Spring 2026

01 – Idioms and Other Oddities of the English Language
02 – Overview of Contemporary Astronomy
03 – Counterfeit Consumer Goods II
04 – Charting the Drama: A Director’s Path and the Making of Tosca
05 – Imprisoned Without Trial: Japanese Incarceration in WWII
06 – Life on the “Home Front” in the 1940s
07-P – Gardening for Pollinators
07-Z – Gardening for Pollinators
08 – George Washington: First in the Hearts of His Countrymen
09 – The Road to the Declaration of Independence
10 – Midwest Wine Production
11 – Get to Know Special Collections and University Archives at Parks Library
12 – Personal Safety Aspects When Traveling
13-P – Retirement Income Planning: Strategies to Help Preserve Your Savings
13-Z – Retirement Income Planning: Strategies to Help Preserve Your Savings
14 – iPhones & iPads: Essentials and Support
15 – Two Christian Visions of America: John Winthrop and Roger Williams
16-P – Discovering Outdoor Delights: Tramp New Zealand’s Tracks
16-Z – Discovering Outdoor Delights: Tramp New Zealand’s Tracks
17-P – Discover (or Re-Discover) Iowa Public Radio: Past, Present & Future
17-Z – Discover (or Re-Discover) Iowa Public Radio: Past, Present & Future
18-P – Authentic Italian Cooking: The Spring Kitchen
18-Z – Authentic Italian Cooking: The Spring Kitchen
19 – Singing: A Whole Body for a Whole Life
20-P – Exploring the Ames Animal Shelter Operations and Programs
20-Z – Exploring the Ames Animal Shelter Operations and Programs
21-P – World Cup Soccer Coming to America!
21-Z – World Cup Soccer Coming to America!
22 – WWII Los Alamos and Its Impact on Nuclear Proliferation Today
23 – Hemingway’s “The Sun Also Rises” at 100
24 – Thinking with AI
25 – Lessons from the Vietnam War
26-P – C.Y. Stephens–The Man Who Changed Iowa State
26-Z – C.Y. Stephens–The Man Who Changed Iowa State
27 – Finding Your Rhythm with Drumming
28-P – “BAKING BLUE RIBBONS: Stories and Recipes from the Iowa State Fair Food Competitions”
28-Z – “BAKING BLUE RIBBONS: Stories and Recipes from the Iowa State Fair Food Competitions”
29-P – Stories and History of the Iowa State Capitol
29-Z – Stories and History of the Iowa State Capitol
30-P – Lawn Alternatives – Using Native Plants in Our Landscape
30-Z – Lawn Alternatives – Using Native Plants in Our Landscape
31 – ISU Creamery Butter Workshop
32 – Entomology Experience: A Visit in the Reiman Gardens Butterfly Lab
33 – Apple Watch – The Future of Health is on Your Wrist
34 – Heat Wave: Cause and Survival
35 – Water, Water, Everywhere (from Air)
36 – Iowa’s Prairie Habitats, Remnants, Renovations, and Reconstructions
37 – City of Ames Sustainability Program
38 – Ukrainian Vision: Artists and Their Homeland
39 – Explore the Parks of Ames Iowa
40 – Lost and Found: How to Keep Your Muscles from Going Missing
41-P – Smartphone Geocaching – A Fun Outdoor Recreational Activity
41-Z – Smartphone Geocaching – A Fun Outdoor Recreational Activity
42 – Learn to Play Pickleball
43 – 19th Century Europe, Part II
44 – The Senior Variety Show – A 30-year Retrospective

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12 – State Historical Society of Iowa Overview

12 – State Historical Society of Iowa Overview

Instructor

Ethan Atwell

Ethan Atwell is currently an Outreach Coordinator for the State Historical Society ofIowa. He previously worked in public libraries for almost a decade with a focus on sharing resources with the community through various outreach efforts.

Four weeks: Tuesday, Sept. 30 – Oct. 21, 2025

Cost: $55

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CT

Class limit 25

Online with Zoom

Course Description

Established in 1857, the State Historical Society of Iowa serves as a vital resource for understanding the state’s rich past, culture, and development. Learn how the State Historical Society of Iowa serves all by preserving, interpreting, and sharing Iowa’s History.

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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

2624 Howe Hall,
537 Bissell Road
Ames, IA

Heather Bristow, hbristow@iastate.edu

Phone: (515) 294-5790