Annual Branch Meeting & May Program

University Club of Winter Park 841 N Park Avenue, Winter Park, Florida, United States

We will meet for our annual meeting to celebrate our 2024-25 accomplishments and vote in a new board. Directly following these proceedings, Professor Melissa Ridley Elmes, Medieval Scholar will deliver an enchanting lecture on “Ethics and the Arthurian Legend.” 3:30 p.m. Refreshments 4:00 p.m. Brief Annual Meeting 4:10 p.m. Lecture

Free

ESU 2025 Patron Tour: Nelson on Shore and at Sea: A Life of the British Admiral

The English-Speaking Union In Partnership with Sea Cloud Cruises Presents2025 National Patron Tour Nelson on Shore and at Sea: A Life of the British AdmiralWith Author and Lecturer Flora FraserJuly 6-14, 2025Naples to MaltaSet sail on an extraordinary journey through history aboard the magnificent Sea Cloud Spirit, retracing the footsteps of one of Britain’s greatest […]

Happy Hour: The Battle of Britain

June, 1940—In the past two months, Nazi Germany has conquered Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. Great Britain stands alone against the formidable German war machine. Now, Germany decides to bring Britain to its knees. In order to do that, Goering’s Luftwaffe must win air superiority over the English Channel and Southeast England. The […]

Happy Hour: J.R.R. Tolkien: Myth & Modernism

J.R.R. Tolkien was a towering figure in the world of twentieth-century English letters. His labors on Beowulf continue to shape the literary landscape, his work on the Oxford English Dictionary still serves, and his groundbreaking thoughts about the role and purpose of fairy stories gave focus to the thoughts of C.S. Lewis and other Inklings. […]

“Teenage Shakespeare” – PD Workshop with Catherine Loomis

With wit, insight, and passion, Professor Loomis brings Shakespeare to life in ways that are both entertaining and inspiring. In this one-hour Zoom session, she will share strategies for engaging your students and providing rich historical context through her presentation, “Teenage Shakespeare.” This session will explore what life was like for teenagers in Shakespeare’s time, as well […]

Free

Annual TLAB Scholar’s Reunion

University Club of Winter Park 841 N Park Avenue, Winter Park, Florida, United States

ESU Members and guests are welcome to attend this fun evening full of the stories that have inspired the TLAB scholars our branch sent abroad. It's time to celebrate their summer adventures! Our Scholars: Alison Dimino (Boone High) Marlene Alguila (Lake Nona High School) Laurie McLeod (Evans High), Xan Kahn (Ocoee High) Amy Hughes (Odyssey […]

Free

Happy Hour: Vampire Literature: An Anthology

Co-Authors Dr. Robin Werner and her colleague, Dr. Elizabeth Lewis, will discuss their book titled Vampire Literature: An Anthology. Specifically, they will talk about the anthology’s inspiration and the challenges of the creation process. Vampire Literature: An Anthology is the first anthology designed specifically to introduce students and general readers to the history, theory, and […]

November Program with Dr. Vaughn Scribner

University Club of Winter Park 841 N Park Avenue, Winter Park, Florida, United States

You're invited to hear Dr. Vaughn Scribner as he presents this November's lecture, “Under Alien Skies: The British Experience in our Revolutionary War.” 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 […]

Free

Happy Hour: The Lost Heirs: The Rise and Fall of the D’Oyly Carte Dynasty

Sponsored by the ESU Central Pennsylvania Branch The name D’Oyly Carte is recognized throughout the world because of Richard D’Oyly Carte’s partnership with Gilbert and Sullivan, which produced fourteen famous comic operas during the last quarter of the 19th Century such as H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance, and The Mikado. Richard D’Oyly Carte (1844-1901) […]

Free

Exploring Shakespeare’s Women: A Professional Development Workshop

Join the ESU for an exclusive online professional development workshop live via Zoom from Shakespeare’s Globe in London. Explore four of Shakespeare’s most fascinating women—Juliet, Lady Macbeth, Beatrice, and Hero—through an interactive session connecting critical writing with rehearsal-room practice. Gain fresh strategies for engaging students with themes of gender, relationships, and power in Shakespeare’s works. […]

The Earl and Countess of Derby Invite the English-Speaking Union to A Magical Holiday Weekend at Knowsley Hall

The Earl and Countess of Derby Invite the English-Speaking Union toA Magical Holiday Weekend at Knowsley HallPrescot, Merseyside L34 4AG EnglandNovember 20–23, 2025 Step into the enchantment of the holiday season with an exclusive invitation from the Earl and Countess of Derby to spend a luxurious weekend at historic Knowsley Hall, a magnificent estate nestled […]

December Program with Dr. Barbara Perry

University Club of Winter Park 841 N Park Avenue, Winter Park, Florida, United States

You’re invited to hear Dr. Barbara Perry as she presents this December's lecture, “Monarchs and Presidents: Anglo-Americans." 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 […]

Free