Central Florida

April Program with Jeremy Dibble
2025-04-07 03:30 - 17:00 UTC | University Club of Winter Park, 841 N Park Avenue, Winter Park, Florida, 32789, United States
Central Florida ESU Branch presents Professor Jeremy Dibble.

“Florida Influences on British Composer Fredrick Delius”

The ESU Central Florida Branch hosts many prominent authors and scholars including ESU’s own Evelyn Wrench Lecture Series named after our founder. These renowned British and American speakers present programs on a wide range of topics, including but not limited to, current events, history, language, literature, art, architecture, and travel. Our programs not only include top-notch speakers and topics, we also provide refreshments and the opportunity to connect with the community!

3:30 p.m. Refreshments

4:00 p.m. Lecture

Happy Hour: Huck Finn’s America: Mark Twain’s Masterpiece and the Era That Shaped His Masterpiece with Andrew Levy
2025-04-02 18:00 - 19:00 UTC
Sponsored by the ESU Indianapolis Branch.Award-winning author, Dr. Andrew Levy, explores the historical and cultural context in which Mark Twain wrote “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” Levy delves into the social issues of Twain’s time, such as race relations, childhood, and the American identity, to provide a deeper understanding of the novel’s themes and its enduring relevance. Levy’s book “Huck Finn’s America: Mark Twain and the Era that Shaped His Masterpiece” examines how Twain’s personal experiences and the political climate of the late 19th century influenced his writing. Levy’s analysis offers a fresh perspective on a classic work, making it accessible and engaging for both scholars and general readers.

This ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the ESU Indianapolis Branch. ESU Happy Hour programs are online, free, and open to all members and the public. Registration is required.

About Andrew Levy

Andrew Levy received an M.A. from the Johns Hopkins Writing Seminars in 1986 and a Ph.D. in literature from the University of Pennsylvania in 1991. Levy is the Edna Cooper Chair in English at Butler University. He is a distinguished professor and author of 35 books including critically acclaimed works such as “Huck Finn’s America” and “A Brain Wider Than the Sky.” He also directs the Writer’s Studio, the MFA program, and teaches American literature and creative writing at Butler.Levy has published essays in Harper’s, Dissent, and The American Scholar, book reviews in the Chicago Tribune and The Philadelphia Inquirer, and has written or co-edited several books on American literature and writing. Levy is the winner of the Slatten award for Biography (2005), reviews of his work and public appearances include Time, Newsweek, The New York Times, NPR’s All Things Considered and This American Life, Spin, Sports Illustrated, C-Span, Salon, Washington Post, Boston Globe, and more. Levy lives in Indianapolis with his wife, Siobhan, and their son, Aedan.

March Program with Wolf Burchard
2025-03-17 15:30 - 17:00 UTC | University Club of Winter Park, 841 N Park Avenue, Winter Park, Florida, 32789, United States
“Nation of ShopKeepers”

The British design and decorative arts galleries at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York highlight British entrepreneurism through furniture, silver, ceramics, tapestries, sculpture, and other artworks.

In this talk, Wolf Burchard will provide a virtual tour, discuss the galleries’ history, and share plans for future installations.

Wolf Burchard, Curator of the Met’s British Galleries, joined the museum in 2019. Previously, he served as Furniture Research Curator at the National Trust and Curatorial Assistant at the British Royal Collection. He holds an MA and PhD in art history from Courtauld Institute, London.

ESU 2025 Founder’s Award Gala Honoring Dr. E. Quinn Peeper
2025-03-14 17:00 - 2025-03-15 21:00 UTC | Winter Park Racquet Club, 2111 Vía Tuscany, Winter Park, Florida, 32789, United States
The English-Speaking Union (ESU) is proud to announce the upcoming Founder’s Award Gala, a prestigious event dedicated to honoring Dr. E. Quinn Peeper who will receive the organization’s highest accolade for his exceptional contributions to the English-Speaking Union. The gala will serve as a platform to recognize Dr. Peeper’s unwavering commitment to the mission of the ESU and his significant impact on both local and national levels.

Register Here

Event Summary

Special Guest Caroline Emma Stanley, Countess Derby of Knowsley Hall

Read the press release

About the ESU Founder’s Award

About the 2025 Honoree Dr. E. Quinn Peeper

About ESU Holiday Weekend at Knowsley Hall

Hotel Information

The following hotels are offering a special group rate:

SpringHill Suites Winter Park

199.00 USD per night – Last Day to Book : Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Booking Link: https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1732215030357&key=GRP&guestreslink2=true

Hilton Garden Inn Winter Park

189.00 USD per night – Last Day to Book : Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Booking link: https://group.hiltongardeninn.com/iaav6g

Guests can make their reservations using the link or inputting the code ESU in the area of the website.

