Lifelong Learning

Learn for the love of it!

Discover something new! 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.

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

Discussion with Author: Margaret Van Every
Wed., Apr. 22, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Margaret Van Every will read from her poetry collection In a Better Place: Poems of Metamorphosis (2024), followed by a group discussion. Her poems thoughtfully explore impermanence, mortality, and how people around the world experience grief, celebration, and remembrance. Fee $5. More Info & Registration Here

April Spring House Tour
Tues., April 28, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
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” on 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,” in just nine months. Take a guided tour of 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. More Info & Registration Here

“Two Regimes – Two Genocides” – Film and Panel Discussion
Wed., April 29, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Two Regimes is a salvaged collection almost lost to history. It is the life’s work of two Ukrainian women: a mother, Teodora Verbitskaya (1900-1994, author) and her daughter, Nadia Werbitzky (1922-2005, artist). Teodora wrote about her family’s life from 1927 to 1945 while living in Mariupol, Soviet Ukraine under the two regimes of Stalin and Hitler. Daughter Nadia, who painted from memory with works created decades apart from her mother’s writings, provides an intergenerational experience. Mother and daughter were survivors and witnesses of two genocides: the Holodomor-Ukrainian genocide (man-made Famine 1932-33 under Stalin) and the Holocaust (1933-1945 under Hitler). Join us for film screening of “Two Regimes – Two Genocides” followed by a panel discussion with notable experts. Fee $5, Located in TSC Auditorium. More Info & Registration Here

The Trial and Death of Socrates- 4 Part Series
Tues. & Thurs., May 5, 7, 12 & 14, 1:30 – 2:30 pm
The most famous trial in Western ancient philosophy and literature is the trial of Socrates in Athens in 399 B.C. He was charged with disobeying the gods and corrupting the youth. We will cover how Socrates defends himself and what we call The Socratic Method of questioning. Fee $20. More Info & Registration Here

Safety Series: Demystifying Seizures: Seizure First Aid with the Epilepsy Association
Wed., May. 6, Noon -1:30 pm
Witnessing a seizure can be alarming, disorienting, and a deeply traumatic experience that often leaves bystanders feeling helpless. With a little bit of knowledge, you can make a big difference in the experience for both the person and the bystanders. This presentation will also include some community CPR education as well. Fee $10. More Info & Registration Here

The History and Mystery of Goodwood
Mon., May 11, 10:00 am – Noon
Explore the first floor of the Main House Museum with Goodwood’s art historian, Bill Walter, and uncover the secrets used by artists and craftsmen to tell stories using symbolism and mystery. Fee $15. More Info & Registration Here

Goodwood House Museum Tour
Thurs., May 14, 2:30 – 4:00 pm
This complete house museum tour explores all three levels of Goodwood’s Main House Museum complete with a historical background presentation and a walk through. Please note that there is not an elevator in the museum; therefore, the basement and second floor may not be suited for those who use assisted walking devices. Fee $15. More Info & Registration Here

May Spring House Tour
Tues., May 26, 1:30 – 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. More Info & Registration Here