Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)

Membership has its privileges! Learn more about the free OLLI member courses and activities planned for Spring 2026. When registering for OLLI, you’ll be able to RSVP to the members-only courses and events that you are interested in attending. 

George Orwell: An Introduction
Instructor: John Wickman
Friday | Feb 13, 20, 27, March 6, 13
1pm | Zoom |Session A
$0 
We will review the life of George Orwell and some of his most significant writings: Homage to Catalonia, Down & Out in Paris and London, Animal Farm, 1984 and various essays

Muskets, Maps, and Miscalculations: An Interactive Backstage Pass to the American Revolution
Instructor: Ed Goll
Friday | March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 17
1pm | Zoom | Session B
$0 
History is often presented as a tidy chain of inevitabilities, but the American Revolution was anything but. It was a messy collision of clashing ambitions, flawed intelligence, bad maps, and more than a little luck. 

America at 250: Presidents Bringing New Technology to Everyday USA
Instructor: Dr. Ilise Feitshans JD SCM DIR and LLM
Friday | Feb 13, 20, 27, March 6, 13
11am | Zoom |Session A
$0 
Presidential technology programs have nonetheless changed the shape of daily life in the USA several times. New technology is both an amazing equalizer in society but fraught with perils from unquantified risk. Railroads linking the nation from the East to the west in the 19th century, the space race in 1963 and the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) of 1999 were all started by Presidents who wanted to expand our nation's ability to develop commercialize technology for the greater good. We will explore the question did they have that power to generate these new programs and then, what have we done with the power that they gave us using that technology.

Opera 101: Learning to Love Opera, Breaking Down the Roadblocks
Instructor: Bill Palmerio
Monday | February 9, 16, 23, March 2, 9
1pm | Scouts | Exton | Session A
$40
Opera can be thought of as the supreme art form, telling stories related to the human condition through a sublime combination of music, singing, art, and theater. What is it about a great opera performance that draws in the true fanatic? The opera literature expresses the full range of human emotions: love, hate, revenge, jealousy, lust! If you are new to opera, or perhaps have had a less than enjoyable experience with opera, join us as we try our best to break down some of the stereotypes that continue to be roadblocks for the uninitiated.

Discover the artist within: Learning the foundation of drawing what you see
Instructor: Neila Kun
Thursday | February 12, 19, 26, March 5, 12
10am | Scouts | Exton | Session A
$40 
A basic drawing class for beginners. We will build a strong foundation in observation using line shape and value. Students will learn to see like an artist using various media such as pencil and charcoal.  This class is designed to be fun and accessible for everyone of all levels. It will provide a clear path for foundational skills.

Songs From the 50’s
Instructor: Robert Collins
Monday | March 16, 23, 30, April 6, 13
11:30am | Scouts | Exton | Session B
$40
Do you enjoy today’s popular music or do you miss the music of our youth when the airwaves were filled with songs from a group of singers referred to as the Crooners? Some of the most popular singers of that era were Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Johnny Mathis, Jerry Vale, and Dean Martin.  Here is an opportunity to hear some of the best songs from each of these artists while learning more about each of their most popular recordings.  Each song will be preceded by information about who wrote the song, whose orchestra musically arranged it, and who else may have also recorded it.

Robert Louis Stevenson: His Amazing Life and Timeless Works
Instructor: John Wickman
Monday | March 16, 23, 30, April 6, 13
1pm | Scouts | Exton | Session B
$40
We will review the life of Robert Louis Stevenson and read some of his most memorable works: The Strange Case of Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Markheim, Treasure Island.

Hollywood Celebrates America's 250th Birthday
Instructor: George Falk
Monday | March 16, 23, 30, April 6, 13
1pm | Scouts | Exton | Session B
$40
Since the early days of the motion picture industry, Hollywood has produced scores of movies displaying our country's support for democracy, freedom, human and individual rights, as outlined in the constitution. These simple principles have made this nation the principal destination for people from all over the world in search for a better life and have motivated movie producers, actors, and directors to express them in motion pictures.
In this course, we will show five motion pictures dedicated to this country's determination to preserve democracy not only in this country, but throughout the world.

Exploring Art
Instructor: Neil R. Dreibelbis
Thursday | March 19, 26, April 2, 9, 16
1:30pm – 3:30pm | Scouts | Exton | Session B
$40
From beginner to advance these classes will provide an opportunity for participants to explore their choice of media; Acrylic, Watercolor, Pastel, Collage and Mixed Media. (Class Space is Limited) 
Please Note: An additional professional fee of $45 is paid onsite to the instructor the first day of class. Supplies are purchased independently and are not provided by the instructor. Once registered you will receive a supply list for class.