Happy Hour: King George IV: The Worst Ruler in British History?
2025-03-12 18:00 - 19:00 UTC
Sponsored by the ESU Richmond Branch.British historian, Sir Spencer Walpole, described King George IV (1762-1830) as “a bad son, a bad husband, a bad father, a bad subject, a bad monarch, and a bad friend.” The Duke of Wellington was more charitable of the king, “[King George IV] was indeed the most extraordinary compound of talent, wit, buffoonery, obstinacy, and good feeling–in short, a medley of the most opposite qualities–with a great preponderance of good–that I ever saw in any character in my life.” King George IV was known for his manners and charm but also for his drunkenness, spendthrift ways, and scandalous love life. Learn more about King George III’s son, who left the Crown weaker and less popular, but immeasurably richer in architecture, the fine and decorative arts, in this ESU Happy Hour hosted by James C. Kelly, Ph.D., of ESU’s Richmond Branch, who recently retired after a half-century-long curatorial career. This ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the ESU Richmond VA Branch. ESU Happy Hour programs are online, free, and open to all members and the public. Registration is required. All Happy Hours take place on Eastern Time.

Central Florida ESU Branch Shakespeare Competition
2025-02-24 16:00 - 17:30 UTC | Orlando Shakes, 812 E Rollins St, Orlando, Florida, 32802, United States
Annually the Central Florida ESU sponsors a Shakespeare Competition for Orange, Seminole and Osceola county students in grades 9-12. Each student, who is a winner in his or her own school, memorizes and presents a Shakespearian sonnet and also a monologue from a collection of edited pieces provided by national ESU Shakespeare Competition. The event begins at 4:00 p.m. at Orlando Shakes with refreshments served at 5:00 p.m.

Come support students from Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties as they celebrate the Bard!

Happy Hour: I Stole a Monet for My Client
2025-01-29 17:00 - 18:00 UTC
Sponsored by the ESU Sandhills BranchJoin this fascinating Happy Hour with guest speaker Debra Rhodes Smith who has written a memoir of anecdotes during her 34-year career as a certified arts appraiser and Fine Art Advisor. Many experiences are shared while amassing the art collections for some of the largest corporations and luxury hotels worldwide. In her book, “Tales of Art Beyond the Frame,” Smith describes one of her most interesting assignments involving the acquisition of a Monet for a client and through some quirky circumstances at a Sotheby’s auction, she was able to obtain a million-dollar Monet for well under the valued price. All of Smith’s tales are true, witty, poignant, intelligent, informative, sophisticated, and a fresh perspective of the often-mysterious world of art.

About Debra Rhodes Smith

Since 1977 when I began my career as an art advisor to prestigious corporations, the client list grew throughout the United States and as far as the Middle East and Macao. Not only were there corporate collections, but art placement in the most renowned luxury hotels, healthcare facilities and airline lounges worldwide. This included hundreds of guest rooms and public space art installations. In 1981, Cornell University School of Hotel Administration recognized my expertise and requested I contribute an article to their Journal. Then in 1991, after two years at New York University Appraisal Studies for Fine and Decorative Arts, I joined the Appraisers Association of America. In 2009, I became USPAP compliant.

Cocktail

My favorite cocktail is a Skyy Vodka dry martini using an atomizer of vermouth accompanied with a jalapeno stuffed olive. However, to celebrate the start of the New Year, I recommend Russell’s Reserve Bourbon Manhattan with a splash of bitters. Cheers! This ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the ESU Sandhills, NC Branch. ESU Happy Hour programs are online, free, and open to all members and the public. Registration is required.

ESU Winter Dinner
2025-01-21 18:00 - 21:00 UTC | Winter Park Racquet Club, 2111 Vía Tuscany, Winter Park, Florida, 32789, United States
Our Central Florida ESU Branch dinners are reportedly a highlight of the year for our members and guests. Join us for a delicious formal three-course dinner and entertainment overlooking the lake.

December Program with Dr. Tyler Fisher
2024-12-02 15:30 - 17:00 UTC | University Club of Winter Park, 841 N Park Avenue, Winter Park, Florida, 32789, United States
Dr. Tyler Fisher spent 15 years studying and teaching at the University of Oxford and the University ofLondon before becoming Associate Professor of Modern Languages and Literatures at UCF. He also served as a Burnett Honors College Faculty Fellow for Global Scholarship Advising. Recently, he was appointed Dean of the Honors College at Florida Gulf Coast University.

