Made in Alabama Brand Partner
We will offer courses, field trips, and social events aligned with this theme: America 250 Alabama: A Statewide Celebration
As we step into 2026, our nation proudly celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. In recognition of this historic milestone, America 250 Alabama is hosting a series of educational, community, and commemorative events across the state to honor our shared history and inspire future generations.
To learn more about upcoming events and opportunities to participate, visit america250al.org
OLLI SPRING 2026
America250 at OLLI: Learning Through History, Culture, and Legacy (Public Program)
OLLI presents
LaFayette in Alabama: A Revolutionary’s Farewell
Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026 | 2:30 p.m.
Bryant Conference Center, Rast Room
Dr. Richard Rhone
Don’t miss this dynamic program where history steps off the page! A Revolutionary War veteran—portrayed in period attire—recounts the 1825 visit of Marquis de Lafayette to Alabama, sharing stories of his travels, the people he met, and the significance to the state.
Public Programs (2 in person, 4 online).
Brief Summary: Parking/Gate Code for 250-Series Courses
Please call the OLLI office at 205-348-6482 to receive the gate code for parking when you are attending 250-series courses on the UA campus. Having the code ensures you can enter the designated lot or deck without risk of a ticket from Parking Services, and makes your visit more enjoyable and stress-free.
These events are free and open to the public, providing an opportunity for everyone to learn, reflect, and engage in this historic milestone.
While registration is encouraged to help us prepare for attendees, it is not required — all are welcome to participate.
Come be part of the conversation as we honor our nation’s past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future together!
- TUS 197 Mini Medical School
- Various Presenters
- Jan. 20, 27; Feb. 3, 10
- • Noon-1:15 pm
- Bryant Conference Center
- Kandis Snyder, Coordinator
- The University of Alabama’s College of Community Sciences and University Medical Center hosts this lecture series, where faculty physicians and allied health professionals present a different medical topic each week, offering insight into timely health issues.
- TUS 198 Lagniappe – Various Topics
- Various Presenters
- Jan. 21, 28; Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25; March 4, 11
- Noon-1:15 p.m.
- Bryant Conference Center
- Sandra Ray, Coordinator
- Enjoy a wide range of topics—from history and travel to the arts, hobbies, and local stories. Each week, a different speaker shares their expertise and passion.
- • Jan. 21 — America 250al: How is Alabama Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday?, Natalie Steed, Melanie Poole
- • Feb. 11 — American Flag History and Etiquette, Bev Leigh
- • Feb. 18 — Pre-Revolutionary Naval Militia, Landon Miller
- OL 181 America250al: How Alabama is Celebrating America’s 250th?
- Jan. 21
- • 10:30-11:45 a.m.
- Natalie Steed, Melanie Poole
- Get an inside look at Alabama’s role in the upcoming America250 celebration. This session offers updates on statewide initiatives, educational programs, and commemorative events planned for the nation’s 250th anniversary. Learn how OLLI members can engage with history and contribute to this milestone moment.
- OL 182 The American Revolution and the Fate of the World
- Richard Bell
- Discover how the American Revolution reshaped global history. Author Richard Bell explores the far-reaching consequences of the Revolution, from its impact on international politics to its influence on democratic movements worldwide.
- OL 183 Fourteenth Colony: The Forgotten Story of the Gulf South During America’s Revolutionary Era
- Mike Bunn
- Feb. 9 • 10:30-11:45 a.m.
- Historian Mike Bunn explores the overlooked story of West Florida, Britain’s forgotten 14th colony — which included parts of Alabama. Discover its bold leaders, political struggles, and dramatic battles that shaped Gulf Coast history during America’s Revolutionary era.
Courses identified with America250 designation logo
(OLLI 250 Courses – In Person and Online)
As part of the America 250 celebration, OLLI at The University of Alabama is offering a special lineup of in-person and online courses designed to explore our nation’s history, culture, and shared journey over the past 250 years. These thought-provoking courses invite members to learn, reflect, and connect through engaging discussions and expert-led presentations.
Participation in OLLI 250 courses is exclusive to OLLI members. Not a member yet? Join Now and be part of a vibrant community of lifelong learners celebrating this historic milestone together.
Tuscaloosa Courses (12 in person courses, plus 6 one-time = 18)
- TUS 105 “What Could Have Been, the Founding Martyr” (America250)
- Craig Patterson
- Feb. 16, 23; March 2, 9
- Bryant Conference Center
- 10:30-11:45 a.m.
- Discover the life of Dr. Joseph Warren, a patriot leader and member of the Sons of Liberty, whose early death left many wondering what might have been. Explore his role in shaping the Revolution and consider how history could have changed had he lived to help build the new nation.
