Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at 5:00 PM (EDT)

The Kennedys in England with Dr. Barbara Perry

Dr. Barbara Perry, presidential scholar, acclaimed author, and Kennedy family biographer, will tell us how one of America’s most historic dynasties experienced the height of political and social achievement in pre-war London only to see their dreams dashed by diplomatic missteps and the tragedies of wartime casualties.

Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at 6:00 PM (EDT)

Classical Shindig with ESU Chairman Dr. Quinn Peeper and Michael Harold

Make the acquaintance of two of New Orleans’ most beloved hosts and concert pianists, Michael and Quinn, who sure do know their shindigs. From seasonal celebrations to iconic book clubs to lavish parties for friends, family, and charities, both local and national, Michael and Quinn have seen, done, and decorated it all.

Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 5:00 PM (EDT)

What I Know About Shakespeare and Why It Matters with Jeff Watkins

Jeff Watkins, the founding Artistic Director of the Atlanta Shakespeare Company (ASC) at the Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse, will investigate the idea that Shakespeare changed his life, and the life of the Atlanta Shakespeare Co. ASC developed an understanding of what Shakespeare’s original practices were and how they could revolutionize our production and performance of his works.

Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at 6:00 PM (EDT)

Ending the Regency Marriage: Annulments, Divorces, and Desertion with James F. Nagle

Ending a Regency marriage could be daunting! The formal processes could be complicated, lengthy, expensive, and very public and embarrassing. Thus, one or both spouses often used other methods. James F. Nagle of the Jane Austen Society of North America will educate and entertain us about Regency Divorce and other methods of the time for ending a marriage

Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 5:00 PM (EDT)

The Dark Secret Behind Charles Dickens’ Christmas Tales with Andrew Halls

Rudyard Kipling’s novel Kim (1901) introduced the reading public to the romance of the international spy, a story of the Great Game, the contest between Great Britain and Russia for the control of the Indian subcontinent. But was the spy network real, or made up, and what impact did the story have on actual spies such as “Kim” Philby, CIA Director Allen Dulles, and Theodore Roosevelt’s grandson, “Kim” Roosevelt? And how did its themes influence literary successors like John Buchan, Ian Fleming, and Le Carré? The long shadow of this story of this Anglo-Irish-Indian orphan falls far forward into international and literary history.