Great Orchestras of the World
Instructor: Barbara Bassoline
Thursday | February 12, 19, 26, March 5, 12
1pm | Scouts | Exton | Session A
$40
Spend an hour plus of music presented by the world's greatest symphony orchestras.  Enjoy great composers and soloists.  Program notes will be provided for 90 minutes of HD videos of live performances.

Andrew Lloyd Webber – Unmasked
Instructor: Patricia Garver
Thursday | February 12, 19, 26, March 5, 12
1pm | Scouts | Exton | Session A
$40
Andrew Lloyd Webber is one of the most successful Broadway composers in modern history.  He has written the music of some of the world's best-known musicals, including Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, CATS, to name a few.  In 2018, he released an autobiography, received a special tribute at the Tony Awards; and a live performance of Jesus Christ Superstar was televised on Easter Sunday to rave reviews.  He has won 7 Tonys, 3 Grammys, 7 Oliviers, 1 Golden Globe and 1 Oscar.  He is a Kennedy Center Honoree and was knighted by the Queen in 1992.  In this class, you will learn about the life of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and enjoy his musical compositions.
 

United States Political Parties--Their History, Present and Future
Instructor: David Hudiak
Monday | February 9, 16, 23, March 2, 9
10am | Scouts | Exton | Session A
$40
This course will study United States political parties.  It will begin with a history of our political parties from the early days of our nation to the present.  It will then study how our current political parties operate, and how they differ from political parties of other nations.  The course will end with a consideration of the possible future of American political parties.

Individual Rights and the Common Good
Instructor: Joseph Romano
Monday | February 9, 16, 23, March 2, 9
10am | Scouts | Exton | Session A
$40
The constitution requires that certain individual rights be granted and that a common good for all be achieved through a social contract of all citizens to abide by those rights.  What are those rights and how were they transformed into civil laws?  What was meant by "The Common Good" Does it have the same meaning today?  We look to certain framers of the constitution for answers -- Franklin, Jefferson, Adams, Madison, and Hamilton and a few other enlightened thinkers of that era.

Movement of Mail Locally & Nationally 1800's
Instructor: William Schultz
Monday | February 9, 16, 23, March 2, 9
11:30am | Scouts | Exton | Session A
$40
Review in detail the impact of the movement of mail in the development of the Nation

The American Revolution - 1775-1783 
Instructor: John Meicht
Monday | February 9, 16, 23, March 2, 9
11:30am | Scouts | Exton | Session A
$40
Discontent, smoldering in the American colonies under British rule flared into open hostilities. What brought these colonists to this world changing event? What did it all mean for the British empire and for this new country that won its independence? Come and be engaged in this cause and effect approach to the creation of our nation. 

Evolution of the Rule of Law:  What it means and why it matters to America
Instructor: Timothy Isaacs, John Koehler, Esq.
Tuesday | February 10, 17, 24, March 3, 10
11:30am | ZOOM | Session A
$40 
Team-taught by a career educator and a practicing attorney, this course follows the evolution of the rule of law from its nascent contributions in the Middle East to Classical Greece and Rome’s focus on democracy and republicanism through the religious and secular upheavals of the Middle Ages to the Enlightenment philosophes’ commentaries on the nature of government in a free society to the historical, political, and social impact of the rule of law on American society over the past 250 years. The goal is to reach the point where participants share their opinions about the role of the rule of law to today’s American culture and character.
 

United States Political Parties--Their History, Present and Future
Instructor: David Hudiak
Wednesday | February 18, 25, March 4, 11
10am -11:15am | Widener University | Chester | Session A
$40
This course will study United States political parties.  It will begin with a history of our political parties from the early days of our nation to the present.  It will then study how our current political parties operate, and how they differ from political parties of other nations.  The course will end with a consideration of the possible future of American political parties.

The Making of America
Instructor: Bob Collins
Wednesday | February 11, 18, 25, March 4, 11
11:30am| Widener University | Chester | Session A
$40
This course will describe how 13 former British colonies formed their own government, acquired enough additional land to span the North American continent, utilized their abundant natural resources, built some of the world's greatest cities, and developed their human resources and industrial base to become the greatest country in the world.

