BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Kansas City - ECPv6.17.3//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Kansas City X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Kansas City REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Chicago BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20250309T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20251102T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20260308T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20261101T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20270314T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20271107T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20280312T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20281105T070000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261007T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261007T160000 DTSTAMP:20260730T190846Z CREATED:20260730T190846Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T190846Z UID:1770-1791385200-1791388800@www.esuus.org SUMMARY:Happy Hour: Daniel Boone: The First Kentuckian DESCRIPTION:Daniel Boone (1734-1820) was an American pioneer\, trailblazer\, outdoorsman\, revolutionary\, and adventurer whose frontier exploits made him one of the first folk heroes of the United States. The story of the early settlement of Kentucky is well documented\, and Daniel Boone is most famous for his exploration and settlement of what is now the U.S. state of Kentucky\, which was then beyond the western borders of the Thirteen Colonies. \n\n\n\nThere is a difference between the myth and the man who actually existed. Daniel Boone lived an extraordinary life—even if he didn’t wear a coonskin cap! Boone was celebrated in his own lifetime especially after stories of his adventures were published in 1784\, making him famous both in America and Europe. \n\n\n\nThis ESU Happy Hour welcomes acclaimed actor\, Kevin Hardesty\, who has created a one-man play “Daniel Boone: The First Kentuckian.” Hardesty brings the famous frontiersman to life as he portrays Boone as a man who established himself as an accomplished hunter and explorer in Kentucky. We will see Hardesty live\, in-person\, as well as watch some recorded segments from his one-man play. \n\n\n\nAs ESU continues to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary\, it is noteworthy that Daniel Boone moved to Kentucky and established a settlement just over 250 years ago in 1774. \n\n\n\nJoin us for this special ESU Happy Hour sponsored by the ESU Kentucky 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 Kevin Hardesty \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHardesty received a B.F.A in acting/theatre from the University of Kentucky in 1986\, and has since performed in theatre\, film\, and television\, including prominent roles in Biloxi Blues\, Hamlet\, Macbeth\, and Romeo and Juliet and leading roles in Of Mice and Men and A Streetcar Named Desire. Film and TV credits include co-starring roles in Not to Forget\, Heathers\, Happy Together\, 100 Proof\, The Cavanaughs\, TV 101\, and Family of Spies. Kevin also appeared with Ashley Judd in the Arthur Miller teleplay Interview with Ryan for PBS. He has been an actor\, writer\, and director for more than 20 years. URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/happy-hour-daniel-boone-the-first-kentuckian/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/07/10-7-26-hh.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261010T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261010T120000 DTSTAMP:20260921T165043Z CREATED:20260921T165042Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260921T165043Z UID:1829-1791628200-1791633600@www.esuus.org SUMMARY:Shakespeare in Action - Teaching Through Performance DESCRIPTION:In this interactive session\, held at ESU Headquarters in NYC and online via Zoom\, Natasha will share practical strategies for bringing Shakespeare to life in your classroom. Teachers will explore exercises for working with Shakespeare’s text\, adapting scenes\, and helping students build confidence through performance. Participants will also have the opportunity to take part in fun and engaging exercises that can be used with their students. \n\n\n\nThe workshop will also explore how a Student Shakespeare Festival can be an exciting school wide activity that brings classroom learning together. Through short scenes and ensemble work\, students can rehearse\, perform\, and create together\, giving everyone a meaningful role while building toward a shared festival experience. \n\n\n\nWe’ll also discuss ways to incorporate the ESU National Shakespeare Competition into your curriculum\, giving students an opportunity to take their work beyond the classroom and onto the stage. \n\n\n\nEducators attending in person will also be treated to a light brunch and have an opportunity to connect with fellow NYC teachers\, ESU staff and members\, and learn more about upcoming ESU education programs. \n\n\n\nWhether you’re new to teaching Shakespeare through performance or looking for fresh approaches to engage your students\, we hope you’ll join us! \n\n\n\nPlease register here to let us know whether you’ll be attending in person or via Zoom (a link to join the workshop online will be sent several days prior to the event). \n\n\n\nREGISTER HERE URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/shakespeare-in-action-teaching-through-performance/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/natasha-photo-1-e1789667324802.