress – 3 part series
Thursdays, January 19 – February 2, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

In 1800, the Congressional Library was established and began with 540 volumes and three maps. Today the Library has more than 170 million items. The scope of the library is amazing, but the Jefferson Building with mosaics on the floors, walls, and ceilings is beautiful. Many artists from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago were selected to decorate the building with murals and statuary. This course will cover the history and purpose of the library. We will take a virtual tour of the Jefferson Building. Finally, we will dive deeper into some of the exhibits. Instructor is Nell Stranburg, a former docent at the Jefferson Building. Hybrid class at TSC and on Zoom. Fee $15 ($5 per session).

Register here

Artists of the Renaissance
Mondays, January 23 & January 30, 10:00 am – 11:30 am NE Library

Renaissance art is marked by a gradual shift from the abstract forms of the medieval period to the representational forms of the 15th century. Characteristics of renaissance painting styes include linear perspective, realism, and nature. Join artist and art historian Libby Watson for a 2 – session series covering Renaissance painters and their works. Learn the history of drawing and painting and how it developed. Artists covered will include Titian, van Eyck, van Leyden, Rembrandt, Goya, Vermeer, and da Vinci, and more. In-person class at NE Library. Fee $5 per session. ($10 for both classes)

Register here

Spring House (February)
February 22, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Another opportunity to attend this popular tour! 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.” He agreed and the couple located a beautiful five-acre parcel in Leon County on the outskirts of Tallahassee, with a natural spring that flowed from the property to Lake Jackson. Mr. Wright completed the plans in 1952, of an unconventional pod-shaped house described as a passive solar “hemicycle” The house was built in just nine months in 1954. Take a guided tour this unique structure which is the only Frank Lloyd Wright designed home in Florida. Most of the fee for this one-of-a-kind tour goes to the restoration of this local treasure. Fee $37 Limited Space Available. Meet at Spring House 3117 Okeeheepkee Rd.

Register here

Aucilla River and Sinks Hike
February 1, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Hike a unique section of the Florida Trail and learn about the interesting geology, flora, and fauna of the Aucilla River area. Emerging from the swamps near the Georgia / Florida border, the Aucilla River flows southwestward and appears and disappears in a series of “rises” and “sinks.” In this area, Florida’s ancient history is beneath your feet. View the conduit system in the limestone that was that was sculpted by groundwater over millions of years. Be sure to wear long, pants, comfortable hiking shoes and bring water and insect repellent. Fee $18 includes transportation from TSC and picnic lunch. Meet 9:00 am at TSC.

Register here

History of the Old Armory (TSC Building)
February 13, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm TSC Auditorium

Most people are aware that the current Tallahassee Senior Center building, constructed in 1935, was the former armory. Did you know that it was always something of a community center even when it was an armory? Matthew Storey from the State Library and Archives will present the history of this iconic Tallahassee building in conjunction with the art show Tallahassee Landmarks. The art will be on display in the TSC auditorium during the presentation. Optional pre-ordered lunch will be provided. Fee $5 or $15 with lunch.

Register here

RISE ABOVE Exhibit
February 15, 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Pay tribute to the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, America’s first African American military pilots, who triumphed over discrimination and the enemy in World War II to defend our country’s freedoms. The display is dedicated to educating audiences about the history and legacy of these brave service members. The visit includes an up-close view of a historic P-51C Mustang with the iconic Red Tail and a Q&A with a current pilot of the plane. The exhibited is presented by The Commemorative Air Force Red Tail Squadron in partnership with Dr. A.J. Brickler III. Fee $5 includes transportation from the TSC. Meet 9:00 am at TSC.

Register here

Hidden Gems of Paris
February 16, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Experience Paris and its hidden gems through the eyes of Francophile, Colette Clark, and the photos of Robert Feuerstein. You may have visited the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum, but have you heard about the city of the dead in the underground catacombs of Paris? Learn about many less visited and more unusual sites in the “City of Lights.” Hybrid class at TSC and on Zoom. Fee $5

Register here

Coastal Plains Institute Hike
February 20, 8:00 am – 1:30 pm

Rebecca Means of the Coastal Plains Institute (CPI) will guide us on a 2 mile round trip hike through the longleaf pine forest to their research site in the Apalachicola National Forest. Once there, she will share the details of their project to bring back a rare salamander species, then train us to check the drift fences that completely encircle two wetlands. Bucket traps, placed along the fence, capture amphibians moving into and out of the wetland including, if we are lucky, the rare striped newt. If we are unlucky, we will still see some great invertebrates, carnivorous plants, and other sandhills fauna and flora. Depending on water levels, we may get the chance to get our feet wet dip-netting for amphibian larvae and other aquatic species. Fee $17 Includes bag lunch and transportation from the TSC. Meet 8:00 am at TSC.

Register here

Connect with a Classic: Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
February 27, 2023, 10:00 am – 11:30 am NE Branch Library

Our popular Connect with a Classic series is back, and we are focusing on banned books. This literary session will analyze the American classic Catcher in the Rye and will include elements such as theme, symbolism, and character development, as well as some of the most notable literary passages in the novel. Whether it’s been a while since you’ve read this classic or if you’ve never read it, come join us for a robust discussion of this classic coming of age novel and notable banned book. Instructor Lynn Peterson. In-person class. Fee $5.

Register here

Goat House Farm
March 2, 9:45 am – 2:00 pm

Goathouse Farm is a locally owned micro-farm on beautiful Lake Talquin. Founded on the love of animals and a passion for sustainability, they are committed to compassionate practices and natural care of their land and animals. The farm is home to a happy herd of Pygmy and Nigerian Dwarf goats, a flock of chickens, a spoiled hog named Houdini, some lazy barn cats, and busy bees. Spring is the time for baby goats! Tour the farm, meet the friendly goats and their babies, and the other animals. Purchase some goat soap and enjoy a picnic lunch following the tour. Wear comfortable outdoor clothes and shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Fee $20 includes lunch and transportation from the TSC. Meet at TSC 9:45 am.

Register here