Virtual Classes

Take this fun journey through Western New York history with various facts and stories about the people, inventions, and accomplishments that were first done in our area.

This large island at the tip of Italy's "boot" was the pit-stop of the Mediterranean. Neanderthal caves, Greeks, Moors, and Norman conquests formed a long and unique culture to the region. The presenter (Vincenza) shares colorful stories through art and research about her four grandparents and a trip up volcano Mt. Etna—which is now erupting again! Come be famigghia for an hour!

Learn the history of the five main heritage parks of Erie County's Parks System! This class includes information on Chestnut Ridge, Emery, Ellicott Creek, Como Lake and Akron Falls parks.

Meditation offers well-known benefits, from reducing stress and anxiety to improving sleep and lowering blood pressure, but getting started can feel overwhelming. In this session, we'll discuss why meditation works and practice some techniques you can easily incorporate into your day.

Join us for a discussion of how your clutter got there in the first place, why it can be difficult to let go, and learn a low/no-mess de-cluttering method. We will also discuss how to create simple systems based on individual organizing styles.

Partially interactive, this class will show components of memory creation. We'll demo a few simple memory exercises, and discuss the role of new medications to ward-off dementia. You'll gain a few tricks to improve memory and hurdle those "senior moments."

Learn how sewer systems are critical for protection of public health and environment. We’ll also cover how they support our economy.

Delve into the wonders of our region, from the majestic Niagara Falls to the serene shores of Lake Erie and uncover the countless treasures that make our county truly exceptional. Whether you're exploring the rich history of the Buffalo History Museum or savoring the flavors of Buffalo's vibrant culinary scene, this class promises to reignite your sense of wonder and appreciation for the remarkable place we call home. Join us as we celebrate Erie County's beauty, culture, and endless opportunities for adventure right at your doorstep!

A class for bourbon and whiskey enthusiasts, those interested in the process of distilling, as well as the history of bourbon and distilling in Buffalo and the United States. Class will include lecture/media portion and discussion/question period.

We'll focus on strategies to preserve & protect assets in the event there is a need for Medicaid, skilled nursing home care, or care in your home. We will discuss how to protect assets and ensure you are provided with good care for the rest of your life—even if you're unable to get through the five-year "look back" period.

Learn tips for taking better photos with your cell phone. Learn how to store them and print them too.

Abigail Powers Fillmore and Caroline Carmichael McIntosh Fillmore looked alike, but were very different. Come meet the ladies who flank President Millard Fillmore at Forest Lawn.

Partially interactive, this class will show components of memory creation. We'll demo a few simple memory exercises, and discuss the role of new medications to ward-off dementia. You'll gain a few tricks to improve memory and hurdle those "senior moments."

Seniors are aware of increased pharmaceutical marketing in our world, but would you like to know how these ads work? We will Look back at early ads (asthma cigarettes?) and the ways in which they grabbed our attention. We'll learn to decipher more subtle message techniques in mass media today. How we see and respond is the human factor. This hour will be a useful eye-opener!

Have you ever wanted to learn how to grocery shop on your phone while watching television? We have the class for you! This class will teach you how to set-up Instacart on your device and also how to use the app. Please allow two hours for this class.

While three American families lost five or more children in battle, the Sullivan family is the only one to lose them on the same day. Our Fletcher-class destroyer honors the family, but come to learn about the more human side to the story.

While three American families lost five or more children in battle, the Sullivan family is the only one to lose them on the same day. Our Fletcher-class destroyer honors the family, but come to learn about the more human side to the story.

A class for bourbon and whiskey enthusiasts, those interested in the process of distilling, as well as the history of bourbon and distilling in Buffalo and the United States. Class will include lecture/media portion and discussion/question period.

Join us to learn about some cool tools that will help make your family history research easier and fun.

Join us for a discussion of how your clutter got there in the first place, why it can be difficult to let go, and learn a low/no-mess de-cluttering method. We will also discuss how to create simple systems based on individual organizing styles.

What separates an IPA from a Lager? How is a Sour Ale made? Learn what makes each beer style unique, and the beer culture/country that made it popular.

Ever wonder where the Buffalo Bills got their name? There were never American bison in our area, so where did the name come from? Join Erie County Historian Douglas Kohler for a look at the myth & legend of "Buffalo Bill"Cody & how his exploits gave us the name of our beloved Bills!

Join two veteran sports reporters from Western New York—Budd Bailey & Stu Boyar—as they answer all your questions about local sports & history. Since there is no set lecture, every program is different. You're guaranteed to be learning & laughing during this session!