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261015T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261015T190000 DTSTAMP:20260909T145806Z CREATED:20260909T145805Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260909T145806Z UID:1816-1792087200-1792090800@www.esuus.org SUMMARY:Think and Drink: The Science of Fear DESCRIPTION:Fear is one of the most powerful and universal human experiences—but what actually happens in our bodies when we become afraid? Dr. Westley Youngren explores the science of fear\, from the neural circuits that detect threats to the surprising reasons we sometimes seek out fear for fun. Join us as we explore the biological and social phenomenon of fear and discover why being scared can be both terrifying and fascinating! \n\n\n\nThink & Drink lectures are free to attend and open to all ESU members and the public\, but registration is required. These Think & Drink lecture programs often reach capacity\, so we encourage ESU members to register now. You will also receive at least one reminder email about the event when you register. \n\n\n\nWhen: Thursday\, October 15\, 2026\, 6:00 pm \n\n\n\nLocation: Casual Animal Brewing\, 1721-1725 McGee Street Kansas City\, MO \n\n\n\nTickets: Free admission but RSVP is required. Click here and scroll down to October 15 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 Dr. Westley Youngren \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nWestley Youngren completed his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a minor in Quantitative Psychology at the University of Kansas. After completing his Ph.D.\, Dr. Youngren worked as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the Veteran’s Affairs Center of Excellence for Suicide Research and at the University of Rochester Psychiatry Department where he examined the relationship between sleep and suicide. \n\n\n\nDr. Youngren’s research focuses on the intersection of sleep and trauma\, with a particular emphasis on trauma-related nightmares. His current research concentrates on integrating sleep and dreaming science within trauma informed care\, examining the relationship between nightmares and suicide\, and utilizing advanced statistical analyses to examine large pre-existing databases. Dr. Youngren is a member of the Sleep Research Society\, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine\, the International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies\, and the International Association for the Study of Dreams. \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-the-science-of-fear/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/think-and-drink-10-15.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261020T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261020T200000 DTSTAMP:20260805T163829Z CREATED:20260805T163808Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260805T163829Z UID:1781-1792522800-1792526400@www.esuus.org SUMMARY:The Nature of Artificial Intelligence DESCRIPTION:AI is all around us—recognizing faces in photos\, transcribing speech\, answering questions\, writing essays\, generating code\, and much more. But rapidly improving AI is poised to play a much bigger role in all our lives. \n\n\n\nIn this lecture\, Melanie Mitchell\, a complexity scientist at the Santa Fe Institute and a highly regarded expert in artificial intelligence\, will describe how contemporary AI works\, how “intelligent” it really is\, and what our expectations—and concerns—about its near-term and long-term prospects should be. \n\n\n\nLinda Hall Library is presenting this free lecture as part of celebrating their current exhibition\, Alchemy of Knowledge: Science and Mystery from Shakespeare to A.I. ESU members and Friends of ESU are invited to attend this fascinating free lecture either in-person or virtually. Note: in-person registration begins September 8 at 9:00 am. \n\n\n\nWhen: Tuesday\, October 20\, 2026\, at 7:00 PM CT \n\n\n\nWhere: Linda Hall Library\, 5109 Cherry St.