The Greatest International Playwrights 
Instructor: Loretta Wehbe
Wednesday | February 11, 18, 25, March 4, 11
10am -11:15am | Widener University | Chester | Session A
$40
We will learn about Eugene O'Neil, Lillian Helman, William Shakespeare, Thomas Becket and Noel Coward.  Scenes form all plays will be performed by Professional Actors. In dept discussions will be held after each presentation!

Hemingway and Gellhorn
Instructor: Gerry McNeff
Monday | March 16, 23, 30, April 6, 13
10am | Scouts | Exton | Session B
$40
Ernest Hemingway and Martha Gellhorn were one of the most famous literary couples of the 20th century a partnership fueled by passion, adventure, and creative rivalry. They met in 1936 while covering the Spanish Civil War, where their shared commitment to journalism and storytelling drew them together. Married in 1940, they lived a globe-trotting life filled with war reporting, travel, and intense artistic ambition. Gellhorn, one of the first female war correspondents, refused to live in Hemingway’s shadow, while Hemingway, already a celebrated novelist, struggled with her independence. Their marriage was tempestuous and short-lived, ending in divorce in 1945, but both left an enduring legacy: Hemingway as a master of modern prose, and Gellhorn as a trailblazing journalist who chronicled conflict with courage and compassion.

Lessons of the Holocaust: Jewish Resistance
Instructor: Roberta Matz
Monday | March 16, 23, 30, April 6, 13
10am | Scouts | Exton | Session B
$40
Jewish resistance during the Holocaust 1939-1945 is little known, yet the Jews fought back in passive and active ways, from striving to maintain their dignity and identity to armed fighting and uprisings in ghettos and death camps. The course will cover this little-known topic.

The Ever-Changing World of Sports
Instructor: Bill Werndl
Thursday | February 12, 19, 26, March 5, 12
11:30am – 12:30pm | Scouts | Exton | Session A
$40 
This course will examine some of the hot button issues in sports. It will take a look at how the sports landscape has changed through the years and its impact on fans. Famous local sports personalities will be special guests during the course. Previous guests include Pete Rose, Vince Papale, Merrill Reese, Dick Vermeil, and others.

Through American History with the People of Philadelphia, 1740-1865
Instructor: Jeffrey LaMonica
Tuesday | February 10, 17, 24, March 3, 10
1pm | Widener | Chester | Session A
$40 
This course will focus on the Philadelphia area and Philadelphians in the economic, political, and military history of the United States from 1740 to 1865. Topics will include: Colonial Philadelphia’s economy and Quaker community. Philadelphia and Native American affairs during the French and Indian War. The Philadelphia Campaign of 1777. The Cape May Navy in the American War for Independence. Philadelphia and Philadelphians in the War of 1812, Mexican/American War, and American Civil War.

Peopling Pennsylvania
Instructor: Paul Kelley
Tuesday | February 10, 17, 24, March 3, 10
11:30am | Widener | Chester | Session A
$40 
With a geographic perspective, this class will introduce students to the original inhabitants of the region now known as Pennsylvania and navigate the history of colonization by Europeans. Learn where and how indigenous nations lived and what has happened to them since colonial times. Hear how the Penn family played an active role in planning the settlement of their colony and why so many cultural icons, such as the log cabin and the Conestoga wagon, originated in southeastern Pennsylvania.

America at 250: Making America Lawful Again the US Congress From 1776 to Present
Instructor: Dr Ilise Feitshans
Tuesday | March 17, 24, 31, April 7, 14
1pm | Widener University | Chester | Session B
$40 
This class will explore the role of the US Congress from the standpoint of its rights and obligations under US Constitutional law. The key questions of checks and balances will be discussed from the standpoint of limiting powers of the President and the courts, and expanding all the powers of every branch of government, too. Whether these developments truly serve the greater good of the Republic and foster Democracy will be viewed through the lens of social change. Is the Congress an agent leading sweeping social change, or merely a reflection of political will codifying change that has happened in the society already? Legislation creates new law, but does it merely follow and modify political will so that members of Congress will stay popular and keep their jobs at election time?  Or, does the US Congress create sweeping social change that leads the USA in a new direction towards growth, equality and health for the next 250 years?

Evolution of the Rule of Law:  What it means and why it matters to America
Instructor: Timothy Isaacs, John Koehler, Esq.
Tuesday | March 17, 24, 31, April 7, 14
11:30am | ZOOM | Session B
$40 
Team-taught by a career educator and a practicing attorney, this course follows the evolution of the rule of law from its nascent contributions in the Middle East to Classical Greece and Rome’s focus on democracy and republicanism through the religious and secular upheavals of the Middle Ages to the Enlightenment philosophes’ commentaries on the nature of government in a free society to the historical, political, and social impact of the rule of law on American society over the past 250 years. The goal is to reach the point where participants share their opinions about the role of the rule of law to today’s American culture and character.