- TUS 108 Alabama Historic Preservation GIS Portal (America 250) (one-time)
- Joseph Massey
- Feb. 9
- Bryant Conference Center
- • 10:30-11:45 a.m.
- Discover Alabama’s historic places through interactive maps and data. This powerful tool promotes awareness, research, and preservation — encouraging users to explore their heritage and help protect it for future generations.
- TUS 111 Three Degrees of Separation from Alabama to 1776 (America250)
- Steve Davis
- Jan. 26; Feb. 2, 9
- Bryant Conference Center
- • Noon-1:15 p.m.
- Explore the patriots and policies of the American Revolutionary War that became a driving force in the creation of the state of Alabama.
- TUS 112 West Point: America’s Treasure on the Hudson (America250)
- Dr. Leroy Hurt
- Feb. 16, 23; March 2, 9
- Bryant Conference Center
- • Noon-1:15 p.m.
- Become acquainted with West Point’s history, including its pivotal role during the American Revolution. This four-session course will introduce members to historical developments in West Point’s academic, physical, military, and character pillars that continually evolve to prepare graduates for service to the nation.
- TUS 113 Post Revolution: The Colonies Become a Nation (America 250)
- Larry Fagen
- Jan. 26; Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23; Mar. 2, 9
- Bryant Conference Center
- • 1:30-2:45 p.m.
- Once the United States’ borders had been set, the time came to fill in the spaces. This course will explore the “good, the bad, and the ugly” of those efforts. From governmental-inspired plans and profit-driven projects to groundswell pressures from a growing populace, we will see how a great, but imperfect, new nation emerged.
- TUS 117 Mad About These Movies – 2 selections
- Feb. 9; Mar. 2
- Bryant Conference Center
- • 3-4:15 p.m.
- Amelia Yessick, Coordinator
- Feb. 9 — “Drums Along the Mohawk” (1939), PG — The American Revolution from a family perspective — Presenter: Nancy Dupree (America250)
- March 2 — “Yankee Doodle Dandy” (1942), PG — Featuring the song considered the anthem of the American Revolution — Presenter: Ron Wilson (America250)
- TUS 129 The Mythical Life and Death of George Armstrong Custer (America 250)
- Lowell Smith
- Jan. 20, 27; Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24; Mar. 3, 10
- Bryant Conference Center
- • Noon-1:15 pm
- George Custer had an eventful but very short life. The facts of many of the events in his life are shrouded in myth, whether his time as a cadet at West Point or his death at Little Bighorn. This course examines the myths and discusses the facts.
- TUS 132 A Roundup of Old West Characters (OLLI Shares) (America250)
- Dr. Richard Rhone
- Jan. 20, 27; Feb. 3, 10
- Bryant Conference Center
- • 1:30-2:45 p.m.
- Moving beyond the legends and myths, we will discover the complex lives of several diverse Wild West individuals. Through the stories of courage, ambition, and survival of these trailblazers, we will hopefully gain insight into the social, political, and cultural forces that fostered core American values that still help define the national identity.
- TUS 133 Closing the Frontier: The Apache Wars (OLLI Shares) (America250)
- Dr. Richard Rhone
- Feb. 17, 24; Mar. 3, 10
- Bryant Conference Center
- • 1:30-2:45 p.m.
- For over 25 years, the American military was involved in a violent struggle with the Apache for control of the southwestern frontier. At the end of this costly conflict, the frontier was open, and the Apache leaders were imprisoned in Alabama, Florida, and Oklahoma. We’ll discuss the issues, the battles, the personalities, and why this war was so important in American history.
- TUS 147 Creating a Quilt Pattern Mosaic Stepping Stone (America 250)
- Dr. Sharon Shelton, Linda Munoz, Machelle Banks
- March 11- 12 (Wed/Thurs)
- Kentuck Art Center, Clarke Building
- 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Material Fee: $20
- To celebrate our country’s 250th anniversary, students will design their stepping stone using a quilt pattern. Participants will select and glue the glass and enjoy selected colors and patterns for the stone.
- TUS 151 Barbecue Communication: History, Science, Communities, and Cultures (America250)
- Dr. Darrin Griffin
- Feb. 18, 25; Mar. 4, 11
- Bryant Conference Center
- • 10:30-11:45 a.m.
- Material Fee: $25
- This class explores barbecue as a form of communication — examining its history, science, and cultural traditions. Participants discover how food shapes communities and expresses identity while also learning hands-on cooking techniques and tasting barbecue along the way.
- TUS 152 The Cycles of History: America’s Founding and the Great Reset (America250)
- Landon Miller
- Jan 21, 28; Feb. 4, 11
- Bryant Conference Center
- • 10:30-11:45 a.m.
- Explore the founding era of the United States through the lens of historical cycles. This four-session course links the Colonial South to today’s global shifts, revealing how America stands at the center of a transformative moment in world history.
