Current Classes

This class traces mahjong from its roots in 19th-century China to its reinvention in the United States, showing how one game became many traditions through migration, mythmaking, commercialization, community life, and modern revival.

This illustrated talk describes the intersections between two of America's most famous men of the late 19th and early 20th centuries: Teddy Roosevelt and Mark Twain. They covered some of the same physical terrain in Buffalo, they were both authors and orators, they were beloved by the American public, they both had gigantic egos, their domestic lives were filled with a tight family circle spent in gorgeous mansions and were plagued by tragedy, they were both conflicted about wealth, the average, common laborer and entrepreneurship, and they had deep respect for each other on a personal level. However, they had distinctly different lifestyles, and were worlds apart on economic and political policies. These key differences were mostly expressed in private, but sometimes spilled over into the public arena. Their relationship was complicated. For example, Twain once called Roosevelt "far and away the worst president we have ever had." The presenter's two books on Twain in Buffalo will be available for purchase and signing.

Buffalo is renowned for the architecture of its built environment. Not only does the city have significant masterpieces but the details behind who, how and why these buildings were constructed are both interesting and, oftentimes, quite surprising. Get a whole new perspective of Buffalo's stellar architecture as you hear the stories these buildings will reveal.

Held in March, the annual dogsled race, which began in 1973, covers almost 1,000 miles between Anchorage and Nome, Alaska. The race follows the route of a medical emergency back in 1925. What are the rules and requirements for the race? Who is Susan Butcher and what record does she hold in regard to the race? Included will be pictures taken by the presenter during a 2025 trip to Alaska.

It was the time of musical experimentation, the British invasion in music and fashion, and the emergence of pop culture. It was also the time of political violence, the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War.

Join University Express and New York State Parks for a guided birdwatching walk at beautiful Knox Farm State Park! Explore the park's scenic fields and woodlands while learning to identify birds by sight, sound, and habitat. Led by Environmental Educator Michael Adriaansen, this relaxed outdoor program offers the chance to look for bobolinks, eastern meadowlarks, and other grassland birds. High-tech binoculars will be available to share-no birdwatching experience required! Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. The program will last about 90 minutes and may be adjusted for weather and the group's comfort level. (25 person limit - free parking)

Address: Knox Farm State Park, Main Parking Lot, 437 Buffalo Rd, East Aurora, NY 14052

Staying safe online is not as hard as you might think - This workshop includes understanding what a Patient Portal is, how to set one up and keep it secure, and how to use it to help manage your health. Learn how to make or modify appointments through the portal, understand how to access a virtual appointment, learn how to ask questions of your healthcare provider, and learn how to troubleshoot common problems. (2 hour class)

Describes how to access Family Court without a lawyer, and how it functions for people. Examples of Grandparents and Senior Citizens issues will be used

Go back in time to experience the 101-year history of Crystal Beach Park from 1888 to 1989, featuring the Cyclone and Comet roller coasters, Laff in The Dark, and Magic Carpet.

Walt Disney had dreams of creating a theme park that explored many of his own dreams and wishes. Learn of his inspirations, the construction and completion of the "Happiest Place on Earth," along with many of the inventions that changed the industry.

Buffalo's East Side Industry reviews 141 businesses that were or are still located on the East Side. The images included represent an immensely diverse industrial base when the East Side was the ethnic, cultural, and manufacturing center for Buffalo and Western New York. The author will discuss some of these businesses in detail, talk about the growth of industry in Buffalo and the process used to write industry review book. Instructor: Shane E. Stephenson, Director of Museum Collections, Buffalo Naval Park

Fall fun starts here! Join Eric and the University Express team for a cheerful, easygoing walk through the beautiful trails of Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve. This relaxed saunter is perfect for everyone-no hiking experience needed-just come ready to enjoy crisp autumn air, brilliant foliage, and plenty of smiles along the way. It's a great chance to unwind, connect, and soak in the beauty of the season together. All are welcome, so grab a friend and come wander with us!

Address: 93 Honorine Dr, Depew, NY 14043 (We will meet in the lot)

Teach awareness, prevention and simple self defense skills.

Little things that I do day in day out to keep me healthy and full of energy.

This class will teach you the skills needed to perform hands only CPR on adults and infants. This is not a certificate course, but you will leave knowing that you can save a life.

If you are the executor of a will, the trustee of a trust, or someone's power of attorney agent, you are taking on a very serious responsibility. This presentation introduces these roles and helps participants anticipate and avoid the common mistakes that people make when handling financial transactions on behalf of their loved ones.

Step right up and join us for a fun and interactive Spin the Wheel game where you can test your knowledge, win prizes, and learn valuable services available to our older adults in our community! Whether you're a senior or a caregiver this is a great chance to explore services that are meant to keep you or a loved one healthy, safe and independent. Come spin, learn and WIN!

Composting is a form of recycling, a natural way of returning needed nutrients to the soil. Let's learn about what composting is, community composting programs to get involved with, and ways to compost at home.

Discover the life and times of the real defunct and abandoned amusement parks featured in the middle-grade paranormal mystery series Dead Park Tales.

Buffalo's East Side Industry reviews 141 businesses that were or are still located on the East Side. The images included represent an immensely diverse industrial base when the East Side was the ethnic, cultural, and manufacturing center for Buffalo and Western New York. The author will discuss some of these businesses in detail, talk about the growth of industry in Buffalo and the process used to write industry review book. Instructor: Shane E. Stephenson, Director of Museum Collections, Buffalo Naval Park

Declutter your digital life by organizing your files, clearing out unneeded emails, and managing your cloud storage. You will learn practical strategies to streamline your devices, free up space, and reduce daily digital overwhelm.

There are several ways to move your assets from yourself to your heirs. Each comes with its own advantages and disadvantages and some create unforeseen problems or tax consequences. This is an exploration of the options you have when trying to make sure your assets end up in the hands of those you intended to receive them. We discuss the best ways to accomplish this while avoiding any potential pitfalls.

Celebrate the spooky season by creating your own wearable work of art! In this fun, hands-on workshop, participants will design and craft a unique spooky-themed necklace using a variety of materials, including: beads, yarn, twine, charms, fabric, natural elements, and mixed-media embellishments. Draw inspiration from pumpkins, ghosts, bats, spiders, haunted houses, autumn leaves and other seasonal symbols to create a piece that reflects your own spooky style. Learn simple jewelry-making and art techniques while exploring color, texture and creative expression. Perfect for beginners and creative makers of all skill levels! All materials will be provided and participants will leave with a wearable spooky art necklace. (The workship lasts 2 hours.)

From windshield wipers to air conditioning to the implantable pacemaker, WNY has a long history of invention and innovation. Yet it's an often untold story! For almost 200 years, things made right here in Buffalo (and WNY) have influenced the world! Join Erie County Historian Doug Kohler on a virtual tour of inventors and inventions from WNY that have had a global impact.