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 195 Mini Medical School
- Various Presenters
- TUS 196 Lagniappe – Various Topics
- Various Presenters
- OL 181 Mini-Medical School
- Various Presenters
- OL 182 America250AL: How is Alabama Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday (OLLI Shares) (America250 ) (one-time)
- Natalie Steed, Melanie Poole
- OL 183 The American Revolution and the Fate of the World (America250) (One-time)
- Richard Bell
- OL 184 Fourteenth Colony: The Forgotten Story of the Gulf South during American’s Revolutionary Era (America250) (one-time)
- Mike Bunn
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
- TUS 108 Alabama Historic Preservation GIS Portal (America 250) (one-time)
- Joseph Massey
- TUS 111 Three Degrees of Separation from Alabama to 1776 (America250)
- Steve Davis
- TUS 112 West Point: America’s Treasure on the Hudson (America250)
- Dr. Leroy Hurt
- TUS 113 Post Revolution: The Colonies Become a Nation (America 250)
- Larry Fagen
- TUS 117 Mad About These Movies – 2 selections
- 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
- TUS 132 A Roundup of Old West Characters (OLLI Shares) (America250)
- Dr. Richard Rhone
- TUS 133 Closing the Frontier: The Apache Wars (OLLI Shares) (America250)
- Dr. Richard Rhone
- TUS 147 Creating a Quilt Pattern Mosaic Stepping Stone (America 250)
- Sharon Shelton, Linda Munoz, Machelle Banks
- TUS 151 Barbecue Communication: History, Science, Communities, and Cultures (America250)
- Dr. Darrin Griffin
- TUS 152 The Cycles of History: America’s Founding and the Great Reset (America250)
- Landon Miller
- TUS 153 America in Sound: 250 Years of Music and Identity (OLLI Shares) (America250)
- Dr. Amir Zaheri
- TUS 154 Lagniappe – Various Topics – 3 selections
- Jan. 21 — America250: How is Alabama Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday, Natalie Steed, Melanie Poole (America250)
- Feb. 11 — American Flag History and Etiquette, Bev Leigh (America250)
- Feb. 18 — Pre-Revolutionary Naval Militia, Landon Miller (America250)
- TUS 172 The Scots-Irish Influence on American Culture and Independence (America250)
- Dr. Lee Keyes
Online Courses
- OL 102 Alabama Historic Preservation GIS Portal (America250) (one time)
- Joseph Massey
- OL 104 Three Degrees of Separation from Alabama to 1776 (America250)
- Steve Davis
- OL 108 A Roundup of Old West Characters (OLLI Shares) (America250)
- Dr. Richard Rhone
- OL 109 Closing the Frontier: The Apache Wars (OLLI Shares) (America250)
- Dr. Richard Rhone
- OL 111 America in Sound: 250 Years of Music and Identity (America250)
- Dr. Amir Zaheri
- OL 112 America250AL: How is Alabama Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday? (OLLI Shares) (America250)
- Natalie Steed, Melanie Poole
- OL 118 The American Revolution and the Fate of the World (America250) (one-time)
- Richard Bell
- OL 119 Fourteenth Colony: The Forgotten Story of the Gulf South during American’s Revolutionary Era (America250) (one-time)
- Mike Bunn