Current Classes

UE is going on location to celebrate & explore the work of an American master. Join us for a docent-led tour at The Burchfield Penney Art Center, home to the largest public collection of works by Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967), as well as an archive of more than 10,000 pages of handwritten journals, 25,000 drawings, and other ephemera-including a scale re-creation of the artist's studio. Join us to experience the genius of one of America's most original artists! A GIANT thanks to the Burchfield team!! They were our very first partner for UE events and we want to sincerely thank them for continuing to offer these wonderful opportunities!

Burchfield Penney Art Center, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, at Buffalo State University (Parking in lot R-3, on Burchfield Campus. Registration limited to 140 guests. FREE PARKING! Wheelchairs available & can be reserved in advance by calling 716-878-6011.)

What are some common scams? What tips will prevent you from becoming a victim? This presentation will provide a general overview of the red flags one should watch out for to help identify scams!

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.

Nutrition, Healing, and Culture India and Bangladesh are home to an incredible variety of exotic fruits and vegetables, many celebrated for their healing properties and rich nutritional value. In this class, you'll discover the cultural stories and traditional knowledge behind these foods, and learn how to incorporate them into your everyday meals. Explore flavors and ingredients that are wonderfully different from what you typically find in American grocery stores! (Allow 90 Minutes for class.)

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.

During the Prohibition era, the Ku Klux Klan experienced a powerful resurgence across many northeastern cities. Buffalo became one of the movement's strongest footholds, with thousands of members spread throughout Erie County. But the Klan's grip on the region would ultimately be broken by the extraordinary courage of an undercover investigator whose sacrifice exposed the organization's inner workings. His death not only helped bring about the Klan's collapse in Western New York but also accelerated its decline across the nation.

Long before movie ratings, Hollywood produced films that openly explored crime, romance, politics, corruption, independent women, and the hardships of the Great Depression. This class introduces the world of pre-Code cinema (1930-1934) and uses these films to explore American life during one of the nation's most turbulent decades. Participants will discover why these movies were so different from those that followed and what they reveal about a changing America.

Join University Express and Dr. Michael Cellino for a special 90-minute private tour of Buffalo's historic Cellino/Knox Mansion at 10 am on December 5, graciously hosted by Cellino Law Firm and Dr. Cellino. This rare opportunity offers an inside look at one of Buffalo's most storied homes, where history, architecture, and local legacy come together in an unforgettable experience. The tour is limited to 25 participants, includes free on-site parking, and is not suitable for individuals with mobility concerns due to multiple stairways throughout the mansion.

Address: Cellino Law: 800 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209

What does it take to bring a World War II fighter airplane home? This presentation tells the remarkable story of how volunteers from the Niagara Air & Space Museum acquired, transported, and reassembled a rare three-quarter-scale Curtiss P-40 Warhawk from the Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport, New York. Through photographs and firsthand stories, you'll follow the project from a simple idea to a successful museum exhibit, learning about the planning, teamwork, engineering, and determination required to move an aircraft more than 150 miles. Along the way, you'll also discover the important role Western New York played during World War II, when Buffalo became one of the world's leading aircraft manufacturing centers and the P-40 Warhawk became a symbol of the region's industrial strength and wartime contribution. This engaging presentation celebrates local history, dedicated volunteers, and the preservation of our aviation heritage for future generations.

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

Protect your personal information by mastering Facebook's privacy settings and security tools. This course teaches you how to recognize scams, control who sees your posts, and secure your account against hackers.

The history of cobblestone houses from the glacier age to present. Take a step back in time and discover the fascinating story behind cobblestone houses, from their origins in the age of glaciers to the charming homes we see today. This class will explore how ancient ice movements helped shape the stones themselves, and how early settlers turned those stones into beautiful, lasting buildings. It's a fun mix of natural history and local architecture that brings the past right to your doorstep.

This presentation will focus on the importance of Estate Planning for purposes of avoiding probate and to protect assets from future long-term care costs, such as nursing homes, and to assist with qualifying for Medicaid.

A lively discussion about fire hazards in our homes and reducing damage during basement floods.

Add some cozy fun to your holiday season! Bring your lightly used, complete jigsaw puzzles to our Holiday Puzzle Swap Social and trade them in for festive, new-to-you puzzles to enjoy all winter long.
Arrive between 1 - 2 PM to drop off your puzzles and receive one ticket for every puzzle you bring. Then relax, mingle with fellow puzzle lovers, and enjoy hot cocoa and holiday cookies while our volunteers sort the collection by piece count.
When the Holiday Puzzle Swap "shop" opens, it's time to browse! Use your tickets to select the same number of puzzles to take home. Whether you enjoy quick 300-piece puzzles, 500-piece favorites, or a 1,000-piece challenge, there will be something for every puzzler.
Please make sure puzzles are complete and in good condition. Place the pieces in a sealed zip-top bag inside the box, then secure the box with a rubber band or tape. Bring a puzzle, share some holiday cheer, enjoy a sweet treat, and head home with your next puzzling adventure! (Leftover puzzles will be donated to our Erie County Senior Centers.)

The White House is an enduring symbol of the United States. For more than 225 years, it has served U.S. presidents as a home, office, and stage. Learn about the history and roles of the White House and explore how the building has changed over time.

Learn how early detection can save lives through recommended colorectal and breast cancer screenings. This presentation explains who should be screened, when to get screened, and the screening options available. You'll also learn about free screening services, take-home FIT kits for eligible adults, and programs that can help with follow-up testing and treatment if needed.

This course walks you through the steps of transitioning from traditional cable TV to modern streaming services and over-the-air (OTA) broadcasting. Whether you're looking to save money, gain more control over your viewing choices, or simply modernize your entertainment setup, you'll learn practical strategies to make the switch confidently and successfully. By the end of this course, you will have the knowledge to form your own cord-cutting plan and resources to optimize your viewing experience.

Thousands of planets have been discovered orbiting stars beyond our solar system, revealing a universe filled with remarkable and unexpected worlds. In this engaging class, we will explore how astronomers find these distant planets, what they are like, and what they can teach us about the formation of planetary systems-including our own.

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.

He was a very successful banker and former mayor of Buffalo. As a Congressman, he wrote and helped pass the legislation which financed the Union cause during the Civil War and is the foundation of our modern monetary system.

Angel Ornaments A Meditation Angel Ornament Making Experience - Enter a peaceful, heart-centered space were calm meets creativity. In this two-hour workshop, you'll create your own meditation angel ornament, beginning with a gentle guided meditation to ground and inspire you. Surrounded by soft music and beautiful materials like feathers, crystals, and wood, you'll craft with intention and intuition-no experience needed. We'll close with a reflective sharing circle, and you'll leave with a handmade angel carrying your personal message of peace, love, or protection. All materials provided.

What was the first computer used for? Can computers change their programming? Do robots understand what they are doing? How much trust should we put in technology like driverless cars?

During his second term, President Cleveland underwent a risky operation, then maneuvered to discredit the journalist who reported the story. Years later, the truth was finally revealed. A fascinating look at the intersection of presidency, politics, and journalism.