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Literature
The European Crusades to the Holy Land, 1095-1291
with Charles Parker
In-Person
The Crusades were military expeditions launched between 1095 and 1291. They were organized by European Christians to recover the Holy Land from the infidels. Enthusiasm for crusading was high in the twelfth century but diminished with the decline of papal authority and the stirrings of the Protestant Reformation.
The era of the Crusades was distinguished by a variety of personalities: kings, queens, emperors, and princes. The events are the basis for mythologies, legends, and countless novels (usually very poor history but entertaining). In this class, you will be introduced to some of the interesting participants, the major events, and the influence of the Crusades on the expansion of medieval Europe.
4 Sessions
April 9, 16. 23. 30, 2025
10:30 am - 12 pm
Location: The Landing, Olsen Learning Ctr, lower level
Charles Parker received a BS in Plant Science and a Master’s in Education at the University of New Hampshire.
Charles and his wife Diane ended up in Joplin, Missouri where he taught chemistry. He also taught at Crowder Junior College in Webb City and Missouri Southern State University in Joplin.
What does chemistry have to do with Middle Eastern history? Absolutely nothing. However, when he retired from teaching chemistry, Charles realized a long-held dream of a Master’s degree in history. He attended Pittsburg State University in Kansas and was deeply impressed with the classes of Dr. Stephen Harmon, whose specialty was Middle Eastern/North African history, specifically Middle Eastern and African terrorist groups. His thesis discussed the legitimacy of Hamas. He has taught several classes related to Middle Eastern history and hopes to continue.
Will run
Open Mic Poetry Reading
with Doug Rawlings
In-Person
Twice Sold Tales in Farmington, ME is opening its doors for an open-mic poetry reading that features Gold LEAF members. Here's a chance to read your own poetry or to bring poems from your favorite poet. Each reader will be given approximately ten minutes. Please join us!
May 6, 2025
10:30 am - 12 pm
Location: Twice Sold Tales, 155 Main St, Farmington, ME 04938
Doug Rawlings taught at UMF for 27 years and is a co-founder of Veterans For Peace. Much of his poetry is political in nature and much of it comes from his experience as a soldier and veteran.
Will run
What Puts the Roar in the Roaring Twenties
with Diane Parker
In-Person
For only lasting a decade, the 1920s sure made a mark. Learn some history, fashion, lingo, and more in this class.
May 14, 2025
2 PM - 4 PM
Location: Education Center, room 112
Diane Parker, who majored in history once upon a time, is still passionate about it. While living in what she thought was a mundane town in the Midwest, she discovered its history to be not so mundane. The 1920s were anything but mundane. Bonnie and Clyde had one of their major shootouts there. That led Diane to delve into more history of the decade called The Roaring Twenties.
Will run