\, Kansas City\, MO \n\n\n\nTickets: Free in-person lecture but registration required. Registration opens on September 8\, 2026 at 9:00 AM CT. Click on this link on September 8 to register for the in-person lecture. In-person registrations cannot be made before September 8\, 2026. \n\n\n\nVirtual Lecture: If you prefer to watch this program virtually via Zoom\, you may register now. Please click here to register for the virtual program. \n\n\n\nParking: Free parking at the library \n\n\n\nAbout Melanie Mitchell \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nMelanie Mitchell is James B. Alley\, Jr. Professor at the Santa Fe Institute. Her current research focuses on conceptual abstraction\, analogy-making\, and visual recognition in artificial intelligence systems.  \n\n\n\nMelanie is the author or editor of six books and numerous scholarly papers in the fields of artificial intelligence\, cognitive science\, and complex systems. Her book Complexity: A Guided Tour\, won the 2010 Phi Beta Kappa Science Book Award and was named by Amazon.com as one of the ten best science books of 2009. Her latest book is Artificial Intelligence: A Guide for Thinking Humans. \n\n\n\nMelanie originated the Santa Fe Institute’s Complexity Explorer platform\, which offers online courses and other educational resources related to the field of complex systems. Her online course “Introduction to Complexity” has been taken by over 25\,000 students and is one of Course Central’s “top fifty online courses of all time”.  URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/the-nature-of-artificial-intelligence/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/08/natureofai-kc.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261029T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261029T111500 DTSTAMP:20260818T142842Z CREATED:20260709T165112Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260818T142842Z 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 at Grant Recital Hall\, 5228 Charlotte St.\, Kansas City\, MO.\, University of Missouri at Kansas City Campus. Metered parking is immediately south of Grant Hall. \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/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/07/shakespeare-identity.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261104T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261104T170000 DTSTAMP:20260825T155946Z CREATED:20260825T155942Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260825T155946Z UID:1807-1793808000-1793811600@www.esuus.org SUMMARY:Happy Hour: Virginia's Role" From English Rights to American Constitutions DESCRIPTION:Today our ESU Happy Hour takes us on a journey through the pivotal events that shaped America 250 years ago\, this time in the great state of Virginia\, where revolutionary ideas became constitutional action. On May 15\, 1776\, at the Fifth Virginia Convention in Williamsburg\, delegates in Philadelphia proposed to transition Virginia from a British colony into an independent commonwealth\, to establish a new state government\, and urged the Continental Congress to declare full national independence from Great Britain. \n\n\n\nTheir work produced the Virginia Declaration of Rights—one of the most important documents in American history. It was a landmark statement of liberty and limited government and laid out the basic rights and freedoms that all people should have and set limits on what the government could do. The Virginia Declaration of Rights also influenced other state bills of rights\, the U.S. Bill of Rights\, the U.S. Declaration of Independence\, and France’s Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. \n\n\n\nJoin us for a lively step back into this revolutionary moment with Professor A.E. Dick Howard\, who will present “From English Rights to American Constitutions: Americans Transcribe Their Values and Aspirations in State Constitutions.” This special ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the ESU Charlottesville\, VA Branch. The program is online\, free\, and open to ESU members and the public. Registration is required to receive the webinar link. \n\n\n\nREGISTER HERE \n\n\n\nAbout A.E. Dick Howard \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA.E. Dick Howard is the White Burkett Miller Professor of Law and Public Affairs Emeritus at the University of Virginia. He was a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University and served as a law clerk to Justice Hugo L. Black\, at the Supreme Court of the United States. He has written prolifically on a range of historical and constitutional subjects\, including The Road from Runnymede: Magna Carta and Constitutionalism in America. \n\n\n\nActive in public affairs\, Professor Howard was the chief architect of the Constitution of Virginia. He has compared notes with constitution-makers in various foreign countries\, including post-communist Central and Eastern Europe. Seven universities have conferred on him an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws. Washington magazine has called Professor Howard “one of the most respected educators in the nation.”  