Virtual Classes

This talk revives the exciting history of the entertainment community in Buffalo. Are you a movie buff? We will talk about the variety of theatres that would have shown everyone from Charlie Chaplin to Cary Grant to the original Star Wars. Is music more your speed? We will help you imagine where you would have sat to listen to the likes of Sinatra, Elvis, the Stones, and the Goo Goo Dolls. From vaudeville to live stage productions, Buffalo has been home to wondrous theatres and other venues which are no longer physically with us but, through this talk, can once again be part of our collective memory.

The American Women quarters program is a series of commemorative quarters released by the United States Mint from 2022 through 2025. They feature designs of notable women in U.S. history, commemorating the centennial of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Learn about these 20 amazing women who worked for women's suffrage, civil rights, government, humanities, science, space, and arts.

History is back in the ring! Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz and City of Buffalo Historian Lindsey Lauren Visser return to the ring for a lively, laugh-filled historical battle featuring two soon-to-be-announced iconic characters. Hear the arguments, uncover the drama, cheer for your favorite, and help decide who deserves the crown!
Expect sharp arguments, surprising stories, playful rivalry, and plenty of audience energy as our contenders battle it out over leadership, legacy, influence, and their place in history. You will learn the real stories behind two larger-than-life figures, cheer for your favorite, and help decide: who wins the rumble?
Come celebrate the official start of University Express's Fall semester with a class that is part history lesson, part live performance, and all fun!

Location: Burchfield Penney Art Center Auditorium, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, at Buffalo State University (Parking in lot R-3, on Burchfield Campus). Registration limited to 140 guests. FREE PARKING!

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)

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.

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!

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.

Many individuals are surprised to learn that a Will does not avoid probate. This presentation will explain the probate process in New York, including how assets are transferred after death, the role of the Surrogate's Court, and the responsibilities of executors and beneficiaries. Participants will learn which assets pass through probate, which assets pass outside of probate, and common strategies used to simplify estate administration and avoid unnecessary court involvement. The course will also discuss probate avoidance techniques, including beneficiary designations, joint ownership, transfer-on-death arrangements, and trust planning.

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.

We will examine the origin of the Ice Boom, what it is made of , and whether other Communities have similar installations. We will also discuss environmental evidence of the effect of the Boom on our local weather

This class introduces seniors of all income levels to programs that can meaningfully reduce household energy costs. An Energy Affordability Specialist will explain federal, state, and local programs including HEAP, EAP, EEAP, ECLIPSE, and EmPower+. These programs can collectively provide hundreds to thousands of dollars in heating assistance, electric bill discounts, and home energy-efficiency improvements at little or no cost. After the class, attend an Erie County Energy Affordability Outreach event for personalized assistance completing and submitting applications for multiple programs in one visit. Check your senior center or local library schedule for an upcoming Energy Affordability Outreach event.

Join two long-time friends and veteran sports reporters from Western New York, Budd Bailey & Stu Boyar, as they answer all your questions about local sports - past and present. No subject is off-limits, and Budd and Stu have many stories to tell about their careers in journalism. Since there is no set lecture, every program is different. You're guaranteed to be learning & laughing during this session.

Step back to 1943 and imagine yourself reporting for your first shift at Bell Aircraft - overalls on, rivet gun in hand. During WW2 thousands of women took on rolls once reserved for men, drilling, riveting, and inspecting aircraft that would take flight overseas. In this session we'll explore their groundbreaking contributions through photos, stories, and even a hands-on look at the tools they used so that you can feel the weight of their work. Beyond the factory floor, we'll also consider what it meant for women to step into this world of heavy industry, and the lasting legacy they left behind when peace returned.

Haitians today live in a violent, gang-ruled society. They find some comfort in their national religion, Vodou. This complex religious system has been widely misunderstood and sensationalized, largely due to false popular beliefs created about it during its suppression under the terrible century-long Code Noir of King Louis XIV, issued in 1685. In fact, Vodou is the premiere Afro-Caribbean religious system, offering comfort and protection to believers, which likely began among the African slaves transported to Hispaniola as early as 1505. It developed as a blending of various African beliefs with French Catholic and indigenous Taino beliefs. The port of New Orleans had been closed by its own code noir; the need for labor generated by the Louisiana Purchase of 1804 re-opened the port to the importation of slaves, and Vodou morphed into "Voodoo." This is the story of Haitian Vodou, and its role in that nation's exemplary and tragic history.

Amazing discoveries don't require an expensive subscription. Come explore free genealogy websites that can help you find ancestors, break through brick walls, and save money.

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.

An examination of the origins and traditions of this internationally celebrated holiday. From its earliest foundations to the present day, it provides mystery and enjoyment to the world.

Did you know that male honeybees have a mother but no father? That there are "winter bees" which live longer than the usual 6 weeks? Plus, more!

The Navy promoted only four lifelong Navy men to the rank of fleet Admiral, or Five-Star. This is the story of how their career paths and personalities worked together to overcome the Axis powers in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans during WW2. Let's discuss!

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

Every day, Americans are losing millions of dollars to scammers. Older adults are particularly targeted, and the effects of scams can be catastrophic, both financially and emotionally. Technology is making it easier for scammers to target more people and it makes their schemes harder to detect. But there are things we can do to stay safe. This course will focus on tech support scams, but techniques covered can be used against many types of scams. It will examine how scammers select their targets, the techniques they use to manipulate us, and what we can do to protect ourselves. The interactive format allows participants to practice protective behaviors and begin to develop habits that will keep them safe from scams. Participants will also have access to supplemental online resources to continue to refine their scam-safety skills.

A 9300-mile geology field trip taken with my family in 1993 is told in multi-generational journaling and many photos.

This class is a lecture on 72 Sycamore, a former 1848 Brothel owned by Irish Immigrant Eliza Quirk. This lecture will focus on the history from Eliza to the current status as Preservation Buffalo Niagara's future home. Dark undertones include sex work and homicides.

Learn about what causes trouble in family and partner relationships. This is about families carrying addictions, and multi-generational losses and its effect on children, the next generation. Learn what can be done with love to start to heal and live your desired life.

Buffalo has some beautiful Mansions that were constructed in the Late 19th and Early Twentieth Centuries, a time sometimes referred to as the Gilded Age . We will examine who designed them and for whom. We look at some of the architectural features as well as the current uses of the Mansions.