Happy Hour: A Brief History of Toys for Tots

From its humble beginnings in 1947, the wife of a Marine Reserve Major wanted todonate dolls to a charity that would distribute the toys to children in need. Sheconvinced her husband to create one. He looked to fellow Marine reservists to get thejob done. The project was a huge success and was officially adopted by the […]

ESU Shreveport Branch Meeting: Helen Bissell – Talks About Abe’s Story

Shreveport Club 410 Travis Street, Shreveport, Louisiana, United States

Helen Bissell talks about the Holocaust and emphasizes that the lessons of the history should never be repeated. Through her powerful storytelling, she shares the harrowing experiences of living during the Holocaust, inspiring individuals to overcome their own obstacles. Abe's Story is a book by Abram and Joseph Korn about Abe Korn and his survival […]

The American Revolution: A Civil and a World War

As the calendar turns to 2026, The English-Speaking Union of the United States begins a year-long celebration of 250 years of American independence. Throughout the year, ESU will feature several Happy Hours that give us an opportunity to pause and reflect on this historic milestone.The American Revolution was a war unlike any other—one of ideas […]

Shreveport Branch Meeting – Shreveport Opera Express Performance

The Shreveport Opera Resident Artist Program allows emerging professional singers and pianists the opportunity to receive training within a professional opera company. We are pleased to have Gwenyth Sell, Soprano; Cambria Metzinger, Mezzo-Soprano; Jeremy Do, Tenor; Justin Ramm-Damron, Bass-Baritone; and Robert Cruz, pianist. They will perform “Operatizers” (a concert of Opera Arias and Musical Theater Pieces).

Shakespeare in Song: An Online Professional Development Workshop

The ESU is excited to offer this exclusive professional development session, presented live via Zoom from Shakespeare’s Globe in London. Shakespeare in Song will explore how Shakespeare used music to enhance mood, develop character, and support storytelling, as well as how these techniques can be used to engage modern students.This workshop will be led by Dr. Emily Baines, a […]

Happy Hour: Jane Austen and You

After 250 years, why are Jane Austen’s novels still so popular?Jane Austen (1775-1817) is one of the most famous writers in English literature. Her books are read by people all over the world and have been made into countless TV, film, theatre, and radio adaptations. She is known for her sharp wit, social commentary on […]

Shreveport Branch Meeting Notice – Dr. Sam Cannon talking about Latin America and US History and Relations with Meal to Follow

Dr. Sam Cannon was born, raised, and home-schooled here in Shreveport, Louisiana. At the age of 19 he moved to Mexico City for several years. Upon returning to Shreveport, he formally studied Spanish at BPCC and LSUS. Afterwards, he pursued graduate degrees in Latin American & Iberian Literatures, Cultures, and Languages from the University of […]

Happy Hour ESU Mongolia: How English Was Introduced in an East Asian Country

Sponsored by the ESU Mongolia and Central Pennsylvania Branches The English-Speaking Union is a worldwide nonprofit education-based organization spanning the globe with international branches in 66 countries from Albania to Yemen.All ESUs worldwide are connected through the ESU International Council. The President of the ESU International Council is Professor Bolormaa also known as Bella from […]

Happy Hour: Churchill’s D-Day

Operation Overlord was the code name for the Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied Western Europe during World War II, launched on June 6, 1944 (D-Day). It was the largest amphibious invasion in history, involving 160,000 troops landing across five Normandy beaches. Winston Churchill, while cautiously supportive, initially held reservations about potential heavy losses but ultimately ensured […]

Shreveport Branch ESU meeting is on Thursday, April 9, 2026. Our speaker is Dr. Bob Robinson.  His talk will be “The Curious Case of Benjamin Franklin: Inventor, Innovator, and Problem Solver.” 

Shreveport Cub 410 Travis St, Shreveport, Louisiana, United States

We have a great program planned for our next ESU meeting on Thursday, April 9, 2026. Our speaker is our own Dr. Bob Robinson.  His talk will be “The Curious Case of Benjamin Franklin: Inventor, Innovator, and Problem Solver.” 

Happy Hour: Adelaide Robineau: Breaking the Porcelain Ceiling

Adelaide Alsop Robineau, (1865-1929) is considered one of America’s preeminent studio potters. She began her ceramics career as a china painter, painting designs on porcelain blanks produced by other craftsmen. After moving to Syracuse with her husband in 1901, Robineau started experimenting with making her own porcelain forms.She quickly became a master of the medium, […]

2026 Annual General Meeting

The English-Speaking Union welcomes its members to NYC for the 2026 ESU Annual Conference. The conference, under the theme “United by Language, Inspired by Liberty.” The conference program will include the ESU 2026 Annual General Meeting, social events such as receptions and meals, breakout sessions, panel discussions, and local tours. We invite you to participate […]