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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260729T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260729T180000
DTSTAMP:20260723T081135
CREATED:20260630T161204Z
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UID:1729-1785344400-1785348000@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Happy Hour: The Loyalist and the Patriot
DESCRIPTION:Step into a gripping dialogue with acclaimed prize-winning historical biographer Flora Fraser and Doug Bradburn\, President and CEO of George Washington’s Mount Vernon\, as they reexamine the American Revolution through a provocative lens. This conversation challenges the familiar narrative of unity and independence. It reveals a nation divided—neighbors\, friends\, even families torn apart by opposing allegiances. Was this truly a revolution\, or America’s first civil war? Through vivid storytelling and historical insight\, Fraser and Bradburn explore the deeply personal conflicts between those who risked everything for independence and those who remained steadfastly loyal to the British Crown.ESU continues celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary with this intriguing Happy Hour. Expect a thought-provoking journey into the complexities of loyalty\, identity\, and the true cost of freedom. \n\n\n\nThis Happy Hour is sponsored by the ESU New York City Branch. ESU Happy Hour programs are online\, free\, and open to all members and the public. Registration is required to receive the webinar link.  \n\n\n\nRegister Here \n\n\n\nAbout Flora Fraser \n\n\n\nFlora Fraser is a historical biographer\, based in London\, specializing in archival research on women of the eighteenth century in Europe and in America. Her books include Beloved Emma: The Life of Emma\, Lady Hamilton\, The Unruly Queen: The Life of Queen Caroline\, Princesses: The Daughters of George III\, and Venus of Empire: The Life of Pauline Bonaparte. \n\n\n\nHer recent book\, The Washingtons: George and Martha\, won the 2016 George Washington Book Prize. Her new life of Scottish heroine\, Flora Macdonald is available in the UK as Flora Macdonald ‘Pretty Young Rebel’ (Bloomsbury) and in the US as Flora Macdonald: “Pretty Young Rebel”: Her Life and Story (Knopf).About Douglas Bradburn\, PhD \n\n\n\nDouglas Bradburn is the President and CEO of George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Bradburn joined Mount Vernon in 2013 and was the Founding Director of The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon. He became the 11th Director of George Washington’s Mount Vernon in 2018. He is an award-winning author and well-known scholar of early American history. Bradburn is the author of The Citizenship Revolution: Politics and the Creation of the American Union\, 1774-1804\, and three anthologies\, including Early Modern Virginia: Reconsidering the Old Dominion. He is the co-founder and editor of the award-winning book series\, Early American Histories\, at the University of Virginia Press\, and the winner of numerous awards\, grants\, and fellowships\, including the yearlong Gilder Lehrman Research Fellowship at the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies at Monticello.Exclusive Patron Membership OfferFor a limited time\, we invite you to enjoy a special benefit available only through this ESU Happy Hour event. Members who upgrade to a National Patron Membership\, and new supporters who join at the National Patron level\, will receive an autographed copy of Flora Fraser’s acclaimed book\, Flora Macdonald: Pretty Young Rebel her life and story\,” a unique keepsake from this exceptional presentation featuring Flora Fraser and Doug Bradburn.Patron Members play a vital role in sustaining the English-Speaking Union’s mission to educate\, inspire\, and connect people through the power of the English language and its rich cultural heritage. Signed copies are limited and will be available while supplies last. We hope you will take this opportunity to become a National Patron Member and help ensure the continued strength and impact of the ESU for years to come.Colonial Rum Punch“One of sour\, two of sweet\, three of strong\, four of weak.”Ingredients:1 part fresh lime juice (the “sour”)2 parts sugar or simple syrup (the “sweet”)3 parts dark rum (the “strong”)4 parts water or weak tea (the “weak”)Optional: grated nutmeg on top (very traditional!)Instructions:Stir the lime juice and sugar together until the sugar dissolves.Add the rum and mix well.Pour in the water or tea and stir again.Taste and adjust—colonial recipes were flexible.Serve over ice (or without if you want to stay historically accurate).
URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/happy-hour-the-loyalist-and-the-patriot/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260806T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260806T190000
DTSTAMP:20260723T081135
CREATED:20260709T163355Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260709T163439Z
UID:1738-1786039200-1786042800@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Think and Drink: The Forever Trade War and What It Means for Kansas City
DESCRIPTION:The trade war has become the new normal. Drawing on original Trade War Lab survey research\, attendees will learn how businesses in our region are navigating tariffs\, uncertainty\, supply chain shifts\, and the politics of U.S.-China competition. Data from the Trade War Lab 2025 Tariff Impact Survey shows that many firms say tariffs hurt them\, but relatively few take political action in response. Is the securitization of trade policy why costly and ineffective trade policies persist in this country? Come and see how the KU Trade War Lab conducts timely\, regionally relevant research to help Kansas City businesses\, associations\, and policymakers make sense of a complex and rapidly changing trade landscape. \n\n\n\nGuest Speaker: Jack Zhang\, PhD \n\n\n\nJack Zhang is an Associate Professor of Political Science and Director of the Trade War Lab at the University of Kansas (KU). He is a Council on Foreign Relations Term Member and a Public Intellectual Fellow with the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations. He received his PhD from the University of California San Diego (UCSD) and was a postdoctoral research fellow at Princeton University prior to joining the faculty at KU. His research explores the political economy of trade and conflict in East Asia. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nThis free Think & Drink lecture is open to all ESU members and the public\, but RSVP is required. You will also receive at least one reminder email about the event when you RSVP. \n\n\n\nWhen: Thursday\, August 6\, 2026\, 6:00 pm \n\n\n\nLocation: Casual Animal Brewing\, 1725 McGee Street Kansas City\, MO \n\n\n\nTickets: Free admission but RSVP is required. Click here and scroll down to August 6 to RSVP. \n\n\n\nAbout Think & Drink Lecture Series: \n\n\n\nThink & Drink is an exciting new kind of event that combines educational topics with social gatherings. This one-hour lecture program was launched in July of 2025 by Casual Animal Brewing Company\, a microbrewery in the East Crossroads area\, south of downtown Kansas City. The lectures are held on the first and third Thursday of every month and bring together experts\, academics\, and curious minds for evening talks on topics that generate fresh perspectives\, ideas\, and discussion. No topic is off the table. 
URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/think-and-drink-8-6-26/
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260819T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260819T170000
DTSTAMP:20260723T081135
CREATED:20260717T171346Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260717T171425Z
UID:1754-1787155200-1787158800@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Happy Hour: Connecticut: “The Provisions State”
DESCRIPTION:As ESU Happy Hours continue to salute America’s 250th birthday\, we turn to the great state of Connecticut. By the mid-to-late 1700’s\, western Connecticut had developed as a quiet\, agricultural “backwater\,” landlocked and insulated from the politics and secessionist turmoil of the big colonial cities. Nevertheless\, during the Revolutionary War\, Connecticut earned the nickname “The Provisions State\,” by supplying vast amounts of meat\, grain\, clothing\, and weaponry to General George Washington’s Continental Army\, and was second only to Massachusetts in the number of men serving in the war. \n\n\n\nGovernor Jonathan Trumbull was the only colonial governor to openly and actively support the rebellion from the beginning. George Washington heavily relied on Trumbull’s logistical support\, famously referring to him as “Brother Jonathan.”  