- TUS 153 America in Sound: 250 Years of Music and Identity (OLLI Shares) (America250)
- Dr. Amir Zaheri
- Feb. 18, 25; Mar. 4, 11
- Bryant Conference Center
- • 10:30-11:45 a.m.
- Explore 250 years of American music — from classical and folk roots to jazz, Broadway, country, and rock. This class examines how composers and communities use music to express freedom, struggle, innovation, and national identity. (TUS 153 Continued)
- TUS 154 Lagniappe-Various Topics
- TUS 154 Lagniappe-Various Topics
- Jan. 21, 28; Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25; March 4, 11
- Bryant Conference Center
- • Noon-1:15 p.m.
- Sandra Ray, coordinator
- Enjoy a wide range of topics—from history and travel to the arts, hobbies, and local stories. Each week, a different speaker shares their expertise and passion.
- Jan. 21 — America 250al: How is Alabama Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday?, Natalie Steed, Melanie Poole
- Feb. 11 — American Flag History and Etiquette, Bev Leigh
- Feb. 18 — Pre-Revolutionary Naval Militia, Landon Miller
- TUS 171 THE Scots-Irish Influence on American Culture and Independence (America250)
- Feb. 18, 25; Mar. 4, 11
- Bryant Conference Center
- • 3-4:15 p.m.
- Dr. Lee Keyes
- Follow the Scots-Irish from Celtic roots through Scotland and Ulster to colonial America. Discover their passion for liberty, role in shaping the Declaration of Independence, and eagerness to fight in the Revolutionary War. Their culture and traditions live on among 35 million descendants today.
Online Courses
- OL 102 Alabama Historic Preservation GIS Portal (America250) (one time)
- Joseph Massey
- Feb. 9 • 10:30-11:45 a.m.
- Discover Alabama’s historic places through interactive maps and data. This powerful tool promotes awareness, research, and preservation — encouraging users to explore their heritage and help protect it for future generations.
- OL 104 Three Degrees of Separation from Alabama to 1776 (America250)
- Steve Davis
- Jan. 26; Feb. 2, 9 • Noon-1:15 p.m.
- Explore the patriots and policies of the American Revolutionary War that became a driving force in the creation of the state of Alabama.
- OL 108 A Roundup of Old West Characters (OLLI Shares) (America250)
- Dr. Richard Rhone
- Jan. 20, 27; Feb. 3, 10 • 1:30-2:45 p.m.
- Moving beyond the legends and myths, we will discover the complex lives of several diverse Wild West individuals. Through the stories of courage, ambition, and survival of these trailblazers, we will hopefully gain insight into the social, political, and cultural forces that fostered core American values that still help define the national identity.
- OL 109 Closing the Frontier: The Apache Wars (OLLI Shares) (America250)
- Dr. Richard Rhone
- Feb. 17, 24: March 3, 10 • 1:30-2:45 p.m.
- For over 25 years, the American military was involved in a violent struggle with the Apache for control of the southwestern frontier. At the end of this costly conflict, the frontier was open, and the Apache leaders were imprisoned in Alabama, Florida, and Oklahoma. We’ll discuss the issues, the battles, the personalities, and why this war was so important in American history.
- OL 111 America in Sound: 250 Years of Music and Identity (America250)
- Dr. Amir Zaheri
- Feb. 18, 25; March 4, 11 • 10:30-11:45 a.m.
- Explore 250 years of American music — from classical and folk roots to jazz, Broadway, country, and rock. This class examines how composers and communities use music to express freedom, struggle, innovation, and national identity.
- OL 112 America250AL: How is Alabama Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday? (OLLI Shares) (America250)
- Natalie Steed, Melanie Poole
- Jan. 21 • Noon-1:15 p.m. Get an inside look at Alabama’s role in the upcoming America250 celebration. This session offers updates on statewide initiatives, educational programs, and commemorative events planned for the nation’s 250th anniversary. Discover how OLLI members can engage with history and contribute to this significant milestone.
- OL 118 The American Revolution and the Fate of the World (America250) (one-time)
- Richard Bell
- Jan. 22 • 10:30-11:45 a.m.
- Discover how the American Revolution reshaped global history. Author Richard Bell explores the far-reaching consequences of the Revolution, from its impact on international politics to its influence on democratic movements worldwide.
- OL 119 Fourteenth Colony: The Forgotten Story of the Gulf South during America’s Revolutionary Era (America250) (one-time)
- Mike Bunn
- Jan. 29
- • 10:30-11:45 a.m.
- Historian Mike Bunn explores the overlooked story of West Florida, Britain’s forgotten 14th colony, which included parts of Alabama. Discover its bold leaders, political struggles, and dramatic battles that shaped Gulf Coast history during America’s Revolutionary era.