Montreal in 1946 was home to two of the world's greatest sports heroes: Maurice Richard of the Canadiens hockey team, and Jackie Robinson of the Royals, a minor-league farm team of the Brooklyn Dodgers. There was a common bond between Richard and Robinson more significant than their talents: A French-Canadian culture and society that served as a support system and a haven from linguistic, religious, and racial discrimination.

Are you a die-hard Buffalo Sabres fan? Do you keep rooting for the Bills year after year? Are you just getting into all that Buffalo sports has to offer? Whether an aficionado or an amateur, this talk is for you! Presented through the eyes of a 60-year-old lifelong Buffalo sports fan, this talk will focus on professional sports in Buffalo, including the history of the Bills, the Bisons, the Braves, the Sabres, and more!

Are you a die-hard Buffalo Sabres fan? Do you keep rooting for the Bills year after year? Are you just getting into all that Buffalo sports has to offer? Whether an aficionado or an amateur, this talk is for you! Presented through the eyes of a 60-year-old lifelong Buffalo sports fan, this talk will focus on professional sports in Buffalo, including the history of the Bills, the Bisons, the Braves, the Sabres, and more!

The birds, the bees, & botany! Learn what really goes on in our gardens. You'll never look at gardens the same old way again!

We'll learn the fundamentals of the Spanish language. This will include basic greetings in Spanish and introducing yourself so you can be prepared for everyday interactions and travel!

We'll take a look at Individuals involved in education, politics, entertainment, sports, religion, social welfare, and white-collar companies of Western New York, including retail, newspapers, hospitality, and other businesses, along with philanthropists that benefited our community.

Join us for a guide to fall prevention.

Grief is a universal experience we all come to understand in different ways. Join us in exploring how different kinds of loss can cause grief, and how best to cope, or help others cope, through the most difficult of times. Practical strategies and useful resources will be available.

In the late 1980s, some 60 miles away in Rochester, a serial killer was on the loose. Women disappeared over a two-year period, with authorities looking everywhere to find a suspect. Learn who was responsible—and how it could have been prevented.

This presentation is an overview of Michelangelo's life with an examination of many of his most famous works, including the Pieta, David, & Sistine Chapel.

Abigail Powers Fillmore and Caroline Carmichael McIntosh Fillmore looked alike, but were very different. Come meet the ladies who flank President Millard Fillmore at Forest Lawn.

The Erie Canal was intended to be built with local labor, however the further west they went the labor force dwindled. The canal was completed with the help of poor, unpopular, and unruly Irish immigrants. This presentation chronicles the issues and scope of the Irish intrusion.

Whether you're a curious beginner or looking to deepen your understanding, this course is designed to demystify the complexities of digital currencies. You will learn the fundamentals, explore the revolutionary concept of decentralized finance and how it challenges traditional systems, and gain insights into cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others. We'll also cover essential topics such as wallet management, securing your digital assets, and the basics of blockchain transactions.

In the late 1980s, some 60 miles away in Rochester, a serial killer was on the loose. Women disappeared over a two-year period, with authorities looking everywhere to find a suspect. Learn who was responsible—and how it could have been prevented.

Learn about the changing climate in Western New York and the simple changes we all can make to reduce the impacts we will feel. Also learn about what the County is doing to partner with the community to take action.

A presentation on the basics of Cannabis, focusing on NYS laws, storage and disposal information, and safer use recommendations. 

In this inspiring class we will delve into the captivating journey of JFK's life, from his upbringing to his presidency, exploring his unwavering dedication to public service, his visionary leadership, and his enduring impact on the nation and the world. We'll pay homage to his courage, charisma, and commitment to justice, inspiring a new generation to embrace his timeless ideals of hope, unity, and progress. Ephemera from JFK's tenure in the presidency will also be presented.

Qigong, while not well known locally, is quickly becoming popular for its ability to help people deal with stress and anxiety while being gentle and nurturing. The slow rhythmic movements along with guided imagery and visualizations, helps the body,mind and emotions! It's easy to do, and not complicated to learn and can be adapted to be done by everyone! Allow two hours for class. Class size limited to 25.

Our area has come a long way from the unexplored wilderness it was at the end of the Revolution in 1783! Western New York is home to two major east-west transcontinental highways—Interstate 90, the longest route in the Interstate Highway System, and U.S. Route 20, the longest road in the older U.S.-Numbered Highway System and also the longest road in America. Join us to learn more fascinating history about our Buffalo roadways.

Set in Buffalo during Prohibition, this true story involves a group of Polish East Side gangsters. Korney Kwiatkowski leads the gang that robs and kills its way to the front pages—and a surprise ending.

Working as the research analyst, Ryan has to make sure the sources of the data are truthful and accurate. This class will show you how to spot false information, and tips to find accurate information for the topics that pique your interests.