History Lessons in NYC, New York

WrestleMania meets Debate Club Your hosts Meg Pierson, Zak Martellucci, and Dustin Growick lead a rotating cast of special guest experts in a battle royale of serious—and not so serious—topics.  Who will come out on top? Dinosaurs or mammals? Biology or physics? Space or oceans? Chock-full of trivia, games, and prizes,...

Dinosaurs! Science! Adventure! Break out your pith helmet as we embark upon a brazen expedition through the halls of New York City's world-famous American Museum of Natural History (AMNH). Join your maverick tour guide as we deftly navigate this massive 27-building, 1.6 million square foot landmark cultural institution. Learn the science...

Full Course Name: Masters of Social Gastronomy: Diners, Diners and Diners! Each month, the Masters of Social Gastronomy take on a curious food topic and break down the history, science, and stories behind it. This month, that all-American institution: THE DINER. Together, we'll uncover the history of the diner and its original definition of a diner...

The United Kingdom was formed in 1801 with the unification of Great Britain (created in 1603 with Scotland and England under one Crown, and then in 1707 politically) and Ireland. Today the UK faces one of the toughest decisions in that long history; and one that could tear the union apart. The countries of this island have endured warfare,...

From 2010-2015, Australia had five Prime Ministers in five years.  Like something out of a Shakespearean drama, there were stabs in the back, leadership spills, and double dissolutions.  Will things stabilize?  There's never been a more exciting time to follow politics Down Under. This class will give you an overview of the...

Hold on to your number 2 pencils, we’re taking on the SATs. We've taken high school’s most stressful test, sprinkled some comedy on it, and turned it into a drinking game! Your favorite test proctor and comedian Michael Wolf (Comedy Central, MTV) has combined bar-room trivia with real SAT quizzes to create NYC's booziest classroom. Whether you've...

Contrary to popular belief, Thomas Crapper did not invent the toilet. But who did? Better yet, when did people first start using toilets? And were they anything like the toilets we know today? This class will explore the long and fascinating history of toilets, from ancient Mesopotamia to today. We will walk through the not-so-short...

Delve into the fascinating world of the creatures that make up 84% of the Animal Kingdom—what renowned biologist E.O. Wilson once called "the little things that run the world." We'll discuss the roles that insects play—both in maintaining healthy ecosystems as well as their own complex social systems.  Explore the wonder of metamorphosis...

Why Your Train is F*cked: A love/hate show about the history of the MTA You know when your train is f*cked – this is the show that tells you WHY. Get on board for a deep dive into the history of the MTA. Whether you love it, hate it, or want to compose more informed rage-tweets about it during your next 20 minute delay – we’ve got you covered....

During this interactive presentation, theatre enthusiast Brian Stoll will discuss all things Broadway beginning with the history and importance of the Broadway Playbill. He will share his extensive collection of autographed Playbills and other theatre memorabilia. At the end, he will share with you several money-saving tips on how to see Broadway...

This 6-hour class is designed to fulfill the harassment, bullying, cyberbullying and discrimination prevention and intervention training required for certification and licensure under the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA). The course addresses the social patterns toward an understanding how climate and culture affect these behaviors. Participants...

History Series: FDR-Four Freedoms as America Prepares for War / HIX319 From his election in November 1940 to December 7, 1941, Franklin Roosevelt had to walk a tightrope as Japan, Italy, and Germany invaded country after country, putting out the light of freedom around the world. How does he help the forces of liberty without involving America in...

Full Course Name Uncovering the Lost Lives of Workers: The Archaeology of Labor The New York we know today was profoundly shaped by workers. Not only did workers build and maintain the physical city, but their struggles over pay, power, and inclusion have made and remade the city many times over and, in the process, left a physical record for archaeologists...

The history of Coney Island is like nothing you’ve ever heard before. From prostitutes living in a giant tin elephant, to the invention of the hot dog, to a ride that’s so scary it actually made its riders pee themselves, and we’ll tell you all about it!  Join New York Local Tours as we explore the engaging history of Coney Island’s...

On his first day on the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, Jackie Robinson changed history, paving the way not only for the desegregation of the sport but also the launch of the modern civil rights era.  Join Robinson's daughter Sharon Robinson, Vice Chair of the Jackie Robinson Foundation; historian Jonathan Eig, author of Opening...