Online Professional Development Workshop for Educators: “Bringing Shakespeare to Life in Your Classroom with Dr. Nick Walton”
2024-11-23 11:00 - 12:00 UTC
Zoom Workshop, November 23, 2024 at 11:00 am ET

Are you an educator looking to bring the Bard to life in your classroom? The ESU is thrilled to announce this professional development workshop open to teachers participating in the National Shakespeare Competition, TLab, or any of the ESU’s education programs. Led by renowned Shakespeare scholar Dr. Nick Walton live via Zoom from Stratford-upon-Avon, this online session will help educators find fresh, engaging ways to introduce Shakespeare to students.

Dr. Walton is the Shakespeare Courses Development Manager for Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust in Stratford-upon-Avon in the UK. He has decades of experience making Shakespeare accessible, relevant, and fun for modern students. In this one-hour session, Dr. Walton will share hands-on techniques and insights into Shakespeare’s world, giving teachers the tools to spark students’ curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of his timeless works.

This workshop is ideal for high school English and drama educators, particularly those participating in the ESU National Shakespeare Competition. Participants in this online workshop may earn Professional Development credits under the New York City Department of Education.

Don’t miss this opportunity to bring a new level of excitement and insight into your teaching!

The English-Speaking Union of the United States Annual Conference with The International Council Meeting 2024
2024-10-18 00:00 - 2024-10-20 23:59 UTC
Get ready to embark on an exhilarating journey as we gather in the vibrant city of Cleveland. We are thrilled to extend a warm invitation to all ESU and International Council members to join us for an unforgettable experience this October.

Participants will have the unique opportunity to engage with our International community at large, from around the globe, from places such as Asia, South Asia, Eastern Europe, Europe and the UK. The International Council will host the Welcome dinner held on Friday evening.

Immerse yourself in the captivating atmosphere of Cleveland, a city renowned for its rich history, cultural diversity, and thriving arts scene. This is your chance to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for education, language, and cultural exchange. Prepare to be inspired by engaging speakers, breakout sessions, and enlightening discussions.

You will have the chance to embark on guided tours to experience the best of what Cleveland has to offer. The Cleveland Museum of Art is a renowned institution with over 63,000 artworks spanning 6,000 years, known for its digital advancements and free admission. It is a leading hub for exhibitions, research, and digital innovations in the art world. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was built in Cleveland in 1995 after winning a bid over other cities. Star-studded events marked milestones like the groundbreaking ceremony in 1993 and the grand opening in 1995. The Cleveland Orchestra is a top-tier orchestra renowned for its exceptional performances and dedication to the community. Led by Franz Welser-Möst, the Orchestra has set new goals to enhance its impact on Northeast Ohio by prioritizing concert experiences, music education, and cutting-edge technology. Performances are held at Severance Hall in Cleveland and the Blossom Music Center in the summer.

The Tour of Cleveland covers all the main attractions from Public Square to Playhouse Square, including landmarks such as Old Stone Church, Terminal Tower, Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Cleveland Public Library, Federal Reserve of Cleveland, and Playhouse Square. Visitors will also get to explore the inside of the Arcade and Cleveland Trust Company Building (Heinens).

So mark your calendars and secure your spot. Join us in Cleveland this October and be part of a community that celebrates knowledge, fosters connections, and embraces the joy of learning.

Fall Dinner
2024-10-15 18:00 - 20:30 UTC | Winter Park Racquet Club, 2111 Vía Tuscany, Winter Park, Florida, 32789, United States
Fall may not always bring the turning of the leaves for our ESU members, but we can certainly count on the fall dinner to entertain us and add a little pep in our step. This year all members and their guests will enjoy dinner entertainment from The Buzzcatz’s Ricky Sylvia and a five-piece band.

Attire:

Black tie is optional for the gentlemen while the ladies may want to don their most elegant gowns.

Registration Deadline:

October 8, 2024

Drey Scholar Reports & Reunion
2024-10-02 17:00 - 18:30 UTC | University Club of Winter Park, 841 N Park Avenue, Winter Park, Florida, 32789, United States
All Central Florida ESU members, educator support system, and interested teachers are invited to honor and celebrate the four teachers who were selected to travel abroad this past summer. Come hear about their once-in-a-lifetime journey, as well as how they have chosen to bring their experience back into the classroom.

