"First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen." George Washington’s name is etched across the American landscape—31 states have a county named for him, and 88 cities bear his name. But beyond the monuments and myths lies a real man who carefully crafted a public persona in response to his immense fame. Join historian Frank Sachs as he explores the life, character, and lasting impact of America’s first president—a man admired not only for his leadership but, above all, for his integrity. Washington was tall (he would stand at 6’7” by today’s standards), athletic, handsome, a graceful dancer, self-educated, and by all accounts, charismatic. His contemporaries treated him with almost divine reverence, and his influence was felt time and again in the shaping of the young republic. This engaging course seeks to answer essential questions: Why was Washington so celebrated in his own time? What set him apart as a leader? What were his indispensable contributions to America's founding? Why was he revered almost as a deity during and after his lifetime? And why, in recent times, has his reputation declined? Through compelling storytelling and thought-provoking analysis, Frank Sachs will help us look past the marble image and rediscover the man who helped build a nation.

This course is designed to scrutinize the disparities between the findings of the Warren Commission and the United States House of Representatives regarding the assassination of President Kennedy. The Warren Commission, which conducted a ten-month investigation and released its conclusions in September 1964, will be compared with the conclusions reached by the House of Representatives, which conducted a more extensive thirty-one-month investigation and published its report in March 1979. Throughout the course, participants will have the opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of the controversies surrounding President Kennedy's assassination. The 2-hour sessions are structured to provide ample time for participants to share their comments and pose questions, fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment. This approach encourages a well-rounded exploration of the subject matter, allowing participants to delve into various perspectives and gain a deeper insight into the complexities surrounding this historical event.