In 2015\, Virginia’s General Assembly named Professor Howard as that year’s “Outstanding Virginian.” \n\n\n\nCocktail \n\n\n\nAs we are marking the 250th anniversary of Independence\, it would be fitting to recall the imbibing preferences of Thomas Jefferson. When he was our minister to Paris\, Jefferson acquired a taste for French and Italian wine. He explored the vineyards of Burgundy and Bordeaux\, hoping to replicate European viniculture in America. I propose a white burgundy for the occasion. URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/happy-hour-virginias-role-from-english-rights-to-american-constitutions/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/08/11-4-26-hh.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261107T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261107T123000 DTSTAMP:20260805T164554Z CREATED:20260805T164553Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260805T164554Z UID:1786-1794047400-1794054600@www.esuus.org SUMMARY:Film Screening: "Julius Caesar" DESCRIPTION:Film buffs will be delighted as The Linda Hall Library presents this 1953 version of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. This free morning showing of Shakespeare’s classic has an all-star cast including Marlon Brando as Mark Antony\, James Mason as Brutus\, John Gielgud as Cassius\, Louis Calhern as Julius Caesar\, Greer Garson as Calpurnia\, and Deborah Kerr as Portia. Directed by the legendary Joseph L. Mankiewicz. \n\n\n\nBilled as the greatest drama of all time\, this 1953 version was shot in striking black-and-white and is considered the best and most acclaimed movie version of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. It was nominated for five Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Actor and remains renowned for its faithful script\, powerful oratorical scenes\, and grand scale. \n\n\n\nAbout the Film: \n\n\n\nThe growing ambition of Julius Caesar is a source of major concern to his close friend Brutus. Cassius persuades him to participate in his plot to assassinate Caesar\, but they both sorely underestimated Mark Antony. \n\n\n\nClick here to watch trailer \n\n\n\nWhen: Saturday\, November 7\, 2026\, 10:30 AM \n\n\n\nWhere: Linda Hall Library\, 5109 Cherry Street\, Kansas City\, MO \n\n\n\nTickets: Free admission. Click here to register \n\n\n\nFree parking\, Rated: TVPG \n\n\n\nLinda Hall Library is presenting this free movie as part of celebrating their current exhibition\, Alchemy of Knowledge: Science and Mystery from Shakespeare to A.I. URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/film-screening-julius-caesar/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/08/julius-caesar.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261113T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261113T210000 DTSTAMP:20260818T142401Z CREATED:20260817T162958Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260818T142401Z UID:1795-1794596400-1794603600@www.esuus.org SUMMARY:Bach Area Soloists "In Her Own Words" DESCRIPTION:The Bach Aria Soloists ensemble brings a rare glimpse into the private lives of six women composers from the 11th century through modern times. The program “In Her Own Words\,” pairs their groundbreaking music through their letters\, journals\, and published works with the spoken word by the captivating guest actor Cinnamon Schultz Paulette—a powerful celebration of these extraordinary creators. Experience history through the voices of leading women composers. \n\n\n\nClick here to read the biographies of these six remarkable women composers featured in the program. \n\n\n\nESU members and guests are invited to this special evening of casual dining\, music\, and the spoken word. We will meet at 5:00 at Third Street Social on Main Street for dinner and drinks. It’s a no-host dinner and the restaurant will provide separate checks. \n\n\n\nThen just two blocks away\, we will attend the free program “In Her Own Words” by Bach Aria Soloists at the Kansas City Public Library. \n\n\n\nWhen: Friday\, November 13\, 2026 \n\n\n\n5:00 pm: No host dinner at Third Street Social \n\n\n\n7:00 pm: Performance of “In Her Own Words” \n\n\n\nWhere: Third Street Social\, 5031 Main St. Kansas City. \n\n\n\n  Kansas City Public Library\, Truman Forum Auditorium\, 4801 Main St. Kansas City \n\n\n\nRegister: Free admission at the library but registration is required.  \n\n\n\nClick here to register.  \n\n\n\nNote: Seats are not reserved at the library. You should have plenty of time after dinner to arrive at the library and choose your seats. Please contact Jeff Schnabel after you purchase your ticket(s) so we will know how many to expect at the restaurant. Dinner is optional. If you are not attending the dinner and just going to the performance at the library\, please let Jeff know. Phone: (816) 878-1239\, email: jschnabelkc@gmail.com.  \n\n\n\nParking: Plenty of free parking in the library’s garage. \n\n\n\nQuestions? Feel free to call Jeff anytime. This will be a fun evening for ESU members. Guests are welcome too. We would be delighted if you would bring a friend who might be interested in joining the English-Speaking Union Kansas City Branch. It would be a great opportunity to meet some of our members. URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/bach-area-soloists-in-her-own-words/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/08/bach-soloists.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261114T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261114T160000 DTSTAMP:20260901T162111Z CREATED:20260709T165655Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260901T162111Z 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. 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/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/07/39th-annual-british-faire.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261202T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261202T210000 DTSTAMP:20260709T170022Z 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/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/07/kc-christmas-carol.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261209T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261209T170000 DTSTAMP:20260825T155538Z CREATED:20260825T155535Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260825T155538Z UID:1804-1796832000-1796835600@www.esuus.org SUMMARY:Happy Hour: The Surprising History of Santa and Christmas Traditions in America DESCRIPTION:Christmas in America has a much richer and stranger history than the cozy images we know today. This festive ESU Happy Hour explores why early New Englanders outlawed Christmas\, how rowdy wassailing gangs once filled the streets\, and how German\, Dutch\, and English traditions eventually blended into the modern Santa. We’ll trace the journey from medieval St. Nicholas and Alpine mischief-makers to Thomas Nast’s German-American illustrations\, the Civil War era’s sentimental reinvention of the holiday\, and the 20th-century rise of Rudolph\, department-store Santas\, Coca-Cola branding\, and iconic Christmas foods. With a pint in hand\, you’ll learn how a mix of immigrant customs\, reform movements\, and cultural trends brought today’s version of American Christmas into being. Join us as Erica Benson brings a story-packed journey tracing how America invented its own version of Santa and reshaped Christmas into the celebration we recognize today. The ESU Kansas City Branch sponsors this special ESU Happy Hour. The program is online\, free\, and open to ESU members and the public. Registration is required to receive the webinar link. \n\n\n\nREGISTER HERE About Erica Benson: \n\n\n\nErica Benson\, founder of Third Place Historian\, is a seasoned historian and educator with over a decade of experience teaching U.S. history at the college level. She holds multiple degrees in history\, including a master’s degree in North American history\, and brings a deep scholarly background to her work in both academic and public history. A recipient of the prestigious James Madison Congressional Fellowship\, Erica has participated in numerous elite history seminars and institutes\, continually advancing her expertise in American political and social history. Her commitment to historical education extends beyond the classrooms. She is a contributing writer for the National Women’s History Museum and an advocate for gender equality issues and the Equal Rights Amendment. Erica’s work is grounded in a passion for making history accessible\, engaging\, and relevant. Her lectures are known for combining rigorous scholarship with compelling storytelling\, offering fresh insights into the complexities of the American past. Cocktail: EggnogEggnog evolved from posset\, a warm medieval British drink made of milk\, ale\, and eggs. Aristocrats drank it with expensive sherry\, while colonists in America substituted cheap rum. By 1775\, the name “eggnog” appeared\, transforming into a popular holiday tradition and even sparking a famous 1826 military academy riot. Ingredients:4 egg yolks1/3 cup sugar\, plus 1 tablespoon1 pint whole milk1 cup heavy cream1 1/4 ounces bourbon1 1/4 ounces dark rum1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg4 egg whites Directions:-In the bowl of a stand mixer beat together the egg yolks and 1/3 cup sugar until the yolks lighten in color and the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the milk\, cream\, bourbon\, rum\, and nutmeg and stir to combine.