Scholar Reports:

Jillian Rodriguez | Exeter College @ Oxford

Marie Norton | Exeter College @ Oxford

Shana Call | Exeter College @ Oxford

Natalie Hawkins | The Globe Theatre, London

Happy Hour: The Life and Times of Margaret (Molly) Brown
2024-09-25 18:00 - 19:00 UTC
An overview of the life and legacy of Margaret Tobin Brown, activist, WWI volunteer in France, philanthropist, and suffragist whose 1889 home, shown above, is an historic museum in downtown Denver, CO. Though known to many as “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” due to surviving the sinking of R.M.S. Titanic in 1912, Margaret’s legacy is presented at her home with emphasis on her enduring legacy of social justice and public service. Guest speaker, Pamela Mahonchak, will trace Margaret’s life from her early childhood in Hannibal, Missouri, to Leadville, Colorado, where she met and married mining engineer James Joseph Brown, to her days of glory in Denver and New York. The presentation will cover her accomplishments and her status as an icon in the fight for universal suffrage. There is a lot more to Molly Brown than the Titanic! This ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the ESU Denver Branch.

About Pamela Mahonchak

Pamela Mahonchak draws from her wealth of knowledge as a docent at the Molly Brown House Museum in Denver where she began volunteering in 1971. She still gives weekly tours when she is not traveling since retiring as an airline pilot.

ESU 2024 Patron Trip: A Private View of Italy
2024-09-21 00:00 - 2024-09-27 23:59 UTC
Founded by art historian Count Stefano Aluffi-Pentini in 1996, A Private View of Italy encourages guests to appreciate the life of historic palaces and villas, and allows them to discover the inaccessible treasures that are hidden behind closed doors. Through the centuries the Italian aristocracy has preserved their residences, which were designed by architects such as Raphael, Palladio, and Bernini.

Thanks to Count Stefano Aluffi-Pentini’s trusted interactions and long-time friendships with the families owning these residences, our group will be welcomed in extraordinary places, often by the homeowners themselves.

About the ESU National Patron Tours

The ESU National Patron Tours enhance our Patrons’ engagement with the ESU community through bespoke experiences of cultural enrichment, educational exploration, and unforgettable adventures.

September Program with Timothy Riley
2024-09-09 15:30 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | University Club of Winter Park, 841 N Park Avenue, Winter Park, Florida, 32789, United States
American broadcaster Edward R. Murrow once quipped that Winston Churchill “Mobilized the English language and sent it into battle.” Churchill’s mastery of the English language informed and inspired Britain during the Second World War. His speeches and writings played an essential role in the Alliedvictory during the war and throughout his long and storied career. Discover how Churchill used the power of prose to win the war and preserve the peace.

Speaker Information:

Since 2016, Timothy Riley has served as Director and Chief Curator of the National Churchill Museum (NCM) at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. He is also an ex-officio member of both the Board of Governors of the Association of Churchill Fellows at Westminster College and the Board of Directors for the International Churchill Society-United States.

As a sought-after speaker on Winston Churchill, Riley combines a keen sense of history with an understanding of public interest. His engaging presentation skills bring historical material to life. Mr. Riley was the keynote speaker at the National Patron Reception during the 2023 ESU Annual Conference in Kansas City, Missouri.

*This program is offered as part of “Churchill 2024,” a global commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Winston Churchill’s birth.

King Charles' Birthday Tea Party
2024-08-17 00:00 - 23:59 UTC | Bohet House, 343 W. Liberty Drive, Liberty, Missouri, United States
All ESU Members and Friends of ESU are cordially invited to attend one of our biggest social gatherings of the year—a tea to celebrate King Charles III’s birthday. We will miss our wonderful Tea Parties for the Queen but our King’s Teas will be equally regal. We will be celebrating HRH King Charles’ 75th birthday. This will be an ESU Tea Party fit for a King!

Our tea party will include a variety of tea sandwiches, sweets, Brenda’s signature scones, Mock Devonshire cream, fine fruit butter or fruit jams and premium tea. Brenda Hedrick, the owner and proprietress of Anna Marie’s Teas proudly proclaims, “This is not just any tea party–our tea experiences are delightfully extravagant!” This is a special occasion not to be missed!

The English teas will be held in the Bohnet House in Liberty, Mo., which is a stately 3-story, 5,000 square foot home built in 1913. The house boasts Frank Lloyd Wright details–oak trim, 3 fireplaces and large open spaces. Its large wraparound porch and period American, French and English antique furnishings create the perfect setting for tea parties–served on a special collection of china and silver.

Our teas will include a special champagne toast to HRH King Charles’ 75th birthday and we will again have our popular Trivia Quiz as well as some special door prizes.