Many other soldiers\, spies and resistance activities came out of “the Nutmeg State.” Join us as our guest speaker\, Judge Edward Krumeich\, relates the many lesser-known military men\, skirmishes\, and resistance activities that came out of Connecticut. \n\n\n\nThis Happy Hour is sponsored by the ESU Greenwich\, CT Branch. ESU Happy Hour programs are online\, free\, and open to all members and the public. Registration is required to receive the webinar link. \n\n\n\nREGISTER HERE \n\n\n\nAbout Judge Edward Krumeich  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEdward Krumeich serves as a judge of the Connecticut Superior Court in Stamford and is a former partner at the Greenwich law firm of Ivey\, Barnum & O’Mara. A lifelong Greenwich resident\, he developed an early appreciation for the town’s rich history and traditions through his mother\, Marie C. Krumeich\, a public-school teacher and respected historian who authored A Child’s History of Greenwich. Inspired by her passion for local history\, Judge Krumeich has written extensively about Greenwich’s past in a variety of publications. \n\n\n\nBefore taking the bench\, Ed built an impressive record of public service. A graduate of Hamilton College and the Case Western Reserve University School of Law\, he served for many years in a variety of leadership roles in local government. His service included serving as Chairman of the Greenwich Board of Social Services\, as a member of the Representative Town Meeting\, and on the Budget Committee of the Board of Estimate and Taxation\, the town’s finance board. \n\n\n\nEd is also an experienced performer\, with featured roles in community theater and performances with “The Off Sounders\,” a local men’s a cappella group. His wife\, Elizabeth\, is also a lawyer and active community member. As a student\, Beth received the ESU Isabel Carden Griffin Memorial Scholarship to study in England during her gap year between high school and college.
URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/happy-hour-connecticut-the-provisions-state/
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260820T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260820T190000
DTSTAMP:20260723T081135
CREATED:20260709T163939Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260709T163940Z
UID:1742-1787248800-1787252400@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Think and Drink: Tips & Tricks for Those Saddled by Midwest Nice
DESCRIPTION:In this sharp\, soulful\, and unfiltered follow-up to Pimps & Preachers\, Dr. Nicole Price—aka the original Holy\, Educated Muthaf*cka—calls in the over-functioners\, the peacemakers\, and the brilliant-but-exhausted humans who are tired of being “nice” when what’s needed is real. Rooted in radical empathy\, this session explores how to stay spiritually grounded\, emotionally clear\, and intellectually sharp—even when you’re surrounded by noise\, nonsense\, or outright foolishness. Because real empathy isn’t about absorbing every emotion in the room—it’s about knowing where to focus your energy. \n\n\n\nThis free Think & Drink lecture is open to all ESU members and the public\, but RSVP is required. You will also receive at least one reminder email about the event when you RSVP. \n\n\n\nWhen: Thursday\, August 20\, 2026\, 6:00 pm \n\n\n\nLocation: Casual Animal Brewing\, 1725 McGee Street Kansas City\, MO \n\n\n\nTickets: Free admission but RSVP is required. Click here and scroll down to August 20 to RSVP. \n\n\n\nParking: Street parking available but arrive early for best choices and for best non-reserved open seating. \n\n\n\nAbout Think & Drink Lecture Series: \n\n\n\nThink & Drink is an exciting new kind of event that combines educational topics with social gatherings. This one-hour lecture program was launched in July of 2025 by Casual Animal Brewing Company\, a microbrewery in the East Crossroads area\, south of downtown Kansas City. The lectures are held on the first and third Thursday of every month and bring together experts\, academics\, and curious minds for evening talks on topics that generate fresh perspectives\, ideas\, and discussion. No topic is off the table.  \n\n\n\nGuest Speaker: Dr. Nicole Price \n\n\n\nDr. Price is an engineer-turned-leadership strategist and CEO of Lively Paradox. A leading voice in empathy-driven leadership\, she equips professionals to build trust\, lead strategically\, and grow intentionally. Her keynotes and programs help leaders turn empathy into their competitive edge—measurable\, actionable\, and built\, not born.
URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/think-and-drink-8-20-26/
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260829T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260829T143000
DTSTAMP:20260723T081135
CREATED:20260622T160204Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260622T160205Z
UID:1717-1787999400-1788013800@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:King Charles' Birthday Tea Party
DESCRIPTION:Join us for one of our favorite social events of the year—a tea party celebrating King Charles III’s upcoming 78th birthday in November. It’s an ESU Tea Party with plenty of charm\, delicious treats\, and a setting fit for a king. \n\n\n\nEnjoy a delicious spread of tea sandwiches\, sweets\, Brenda’s signature scones\, mock Devonshire cream\, fruit butter or jams\, and premium tea. Brenda Hedrick\, owner of Anna Marie’s Teas\, says it best: This is no ordinary tea party—this King’s Tea Party is delightfully extravagant!” It’s a special occasion you won’t want to miss. \n\n\n\nThis English tea will be held in a stately three-story\, 5\,000-square-foot home built in 1913. With Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired details\, oak trim\, fireplaces\, open rooms\, a wraparound porch\, and beautiful antique furnishings\, it’s a wonderful backdrop for an English tea served on a special collection of china and silver. \n\n\n\nOur teas will also include a champagne toast to King Charles’ 78th birthday\, our popular trivia quiz\, special door prizes\, and a 50/50 raffle. \n\n\n\nWhen: Saturday\, August 29\, 2026. Choose from two seatings: 10:30 am or 2:30 pm \n\n\n\nWhere: 343 W. Liberty Dr.\, Liberty\, MO. Directions and map: Click here( scroll down to Tea Parties and Private Events) \n\n\n\nTickets: $45 per person. All-inclusive\, including taxes and gratuities. Click here to purchase tickets.  \n\n\n\nFriends and Guests: Friends are welcome\, so feel free to bring someone along. Our ESU teas have sold out for the past ten years\, so we recommend getting tickets early. \n\n\n\nParking: Parking is limited\, so carpooling is encouraged. \n\n\n\nQuestions? Contact Jeff Schnabel (816) 878-1239
URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/king-charles-birthday-tea-party-3/
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261029T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261029T111500
DTSTAMP:20260723T081135
CREATED:20260709T165112Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260709T165113Z
UID:1745-1793268000-1793272500@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:The Questionable Identity of William Shakespeare
DESCRIPTION:The question may be met with chagrin by traditionalists\, but to some\, the identity of William Shakespeare is not positively decided. Dr. Felicia Londré\, Ph.D\, presents a thought-provoking analysis on the Shakespeare authorship question. This free lecture program is at 10:00 am on Thursday\, October 29\, 2026\, on the campus of the University of Missouri at Kansas City. Location on campus to be announced on our website in August. In the meantime\, please save the date. \n\n\n\nWas it William Shaksper of Stratford-upon-Avon or Edward De Vere\, 17th Earl of Oxford or some other playwright of the time? Dr. Londré delves into the sensitive question of authorship in an illustrated presentation. \n\n\n\nDr. Londré\, Curators’ Distinguished Professor Emerita of Theatre at UMKC\, is the honorary co-founder of the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival and was the founding secretary of the Shakespeare Theatre Association of America. In 1999\, she was inducted into the College of Fellows of the American Theatre at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. Dr. Londré has held visiting professorships at Hosei University in Tokyo and at Marquette University in Milwaukee. She has lectured internationally in cities including Beijing\, Nanjing\, Tokyo\, Osaka\, Venice\, Rouen\, Caen\, Paris (Sorbonne)\, Brussels\, Moscow\, and a lecture tour of Hungary. She began presenting lectures on the Shakespeare authorship question in 1991 and has since presented this lecture to open-minded intellectuals (and others) to audiences in Hungary\, Japan\, China\, and many American cities. \n\n\n\nWhile the English-Speaking Union does not endorse any particular position on this controversy and remains neutral on the Shakespeare authorship question\, it does welcome and encourage debate on this centuries-old topic. Debate promotes critical-thinking skills so educators\, students\, scholars\, and the public can begin to develop their own opinions on the controversy. \n\n\n\n“It’s the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.”—Aristotle (384 BC – 322 BC)
URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/the-questionable-identity-of-william-shakespeare-2/
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261114T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261114T160000
DTSTAMP:20260723T081135
CREATED:20260709T165655Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260709T165656Z
UID:1748-1794650400-1794672000@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:39th Annual British Faire
DESCRIPTION:The British Are Coming!  All ESU members and guests are invited to the 39th Annual British Faire sponsored by the Daughters of the British Empire in Kansas. Prepare to be transported across the pond to experience the charm and elegance of a traditional British Faire and Tea.​ This annual fundraising event benefits retirement communities and local charities. \n\n\n\nSome of the events and activities at the British Faire: Traditional British afternoon tea\, Celtic jewelry\, the best local British vendors\, antiques\, crafts\, books\, specialty foods and cheeses\, Christmas crackers\, variety of teas \n\n\n\nWhen: Saturday\, November 14\, 2026\, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm \n\n\n\nNew Location: Village Presbyterian Church on Antioch\,14895 Antioch Rd.\, Overland Park\, KS \n\n\n\nAdmission for the British Faire is $5 for anyone 14 years and up. Kids in FREE! \n\n\n\nPurchase tickets at door. Ticket information coming soon. SAVE THE DATE! \n\n\n\nClick here for more details \n\n\n\nThis is a fun event for the whole family with activities and events for all ages.  The Kansas City Branch of the ESU will have an Informational Booth at the Faire so be sure to stop by and have your photo taken to be added to our Facebook page.
URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/39th-annual-british-faire/
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261202T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261202T210000
DTSTAMP:20260723T081135
CREATED:20260709T170021Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260709T170022Z
UID:1751-1796238000-1796245200@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:A Christmas Carol
DESCRIPTION:All ESU members and Friends of ESU are invited to this holiday classic produced by KCRep. This production of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is a blend of classic storytelling with lively and energetic performances by an all-star cast. \n\n\n\nFor more than 40 years\, Kansas City’s beloved tradition has created holiday memories for families all around our community. KCRep is excited to announce the iconic role of Ebenezer Scrooge will be performed by Mark Robbins beginning this year. Mark has been the understudy for the role since 2021 and has performed various roles in the production since 1984. Mark is a good friend of ESU as he has been one of our three judges in our annual ESU Shakespeare Competition for many years. \n\n\n\nJoin Ebenezer Scrooge on his redemptive journey with Christmas past\, present\, and future\, and rediscover the true meaning of the holidays. You’ll meet the Cratchits\, Tiny Tim\, and the irresistible Fezziwigs\, and hear the haunting and joyous Candlelight Carol — all this and more\, to kindle your Christmas spirit.  \n\n\n\nWhen: Wednesday\, December 2\, 2026\, Curtain: 7:00 pm \n\n\n\nWhere: Spencer Theatre\, UMKC Campus\, 4949 Cherry St.\, Kansas City\, MO \n\n\n\nTickets: We have special ESU discounted group tickets at $39.20 and they are waiving the processing fee for us. Call the KCRep boxoffice at (816) 235-5771. Ask for Gabe Adams and tell him you are with the ESU Group to purchase ticket(s) to A Christmas Carol on December 2nd. Purchase with credit or debit card. Pick up your ticket(s) in lobby at the Will Call desk under name “ESU Group.” Our seats will be in blocks of 4\, 3\, 2\, or singles near the stage. Boxoffice hours: Mon-Fri 9 am to 5 pm. If no answer\, leave message and Gabe will return your call. \n\n\n\nParking: Free parking is available in the parking lot on the east side of Spencer Theatre. Additional free parking is available at the UMKC Cherry Street Parking Garage (5009 Oak St.) on the fifth floor which has a skywalk to Spencer Theatre or on level 6. \n\n\n\nGroup Photo: After the performance\, we will meet in the theatre lobby for a group photo.  \n\n\n\nQuestions? Call Jeff Schnabel (816) 878-1239 or email: jschnabelkc@gmail.com  \n\n\n\nDon’t miss this chance to get together with other ESU members and meet new members. We hope you will share the season with the people you love at A Christmas Carol. 
URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/a-christmas-carol-2/
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