-Place the egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer and beat to soft peaks. With the mixer still running\, gradually add one tablespoon of sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the mixture. Yields six cups. Chill and serve. URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/happy-hour-the-surprising-history-of-santa-and-christmas-traditions-in-america/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/08/12-9-26-hh.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261217T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261217T190000 DTSTAMP:20260909T170049Z CREATED:20260909T161452Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260909T170049Z UID:1819-1797530400-1797534000@www.esuus.org SUMMARY:Think and Drink: Scrooge's Politics of Humbug DESCRIPTION:Today\, we recognize A Christmas Carol as a morality tale about greed\, with Charles Dickens becoming “The Man Who Invented Christmas” by discovering the Christmas spirit. But\, in its 1843 context\, Dickens’s novella is a deeply political response to the horrors of the Industrial Revolution\, the exploitative rise of the British Empire\, and the political reaction to the New Poor Law of 1834.   \n\n\n\nDickens issued a Christian appeal to his middle-class readers\, drawing upon Dante for its famous Past\, Present\, Yet to Come structure.  And\, drawing upon Christmas’ roots as a winter solstice festival\, Dickens borrowed archetypes from Celtic folklore for the spirits of Scrooge’s epiphany. Our guest speaker\, Dr. Stephen Himes will explain how A Christmas Carol is not just one of the most popular stories in the English language\, he will put the story in its historical\, political\, economic\, and religious context.  \n\n\n\nThink & Drink lectures are free to attend and open to all ESU members and the public\, but registration is required. You will receive at least one reminder email about the event when you register. \n\n\n\nWhen: Thursday\, December 17\, 2026\, 6:00 pm \n\n\n\nLocation: Casual Animal Brewing\, 1721-1725 McGee Street Kansas City\, MO \n\n\n\nTickets: Free admission but RSVP is required. Click here and scroll down to December 17 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 Stephen Himes \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDr. Stephen Himes is a professional educator who specializes in innovative curriculum design that explores what’s possible in education\, with an intensive focus on student experience and skill development. He transitioned from classroom teaching into curriculum design and developed a unique interdisciplinary curriculum\, along with innovative\, collaborative teacher coaching. He is the founder of “Living Literature\,” a culmination of 25 years inside the high school classroom and courtroom designed to rethink the reading and teaching of literature. Stephen earned his J.D./Ed.D. with an emphasis on education law. \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-scrooges-politics-of-humbug/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/Think-and-Drink-Scrooges-Politics-of-Humbug-FB-Event-12-17-26.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20270106T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20270106T170000 DTSTAMP:20260930T145850Z CREATED:20260930T145848Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260930T145850Z UID:1833-1799251200-1799254800@www.esuus.org SUMMARY:Happy Hour: Murder and the Manor House DESCRIPTION:January 6\, 2027\, 5 PM ET\, Sponsored by the ESU Charlottesville\, VA Branch \n\n\n\nDo you love a good mystery? For five decades\, Agatha Christie’s primary obsession was murder\, but her interest in houses was a close second\, particularly the English country house. Taken together\, some of her most popular works offer a keen look at the changing fortunes of English country houses in the 20th century. Beloved by readers worldwide\, Agatha Christie (1890-1976) is the best-selling novelist of all time. Her books have sold over a billion copies in the English language and a billion in translation. \n\n\n\nJoin Anne Kenny-Urban for an exploration of what Christie’s mysteries reveal about changes in the houses themselves and the people – both upstairs and downstairs – who lived and worked in them. This ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the ESU Charlottesville\, VA Branch. The program is online\, free\, and open to ESU members and the public. Registration is required to receive the webinar link. \n\n\n\nREGISTER HERE \n\n\n\nAbout Anne Kenny-Urban \n\n\n\nAnne Kenny-Urban is the Executive Director at Agecroft Hall & Gardens\, a Tudor manor house that was built in Lancashire in the 16th century and then dismantled\, crated\, shipped and adaptively rebuilt in Richmond\, Virgina in the 1920s. Previously\, she worked for