Lectures For Lifelong Learners!

This program explores Charles Lindbergh’s surprising ties to Arizona, from visits to Meteor Crater to his celebrated 1927 arrival in Tucson aboard the Spirit of St. Louis, which featured a welcome gift of a full-scale model of his plane built out of cactus. It also examines his role in advancing commercial aviation in the state and his pioneering aerial photography of archaeological sites with Anne Morrow Lindbergh.

Route 66 is known for classic Americana, but it also holds a remarkable place in space history. This presentation explores the highway’s connections to astronauts, astronomers, Meteor Crater, UFO lore, and key sites that helped shape America’s journey into space.

Featuring photographs from my 2024 book The Grand Canyon, this program compares historic and modern views of one of America’s most iconic landscapes. Through repeat photography, audiences will see how the canyon and its visitor facilities have changed over time while retaining their timeless appeal.

Discover the true story behind Brighty, the free-roaming burro who became one of the Grand Canyon’s most beloved legends. This presentation compares the real Brighty to the fictionalized versions in the popular book and film and examines the controversy surrounding his statue.

The Lincoln Memorial is one of America’s most cherished landmarks and a symbol of unity, democracy, and remembrance. This presentation explores its history, architecture, and enduring role in the nation’s public life.

This program examines Theodore Roosevelt’s many connections to Arizona, from his visits to the territory and state to the conservation policies that helped shape its landscape. Along the way, audiences will discover how Roosevelt became a lasting symbol of Arizona pride.

Flagstaff’s rich history comes alive through stories of notable people, remarkable events, and unexpected achievements. Drawing from Historic Tales of Flagstaff, this presentation features historic images and narratives about figures ranging from Theodore Roosevelt and Charles Lindbergh to Apollo astronauts and Navajo Code Talkers.

Explore the life of bestselling western author Zane Grey and his deep connection to Arizona. The presentation focuses on Call of the Canyon, revealing how Oak Creek Canyon inspired one of Grey’s most popular novels and its film adaptation.

Del Webb’s name is found on communities across the nation, but few know the story behind the man. This presentation traces his rise as a real estate developer, businessman, and baseball owner whose influence helped transform the modern Southwest.

Buckey O’Neill was one of Arizona’s most legendary pioneers, serving as a publisher, sheriff, mayor, prospector, and Rough Rider. This program explores his adventurous life and the enduring legacy he left on the Arizona frontier.

Spring training has been part of Arizona’s baseball tradition for more than a century. This presentation traces its evolution from early exhibition games and training camps to the thriving Cactus League enjoyed by millions today.

John Weatherford was a visionary entrepreneur who helped shape early Flagstaff. This presentation highlights his life, civic leadership, and the story of the iconic Weatherford Hotel, which has stood at the heart of the community for more than a century.

Robert Goddard’s pioneering work transformed rocketry from fantasy into reality and paved the way for the Space Age. This program explores his groundbreaking experiments, historic rocket launches, and the important role his wife Esther played in preserving his legacy.

While working at Lowell Observatory, Robert Burnham, Jr. created Burnham’s Celestial Handbook, one of the most influential astronomy guides ever published. This presentation examines both his remarkable achievement and the complex life of the man behind it.

The 24-inch Clark Telescope is one of America’s most celebrated scientific instruments. This program traces its history through groundbreaking discoveries, notable visitors, and its recent restoration.

Before Lowell Observatory could be founded, Percival Lowell’s team undertook an ambitious site-testing expedition across Arizona Territory. This presentation follows that journey and explains how it led to the establishment of one of the world’s most influential observatories.

Flagstaff played a critical role in the Apollo program through lunar mapping, astronaut training, and equipment testing. This presentation reveals how a small Arizona city contributed to one of humanity’s greatest achievements.

The discovery of Pluto by Clyde Tombaugh is one of astronomy’s most inspiring success stories. This program follows his journey from a Kansas farm to Lowell Observatory, where perseverance and talent led him to discover a new world.

Percival Lowell was a visionary and controversial astronomer whose ideas helped shape modern planetary science. This presentation explores his fascination with Mars, the founding of Lowell Observatory, and his lasting influence on astronomy.

For more than 150 years, scientists have been drawn to northern Arizona’s unique landscapes and resources. This program surveys the region’s scientific heritage, from early exploration and geology to astronomy and modern research institutions.

The bitter rivalry between paleontologists Edward Drinker Cope and Othniel Charles Marsh transformed the study of dinosaurs. This presentation tells a dramatic story of competition, ambition, and discovery during the Gilded Age.

Since 1894, Lowell Observatory has been at the forefront of astronomical discovery. This presentation highlights its major achievements, including the discovery of Pluto, evidence for the expanding universe, and support for the Apollo program.

Edwin Hubble revolutionized our understanding of the universe by revealing its vast scale and dynamic nature. This program explores his groundbreaking discoveries, his work at Mount Wilson Observatory, and the complex personality behind the science.

V.M. Slipher made the first measurements that revealed the universe is expanding. This presentation examines the life and work of the quiet Lowell Observatory astronomer whose observations helped transform modern cosmology.