When: Saturday, August 17, 2024. Choose either 10:30 am or 2:30 pm seatings.

Where: Bohnet House 343 W. Liberty Dr. Liberty, MO. Directions and map: Click here

Tickets: $39 per person. All-inclusive, including taxes and gratuities. Buy tickets online.

Friends and Guests: We welcome friends and guests so please bring your friends. Our ESU Teas have sold out the last ten years and we encourage you to purchase your tickets as soon as possible so you won’t be disappointed.

Parking: Parking is limited around Bohnet House. Please carpool where possible. If anyone wants to use their car to carpool to reduce the number of cars, let us know and we’ll pass along information so members can contact the carpool drivers to make pick up arrangements.

Questions? Contact Ben Martin at (816) 522-8387.

ESU Festival Group Night
2024-06-26 20:00 - 22:00 UTC
The Heart of America Shakespeare Festival’s 32nd season brings the political thriller Julius Caesar which is a true story of the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BC. The play tells the story of the conspiracy against Caesar, his assassination, and the defeat of his conspirators. As the world spins out of control, chaos and superstition lead to civil war. Julius Caesar is highly regarded for its incisive commentary on politics, ambition, and the power of rhetoric. This is a must-see production directed once again by Sidonie Garrett. ESU members and friends are invited to this special evening on Wednesday, June 26, 2024.Curtain is 8:00 pm.

This promises to be a spectacular production with lavish stage sets, colorful costuming, and featuring an all-star cast. Southmoreland Park is the perfect outdoor setting to bring Julius Caesar to life and share a beautiful evening in the park with friends and family.

When: Wednesday, June 26, Curtain is 8:00 pm

Where: Southmoreland Park, just west of the Nelson-Atkins Museum.

Seats: We will have reserved seats near the stage at a discounted group price.

Tickets: We have arranged a group discount price of $22.00 per seat. To purchase your tickets, click here and select number of chairs. In promo box use ESU24. You will receive an email confirmation. When you arrive at the Park, just tell the staff at the entrance you are part of the ESU Group and have a reserved seat.

6:00 PM—Gates open.

6:30 and 7:15 PM—Pre-Show Parody: The Festival’s teen apprentice troupe called Team Shakespeare presents a hilarious parody of the Festival play. The parody will amuse both children and adults while helping them understand the plot of Julius Caesar. You will find the performance between the Festival Gate and the seating area. Two performances: 6:30 or 7:15 PM.

7:00 PM–Show Talk: “Show Talk,” gives audiences an entertaining and educational preview of the play. Show Talk begins at 7:00 pm located near Festival entrance.

8:00 PM—This production runs approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.

Food Options—

You may bring your own picnic basket with food and drink items of your choice.

You may purchase food and beverages from the various vendors at the park.

Other snacks are available too…funnel cakes, kettle corn, soft drinks, bottled water and more!

Parking: Allow yourself plenty of time to park and walk to the Festival’s entrance.

Carpooling: If anyone wants to use their car to carpool to reduce the number of cars, let us know and we will pass along information so members can contact the carpool drivers to make pick up arrangements.

Weather: It’s usually very pleasant in the park by showtime. Watch forecasts and plan accordingly.

Friends of ESU and Guests: If you have friends or relatives who would like to join our group at the discounted price, please feel free to invite them.

Questions?: Call Ben Martin at (816) 522-8387. We hope to see you on June 26th at Southmoreland Park!

Happy Hour: The Great Siege of Malta and the Fate of Empires
2024-06-12 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago)
Sixteenth century European historians will find this ESU Happy Hour fascinating and one of tremendous significance. The Great Siege of Malta, a four-month battle from May 18 to September 11, 1565, is considered one of the most ferocious conflicts in military history. Rarely have the odds been so unequal and the stakes so high.

In 1565 Malta was the key to Europe. And during the summer of that year, the future of Western Civilization was decided. The Ottoman Empire had extended its control over most of the Mediterranean. If the tiny island of Malta could be captured, it could become the staging ground for the invasion of critical ports in Europe.

It was an epic struggle, a remarkable tale of resolve and leadership, of disunity in command, and disunity among allies. Historically, the Great Siege of Malta was one of the bloodiest and most fiercely contested battles of the sixteenth century.

Dr. Wayne Bowen, Professor of History and Associate Dean for the College of Undergraduate Studies at the University of Central Florida, draws us into this four-month siege on the island of Malta. This ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the ESU Central Florida Branch. ESU Happy Hour programs are online, free, and open to all members and the public. Registration is required.
