In-Person and Hybrid

Pancho Villa was one of the leaders of the Mexican Revolution. Since he outlived the other leaders, his name is the one we know. The leaders were from varied backgrounds with various motives. Let me fill in some blanks about these men. You can decide for yourself whether they were heroes or hooligans.

October 21 and 28, 2025

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Location: The Landing, Olsen Learning Center, Lower Level

Diane Parker was a Spanish teacher for many years. She is a lover of Latino and Spanish history and culture. She spent formative years living on the Texas border with a bilingual mother. History was one of her favorite subjects throughout high school and college. She was lucky to have both worlds to share in her career.

In-Person

The course will be based on Eric Hooglund's memoir, still in progress, and will draw upon both his personal recollections and extensive historical research. The research includes interviews with community members and an in-depth examination of archival materials.

Maronite Christians are based in Lebanon and comprise about 65 percent of all immigrants from Lebanon in the period from the late 1890s to 1924. Waterville, Maine, boasted one of the largest Lebanese immigrant populations, at least 75% of whom were Maronite Christians

The first two sessions will explore the social, cultural, and historical aspects of this community, highlighting their migration experiences, integration into American society, and contributions to the local economy. 

The third session will feature a guided tour of the still-active St. Joseph's Maronite Church, a key institution in preserving the community’s religious and cultural heritage. This session's Location and time are TBD.

Additionally, participants can choose to enjoy a meal at the nearby Mezza Café, a Lebanese restaurant that offers a taste of the culture discussed in the course.

First session, October 27, 2025

Second session, October 31, 2025 

Third session, Joseph's Maronite Church talk and tour. The date and time to be determined.

10:00 am - 11:30 am

Location: Sessions 1 and 2, The Landing, Olsen Learning Ctr, Lower Level

Eric Hoogland has been a Gold Leaf member since 2014. He is a retired professor of Middle East politics, having taught the subject at Bowdoin College (1976-81) and Bates College (2006-2010), as well as at Oxford University in the UK and Shiraz University in Iran, among other institutions.

In-Person and Hybrid

The Templars were created as a military religious order in 1119 and were based in Jerusalem to protect Christian pilgrims. During the next two centuries, the Templars became the most powerful network in the world. They became the bankers of Europe, transferring funds between nations and rulers, and amassed great wealth as an organization.

The accumulated wealth attracted envy, and envy begat rumors of licentiousness and accusations of heresy. Phillip IV of France engineered the destruction of the Order of the Templars in 1307. Fables concerning the Templars will be discussed, and the facts of the Templars, a most remarkable order of knights, will be emphasized.

October 30, 2025 

November 6, 13, 20, 2025

10:30 am to 12:00 pm

Location: Ed Ctr, 107

Chuck earned a master's degree in history, focusing on Islamic ideology and Muslim history. He mentored with Dr. Stephen Harmon and completed a thesis discussing Hamas. This provided the background and interest in the Templars.

In-Person and Hybrid

This presentation will explore the historical records of Native American people in the Sandy River Valley, highlighting information often overlooked in published accounts. Drawing from lesser-known sources, the class will broaden understanding of the region’s early history.

November 4th, 2025

1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Location: Education Center, room 107

Barry is a passionate historian and genealogist with a strong dedication to preserving and interpreting the past. A veteran of both the Navy and the Marines, he brings a unique perspective shaped by service and discipline. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in History, is skilled in multiple foreign languages, and is actively engaged as a historical reenactor.

In-Person and Hybrid

The Religious Society of Friends was strongly represented throughout rural New England.   This class will explain more about the former Quaker communities in early Franklin County. 

November 14, 2025

1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Location: Ed Ctr, room 107

Barry is a passionate historian and genealogist with a strong dedication to preserving and interpreting the past. A veteran of both the Navy and the Marines, he brings a unique perspective shaped by service and discipline. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in History, is skilled in multiple foreign languages, and is actively engaged as a historical reenactor.

In Person

Baskets to Buggies will include visits to two unique museums on Route 27 from New Portland (Nowetah's Indian Store) and Kingfield's Stanley Museum.

Nowetah's is a hidden gem where visitors can explore a collection of meticulously curated and displayed Native American artifacts, with one room devoted to Maine baskets. There is no entry fee.

The Stanley Museum ($5 entry fee) houses artifacts and information about the renowned Stanley family, including inventors and artists. 

Lunch is possible in Kingfield. If this class is cancelled due to weather, we will reschedule for the Spring term.

Date: November 18, 2025, at 10:00 am.

Nowetah's Indian Shop: 2 Colegrove Rd, New Portland, ME 04961

Stanley Museum: 40 School St, Kingfield, ME 04947

The museum staff are very knowledgeable.

In Person 

Evangeline: The novel provides the historical information that is missing from Longfellow’s Evangeline. The purpose is to discuss the historical information through the biographical material available on each of the major figures in the event that is known today as The Expulsion of the Acadians.

December 3, 2025

2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Location: Education Center, room 006, lower level.

Born in New Waterford, Nova Scotia, Richard Mullin is a lifelong educator and writer. A graduate of St. Francis Xavier University, he began his teaching career at a Blackfoot Indigenous high school in Western Canada, later returning to Nova Scotia to teach English at Bridgewater High and serve as Principal at Mahone Bay High. He spent 25 years teaching English at Rumford High School in Maine and also taught English Literature at Husson University.

Now retired and living in Dixfield, Maine, he dedicated eight years of his retirement to researching and writing his first book. He has been happily married to his wife Lorraine for over sixty years, and together they have three college-educated daughters.

In-Person

The Osher Map Library and Smith Center for Cartographic Education at the University of Southern Maine provides opportunities for all to engage with five centuries of cartographic materials. With half a million items dating back to 1475, our place-based collection invites you to stay curious!

In the OML's Cohen classroom, you will receive a brief history of the collection and an introduction to the different digital resources available after your visit. In our Reading Room, you’ll have a chance to look at our permanent globe display and a selection of “Gems from the Collection.”  There will also be time to visit our gallery space, which has rotating exhibitions throughout the year. OML staff members will be on hand to answer questions about the various items on display.

January 7, 2026

Snow date: January 14, 2026

Location: USM Osher Map Library, 314 Forest Avenue, Portland, Maine, 04101

Kelsey Riordan arranges tours and events at Osher. Other library staff may lead the tour.