The Making of America's Infrastructure
Instructor: Bob Collins
Wednesday | March 18, 25, April 1, 8, 15
10am | Widener University | Chester | Session B
$40 
This course will describe how American ingenuity was responsible for developing the machinery and equipment needed to construct and make use of America's waterways, railroads, mass transit systems, roads and bridges, as well as the electrical grid system. The course will also describe other improvements related to the development and use of electricity.

The Ever-Changing World of Sports
Instructor: Bill Werndl
Thursday | March 19, 26, April 2, 9, 16
11:30am – 12:30pm | Scouts | Exton | Session B
$40 
This course will examine some of the hot button issues in sports. It will take a look at how the sports landscape has changed through the years and its impact on fans. Famous local sports personalities will be special guests during the course. Previous guests include Pete Rose, Vince Papale, Merrill Reese, Dick Vermeil, and others.

Women of the Revolution
Instructor: Roberta Matz, Roberta McManus
Thursday | March 19, 26, April 2, 9, 16
1pm | Scouts | Exton | Session B
$40 
During the founding of this country, women played crucial roles that were quite diverse - spies, writers, fighters, and more. (How many of these women can you name who were not married to famous men?) Join us to learn about the famous and not-so-famous, brave, interesting women who helped form this country and contributed to its development.

The Great Mughals: Part 1  
Instructor: Jeff Heim
Thursday | March 19, 26, April 2, 9, 16
1pm | Scouts | Exton | Session B
$40 
The goal is to understand how the modern Middle East political map evolved.  The Ottoman, Mameluke, Wahhabi, Zionist and colonial power stories are identified.  The result is the emergence of a very muddled area in which there are few identifying markers for solidarity or unity.

Self-Compassion, Mindfulness, and Neuroscience
Instructor: Laurie S Robinson, NBC-HWC
Thursday | February 12, 19, 26, March 5, 12
10am | Scouts | Exton | Session A
$40
From the centerformsc.org: Self-compassion involves responding in the same supportive and understanding way you would with a good friend when you have a difficult time, fail, or notice something you don’t like about yourself. There are three elements which comprise self-compassion: Self-kindness vs. self-judgment, common humanity vs. isolation, and mindfulness vs. over-identification. We will explore Self-Compassion, Mindfulness and the neuroscience research behind the felt experience that this practice improves our relationship to ourselves, one another, and all sentient beings.

Self-Compassion, Mindfulness, and Neuroscience
Instructor: Laurie S Robinson, NBC-HWC
Thursday | March 19, 26, April 2, 9, 16
10am | Scouts | Exton | Session B
$40
From the centerformsc.org: Self-compassion involves responding in the same supportive and understanding way you would with a good friend when you have a difficult time, fail, or notice something you don’t like about yourself. There are three elements which comprise self-compassion: Self-kindness vs. self-judgment, common humanity vs. isolation, and mindfulness vs. over-identification. We will explore Self-Compassion, Mindfulness and the neuroscience research behind the felt experience that this practice improves our relationship to ourselves, one another, and all sentient beings.

The Gentle Art of the Swedish Death Cleaning: Explained
Instructor: Madeline Dobbs
Wednesday | March 18, 25, April 1, 8, 15
1pm | Widener | Chester | Session B
$40 
The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: Explained. It’s inspired by Margareta Magnusson bestselling book, and I’ve adapted it into a very local, real-life approach to how  rethinking what you  keep, give, and let go.

Methods of Dream Analysis
Instructor: Jeffrey Lauterbach JD PhD
Monday | February 9, 16, 23, March 2, 9
11:30am |Scouts | Exton |Session A
$40 
A review of methods of dream analysis: Jungian, Freudian, Archetypal, others

The Benefits of Prayer
Instructor: Janet Coston
Tuesday | March 17, 24, 31, April 7, 14
10am |Widener University | Chester |Session B
$40 
This course explores the many dimensions of prayer and practice as it relates to what you believe. Prayer can be a catalyst to increase your faith, offer peace and joy in the midst of problems or struggles we may face.  "The Benefits of Prayer" is based on biblical principles of the Christian faith but open to all regardless of religion.