the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts for nearly a decade. Prior employers include Citibank\, Christie’s auction house in New York\, and the Art Institute of Chicago. \n\n\n\nMs. Kenny-Urban is a graduate of Princeton University. In addition\, she holds a master’s degree in art history from the University of Chicago and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. In her free time\, she is an active community volunteer. Currently she serves as the President of the American Friends of Attingham which supports the work of The Attingham Trust\, a British educational charitable trust that organizes specialized courses to study British country houses\, their collections and settings\, and the history and contents of British royal palaces. She also serves on the boards of The Valentine Museum\, Hollywood Cemetery and the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart Foundation for Historic Preservation. \n\n\n\nCocktailCorpse Reviver #2:What could be more appropriate to go with an Agatha Christie murder mystery? The cocktail was created by Harry Craddock\, an American bartender who worked at the famous American Bar inside London’s Savoy Hotel during Prohibition. It’s a classic drink that belongs to a family of pre-Prohibition cocktails that were said to be created and consumed for the chief purpose of rousing the drinker from the dead—in other words\, meant to cure hangovers\, increase vigor and otherwise improve one’s morning. Ingredients3/4 oz London Dry Gin3/4 oz Fortified wine such as Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano3/4 oz Orange liqueur such as Cointreau or triple sec3/4 oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice1 dash (or rinse) AbsintheLemon twist for garnish \n\n\n\nInstructionsPrepare the glass: Rinse a chilled coupe or cocktail glass with a small splash of absinthe\, swirling it to coat the inside\, then discard any excess.Combine ingredients: Add the gin\, Lillet Blanc\, orange liqueur\, and lemon juice into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.Shake: Shake vigorously for about 10 to 15 seconds until well-chilled.Strain: Fine-strain the mixture into your prepared absinthe-rinsed glass.Garnish: Add a lemon twist on top. URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/happy-hour-murder-and-the-manor-house/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/1-6-27-hh.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20271026T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20271104T235959 DTSTAMP:20260930T151230Z CREATED:20260930T151229Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260930T151230Z UID:1836-1824508800-1825372799@www.esuus.org SUMMARY:2027 ESU National Patron Tour: Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar DESCRIPTION:2027 National Patron Tour\nNelson and the Battle of Trafalgar:\nFrom Final Chapter to Immortal Memory\nWith Author and Lecturer Flora Fraser \nOctober 26 – November 4\, 2027\nPalma de Mallorca\, Spain – Casablanca\, Morocco\nAboard the Sea Cloud Spirit \nSet sail on an extraordinary journey through history aboard the magnificent Sea Cloud Spirit\, retracing the footsteps of one of Britain’s greatest naval heroes\, Admiral Horatio Nelson. This exclusive voyage\, co-hosted by the English-Speaking Union and Sea Cloud Cruises\, offers a unique blend of luxury\, adventure\, and intellectual stimulation. \nBy day\, explore picturesque ports and historic sites central to Nelson’s career and private life. By night\, dine under the stars and engage in stimulating conversation with fellow history and adventure enthusiasts. \nHighlights:\nSail from Palma de Mallorca\, Spain\, to Casablanca\, Morocco\, on board Sea Cloud Spirit\, ranked among the best luxury passenger ships in the world. This three-mast windjammer’s 28 sails are hoisted by hand for an authentic sailing experience.Enjoy lectures about Admiral Lord Nelson’s final battle by renowned biographer Flora Fraser.\nVisit key locations in Nelson’s Mediterranean campaigns.\nVisit the ports of Ibiza\, Valencia\, Cartagena\, Málaga\, and Cadiz\, before landing in Casablanca.\nExperience the thrill of sailing on a tall ship in Nelson’s wake.\nIndulge in luxurious accommodations and gourmet cuisine. \nAbout the ESU National Patron Tours: \nThe ESU National Patron Tours enhance our Patrons’ engagement with the ESU community through bespoke experiences of cultural enrichment\, educational exploration\, and unforgettable adventures. \n  \n \n \n \n\n \n Register Online\n Participant Agreement\n PDF Registration Form\n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n  URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/2027-esu-national-patron-tour-nelson-and-the-battle-of-trafalgar/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/seacloud.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR