Browse Curriculum

The Amazon region is mysterious and contentious. A place with enormous biological and cultural diversity, it has considerable agricultural, mineral and energy potential. We will examine the Amazon’s geography and ecology, as well as long-held beliefs about it. We will take a deeper look at the region’s historical ecology and at recent research that reveals significant human activity that affected forest, soils and landforms before European arrival. We also will discuss the implications of new findings for future conservation and development in the region.
Presenter: Dr. Antoinette WinklerPrins, human-environment geographer and former Director for Environmental Programs, Johns Hopkins University
Date and time: Thu., Jan. 22, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership
Watch a preview of this program here: The Amazon: Cultural Parkland or Pristine Wilderness?

Idaho has an extensive U.S. Navy History, more than most states, and today makes critical and extensive contributions to the U.S. Navy Submarine Force. For the first time in over 100 years, a new ship will be named for Idaho. The Idaho 799 will be commissioned in the spring of 2026. This lecture will discuss the commissioning and what it is like onboard a U.S. nuclear powered submarine. We will talk about how the committee has raised funds to “make the inside of the submarine look like Idaho,” train the onboard culinary specialists in Idaho cuisine and create a scholarship endowment for the crew and their families.
Presenter: Richard Colburn, retired U.S. Navy Captain
Date and time: Thu., Jan. 22, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

The Declaration of Independence is a 1,320-word literary masterpiece jointly written by a committee of 50 people. Is it a birth certificate announcing happy news, or a petition for divorce full of grievance and score-settling? Is it aimed at the American people, or King George, or someone else? In this course, we will explore the fascinating origins, misunderstood purpose and extraordinary global legacy of this document.
PLEASE NOTE: This course will begin one hour earlier than the standard program start time.
Presenter: Dr. Richard Bell, Professor of History, University of Maryland
Dates and time: Fri., Jan. 23, 30, Feb. 6 and 13, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Cost: $45
Watch a preview of this program here: The Declaration of Independence: Origins, Purpose and Legacy

Since the 1890s, when Americans were beginning to develop their own traditions in classical music, composers have recognized the dilemma of creating the American sound. This course will explore how classical musicians, as well as Broadway and Hollywood composers of different origins and ethnicities, created a sound that has been defined as evocative of these lands and their people. Aaron Copland, George Gershwin, William Grant Still, Florence Price, Alex North, Elmer Bernstein and others will be the protagonists of this course.
Presenter: Emanuel Abramovits, concert promoter and former Cultural Director, Union Israelita de Caracas
Dates and time: Mon., Jan. 26, Feb. 2 and 9, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: $35
Watch a preview of this program here: The Search for an American Sound

What was it like to live in WWII Los Alamos, New Mexico, where the world’s first atomic bomb was built? What were the considerations that went into using the bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki over 80 years ago? Based on research for her historical novel, Hill of Secrets, author Galina Vromen will bring alive that monumental period and discuss its impact on the state of nuclear proliferation today.
Presenter: Galina Vromen, author and former foreign correspondent
Date and time: Wed., Jan. 28, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership
Watch a preview of this program here: The Birth of the Atomic Age and Its Consequences Today

A marketer’s job is to persuade you, and they use various tactics to achieve their goals. Want to know their tricks so you can make up your own mind? This lecture will open your eyes to the methods of marketers: how they target audiences, create motivational offers and develop communications through digital and print media designed to persuade. You’ll become a more discerning buyer, and if you’re interested in marketing your own products or services, you’ll learn how to persuade others.
Presenter: Ruth Stevens, customer acquisition and retention educator, podcast host and writer
Date and time: Wed., Jan. 28, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

This lecture will provide an overview of environmental building design. Participants will learn how to articulate various environmental terms and concerns regarding the built environment and how buildings can provide comfort, health and delight to the occupants while using very little energy. We also will provide context on Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification and why one should consider the embodied energy of materials when designing and constructing a building.
Presenters: Dr. Damon Woods, Research Associate Professor of Architecture & Director, Integrated Design Lab, University of Idaho, and Lyndsay Watkins, Senior Associate, Decarbonization and Technical Development, U.S. Green Building Council
Date and time: Thu., Jan. 29, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership

Join other Osher members for a staff-selected documentary to enjoy and discuss. There will be time to socialize before and after the program. Refreshments are included, and registration is required. The January selection is “Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa.” Documentary synopsis: “A Nepali mountaineer risks everything on a record-breaking Mount Everest climb to secure a brighter future for her daughters.”
Date and time: Fri., Jan. 30, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

Vivo is a live fitness program via Zoom designed for older adults who want to stay independent, active and capable. Vivo’s classes combine strength-building with brain-boosting exercises – all from the comfort of your home. Upon registration, you can select from a range of days and times that fit your schedule. For more information, visit partner.teamvivo.com/boise_state.
PLEASE NOTE: This program will be Livestream Only; recordings will not be available. Vivo sessions are not refundable.
Presenter: Vivo fitness trainers
Dates and times: self selected
Cost: $260; includes personalized fitness assessment and eight weeks of fitness classes

Join Director Dana Thorp-Patterson for an overview of the Osher Institute and find out how to get the most out of your membership. Learn details about the Institute as a self-sustaining organization and get answers to your questions about how the Institute functions, how speakers are selected, what social activities are available, and ways to make your participation in the Osher community long-lasting and rewarding! Light refreshments will be provided.
Date and time: Mon., Feb. 2, 12:15-1:15 p.m.
Location: Yanke Research Park, 220 E. Parkcenter Blvd., Boise
Cost: included with membership

Heath Druzin is the host and creator of the podcast “Howl,” which takes listeners inside the wild, sometimes violent history of wolf reintroduction in the West and the surprisingly precarious position the predators are in now. He’ll take participants through the intense story of reintroduction and how it became one of nature’s greatest comeback stories. He’ll also explain why a lot of researchers and biologists think they are in trouble again, especially in states like Idaho where the wolves face nearly unlimited hunting — not to mention hardened attitudes.
Presenter: Heath Druzin, host and creator, Boise State Public Radio’s “Howl” podcast
Date and time: Mon., Feb. 2, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

We will discuss how the space program has contributed to our personal healthcare and to advancements in the medical sciences. Portable ultrasound technology developed for use on the International Space Station is now commonly used in hospitals and clinics worldwide. This along with progress in aging research are just two of the many examples that will be explored.
Presenter: Dr. Dennis Roscoe, former Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University and former Professor of Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Medicine
Date and time: Tue., Feb. 3, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership
Watch a preview of this program here: The Space Program’s Contribution to Medicine

Idaho artist James Castle created thousands of artworks during his lifetime, the majority of which were made at the James Castle House in Boise. Today, the City of Boise-owned museum celebrates Castle and his experience as a deaf man and self-taught artist, whose unique experimentation and investigation of his environment provides an unparalleled story of 20th-century American life and culture. This lecture will explore the life and art of James Castle and provide a glimpse into the history of deaf education in the U.S., as well as its impact on Castle’s experience.
Presenter: Kristen Hill, Cultural Sites Program Manager, Boise City Department of Arts and History
Date and time: Wed., Feb. 4, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership

Much of what you’ve heard about plastic pollution may be wrong. Instead of a great island of trash, the infamous Great Pacific Garbage Patch is an even more treacherous, messy, plastic soup. And plastic pollution isn’t confined to the open ocean; it’s in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and our bodies. Real, plastic-free solutions exist today, but we need to make them mainstream. We will explore how we can fix the plastic crisis by living simply in alignment with the rest of nature, and by holding accountable the systems that churn out plastic pollution.
Presenter: Erica Cirino, writer, author and artist
Date and time: Wed., Feb. 4, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

Join us for a fun and informative session that will provide information on opportunities to volunteer at the Osher Institute.
Presenters: Osher Volunteer Committee and Osher staff member Cherie Ellingson
Date and time: Thu., Feb. 5, 9:00-10:00 a.m.
Location: Yanke Research Park, 220 E. Parkcenter Blvd., Boise
Cost: Included with membership

Headlines about technologies like ChatGPT and Google Gemini are everywhere, with many focusing on the threats generative artificial intelligence (AI) poses to our ability to learn, create and connect with one another. This lecture will explore the nature of those threats and examine the positive potential for these technologies to improve how we work, communicate and create. Participants will see demonstrations of the latest generative AI technologies and be exposed to the dangers generative AI poses to society and human creativity.
Presenter: Dr. Jen Schneider, Interim Dean, College of Innovation and Design, Boise State University
Date and time: Thu., Feb. 5, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership
Watch a preview of this program here: Learning With Generative AI

Germany’s recent election has laid bare the deep political, economic and social challenges facing the country. From the ongoing energy crisis and economic slowdown to immigration debates and the rise of populist movements, Germany is at a pivotal moment in its postwar history. This course will explore the shifting political landscape, key election outcomes and what they reveal about the nation’s future. Where is Germany headed, and what does it mean for Europe and the world?
Presenter: Anette Isaacs, historian, public educator and Director, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Florida International University
Dates and time: Thu., Feb. 5, 12 and 19, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: $35
Watch a preview of this program here: Germany at a Crossroads: 35 Years After Unification

In the past few decades, locally owned news outlets have become rare. Large, out-of-state corporate chains who are beholden to Wall Street and private equity have taken their place. In Boise, BoiseDev has worked to create a new sustainable news model that’s built for and by Idaho. It is the only locally owned, for-profit outlet in the area, and it continues to grow. We’ll discuss how the industry is changing and how BoiseDev approaches news in the current era.
Presenter: Don Day, Co-Founder and Publisher, BoiseDev
Date and time: Tue., Feb. 10, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership

Emily Dickinson and Edith Wharton were two brilliant 19th-century writers who made their houses into retreats for intellectual and literary independence. We will study the masterpieces composed at those houses: Dickinson’s lyric poetry and Wharton’s House of Mirth and her ghost stories. This course will continue conversations from the summer 2025 residential program at Perennial College, but we will explore the reading in more depth. Former students will be stimulated with fresh material, and new students without prior knowledge are also welcome.
Presenter: Dr. Samantha Harvey, Professor of English, Boise State University
Dates and time: Tue., Feb. 17, 24, Mar. 3 and 10, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: $45

[PLEASE NOTE: THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN CANCELLED FOR THE SPRING SEMESTER]
This lecture will provide information about Casting for Recovery, a non-profit organization that offers free two-and-a-half-day fly-fishing retreats to women who currently have or have had breast cancer, as well as an introduction to fly fishing opportunities in Idaho.
Presenter: Melissa Seyler, Program Coordinator, Casting for Recovery, Southwest Idaho Chapter
Cost: Included with membership

This course will discuss the building of Idaho’s mountain snowpack as it reaches its peak in early April and the water supply outlook. We will examine the history of snow surveys and the usefulness of water supply information. We also will explore the importance of understanding your watershed and what makes it flow, as well as current snow levels, water supply outlook, and key snow, flow and weather relationships to watch as our rivers rise.
PLEASE NOTE: The first session of this course will meet on February 18, and the second session will meet on April 22.
Presenter: Ron Abramovich, retired Water Supply Specialist, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Dates and time: Session One: Wed., Feb. 18, 1:30-3:30 p.m.; Session Two: Wed., Apr. 22, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: $25
Watch a preview of this program here: Snow: Idaho’s Frozen Liquid Gold

Explore the hidden world of click beetles, spider wasps, centipedes and other small creatures in an unsprayed garden in southwestern Idaho. What are they doing out there? Are they good or bad? This course will emphasize the ecological roles of small creatures — from vital pollinators to nature’s cleanup crew to crop pests. This is not a course on pest control or gardening per se, but gardeners may find it useful.
Presenter: Dr. Eric Yensen, Professor Emeritus of Biology, The College of Idaho
Dates and time: Thu., Feb. 19, 26, Mar. 5 and 12, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: $45

In this lecture, we will rediscover the American Revolution as a world war that unleashed chaos, opportunity and transformation across six continents. It was a seismic global event that redrew maps, toppled hierarchies, catalyzed migration and accelerated new movements for liberty — and for empire. It was not a tidy founding moment but a sprawling, high-stakes struggle fought on land and sea, shaped by commerce, diplomacy, propaganda and contingency. We will explore how the Revolution stirred a transoceanic refugee crisis, ignited antislavery activism and inspired uprisings from Ireland to India.
PLEASE NOTE: This lecture will begin one hour earlier than the standard program start time.
Presenter: Dr. Richard Bell, Professor of History, University of Maryland
Date and time: Fri., Feb. 20, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Cost: $15

As an ancient medicine, acupuncture is still used to this day as a primary form of healthcare for more than a third of the world. We will discuss the history of acupuncture and Chinese medicine and its relevance today. We also will dive into the application and benefits of this healing art, as well as its poetic philosophy.
Presenters: Will Knox, LAc and Shalee Sucher, LAc, acupuncturists and Owners, North End Acupuncture & Herbs
Date and time: Mon., Feb. 23, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership
Watch a preview of this program here: Acupuncture: Ancient Medicine for Modern Times

The fascinating history of falconry started about 6,800 years ago. This lecture will address the timeline of falconry with an emphasis on European and North American history. We also will discuss how the Middle East was highly influential in this history. We will end the lecture with a pictorial tour of the Archives of Falconry located in Boise. The $1.5 million renovation of the Archives makes this a world-class museum.
Presenter: Rich Howard, retired Biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Date and time: Wed., Feb. 25, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership
Watch a preview of this program here: History of Falconry and the Archives of Falconry in Boise

Sleeping well is a key component of a healthy lifestyle. This lecture will help you appreciate the importance of sufficient sleep and why we often get less sleep than we need; understand the links between sleep, health and illness; discover how a good night’s sleep promotes healthy aging; and learn how to get a good night’s sleep.
Presenter: Dr. Michael Vitiello, Professor Emeritus, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington-Seattle
Date and time: Wed., Feb. 25, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership
Watch a preview of this program here: Getting a Good Night’s Sleep: A Key to Aging Well

Siberia constitutes three-fourths of Russia’s territory, but only one-quarter of the country’s population lives there. Yet, the role of Siberia in making Russia a wealthy empire should not be underestimated. We will discuss Siberia’s role in the rise and possible imminent dismantling of Russia as a unified state; Siberia’s economic importance, both historically and today; the region’s indigenous peoples and their cultures; its role as a penal colony throughout history and how that function transformed the region; and its importance for environmental issues and relations with China.
Presenter: Dr. Asya Pereltsvaig, linguist, author and educator
Dates and time: Thu., Feb. 26, Mar. 5 and 12, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: $35
Watch a preview of this program here: Siberia: Russia’s Frozen Wasteland or Its Economic Heartland?

Explore the transformative power of reflective writing as a tool for healing and making meaning out of health crises and life transitions. This workshop will guide participants on how to establish a sustainable journaling practice that supports processing difficult experiences, uncovering deeper insights and cultivating resilience. We also will learn techniques for therapeutic writing, prompts for spiritual exploration and methods to find purpose within struggle.
Presenter: Katya Fishman, Founder, Endeavorink
Dates and time: Fri., Feb. 27, Mar. 6 and 13, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: $35

Join other Osher members for a staff-selected documentary to enjoy and discuss. There will be time to socialize before and after the program. Refreshments are included, and registration is required. The February selection is “Power.” Documentary synopsis: “Delve into the untold history of American policing in this thought-provoking documentary that asks who is more powerful: the people or the police?”
Date and time: Fri., Feb. 27, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

Latinas in Idaho: Sharing Stories, Elevating Voices (In Person Only)
The Latino population makes up more than 13 percent of Idaho’s demographic, and their vital contributions have been underreported. This lecture seeks to bridge part of this gap by respectfully contributing profiles of consequential and influential Latinas in the state. Importantly, these stories will be told of and by Latinas themselves, drawn from a recent book, Nosotras: Latinas in Idaho. By examining the stories of the Latina community within Idaho and providing examples of testimonies and experiences of this crucial and significant group, Idaho’s past becomes richer.
Presenter: Dr. Emily Wakild, Cecil D. Andrus Endowed Chair for the Environment and Public Lands, Boise State University
Date and time: Mon., Mar. 2, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Watch a preview of this program here: Latinas in Idaho: Sharing Stories, Elevating Voices

A Crash Course on Latino Culture (In Person Only)
Patricia Santos Marcantonio and Gabrielle Marcantonio lead a crash course on Latino culture from their personal perspectives. They will share their stories and experiences about growing up as second- and third-generation Mexican Americans; discuss how folklore, family, history, food and humor shaped them; and explain the stereotypes they face. The lecture will be a fun and personal way to share the culture they love and perhaps break down a few barriers.
Presenters: Patricia Santos Marcantonio, author, and Gabrielle Marcantonio, esthetician, makeup artist and wedding coordinator, Graeber and Company
Date and time: Wed., Mar. 11, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
SERIES COST: $25

Birdsong is a quintessential part of the start of spring, but we often only pay attention to it on a subconscious level. We’ll cover the history of birdsong in human culture, the anatomy that allows birds to sing, why they do it and what they’re trying to say to each other. We’ll explore examples of some of the world’s superstar songsters and learn about the broad variation in birdsongs across the world. By learning to decode their vocalizations, we’ll discover how knowledge of birdsong can help us protect and conserve these musical gems.
Presenter: Heidi Ware Carlisle, Education and Outreach Director, Intermountain Bird Observatory, Boise State University
Dates and time: Mon., Mar. 2 and 9, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: $25
Watch a preview of this program here: The Wonderful World of Birdsong

Neutrinos were discovered by a theorist to save energy conservation in nuclear beta decay. We now know they are real particles; 100,000,000,000 neutrinos pass through our bodies each second with no effect. These don’t come from beta decay; they are produced by cosmic rays — particles coming in from outer space. What produces cosmic rays, and what do they tell us about neutrinos? This course will explore the unexpected discoveries that illuminate both the nature of neutrinos and the origins of cosmic rays.
Presenter: Dr. James Russ, Professor Emeritus of Physics, Carnegie Mellon University
Dates and time: Tue., Mar. 3 and 10, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: $25
Watch a preview of this program here: Unravelling the Mysteries of Neutrinos and Cosmic Rays

This lecture will explore the mock orange, or Syringa (Philadelphus lewisii Pursh), a deciduous shrub native to western North America and the state flower of Idaho. It was first collected for science by the explorer Meriwether Lewis in 1806 during the Lewis and Clark Expedition and was named after him. The leaves were mixed in water for use as mild soap. The straight stems were used as arrow shafts. The flowers smell like orange blossoms. Do Idaho nurseries sell the local native plant or its relative from the Midwest? And why?
Presenter: Dr. Roger Rosentreter, retired botanist, Idaho State Office, Bureau of Land Management
Date and time: Wed., Mar. 4, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership

Did you know that Boise State University is recognized as the premier Division I collegiate esports program in the country? The program’s 7,000 square-foot arena, located in downtown Boise, houses a broadcast studio and training facility, and hosts competitions and public events. Learn about this dynamic program that originated in the College of Innovation and Design and is now part of the Department of Athletics.
Presenter: Veronica Roper, Director of Operations, Esports, Boise State University
Date and time: Wed., Mar. 4, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

In 1847, Marcus Whitman was killed after a disastrous 11-year effort to evangelize the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest. By 1897, Whitman was a national hero celebrated as the “Savior of Oregon.” But his fame was based on a legend — and when a new generation of historians exposed that legend, it sparked a battle over history, religion and memory that echoes into the present day. We will trace the legacy of Marcus Whitman from ill-fated mission, to national fame, to scandalous debunking, and we will explore what this controversy can teach us about today’s history wars.
Presenter: Sarah Koenig, Associate Professor of American Studies, Ramapo College of New Jersey
Date and time: Mon., Mar. 9, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership

In this workshop, participants will sample multiple single-origin coffees at Dawson Taylor Coffee Roasters roasting facility while undergoing palate training to discern the nuances of each roast. They also will learn about growing, processing, roasting and brewing specialty coffee and how each part of the production process influences the coffee’s final taste. Attendees will take home a bag of single-origin coffee to brew themselves and practice what they’ve learned.
Please note: This event is offered three times; please select ONE option only.
Presenter: Amanda Stewart, Coffee Educator, Dawson Taylor Coffee
Tour One date and time: Wed., Mar. 11, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Tour Two date and time: Wed., Mar. 18, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Tour Three date and time: Wed., Mar. 25, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Location: Dawson Taylor Coffee Roasters, 1035 S. Lusk St., Boise
Cost: $35 each tour
Capacity: 10 each tour

This mid-semester session will empower Osher members to navigate both the Osher website and their member accounts. We’ll cover how to browse the website, view your personal class schedule, review your program history and access links to recorded sessions. Bring the device you use most often (phone, tablet or laptop) and learn how to make the most of your membership. Printed guides will be provided. All experience levels are welcome! Registration is required.
PLEASE NOTE: If you must cancel, please notify us at least two business days prior to the start of the program.
Presenters: Osher Tech Support Committee, member volunteers and Osher staff member Jamie Frederick
Date and time: Thu., Mar. 12, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Location: Yanke Research Park, 220 E. Parkcenter Blvd., Boise
Cost: Included with membership
Capacity: 40

Join other Osher members for a staff-selected documentary to enjoy and discuss. There will be time to socialize before and after the program. Refreshments are included, and registration is required. The March selection is “Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold.” Documentary synopsis: “Literary icon Joan Didion reflects on her remarkable career and personal struggles in this intimate documentary directed by her nephew, Griffin Dunne.”
Date and time: Fri., Mar. 13, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

Learn the story of James DePreist, the most internationally acclaimed African American symphony conductor of his time. His journey to fame broke all the rules of what was expected of a classical musician, which he was not. James and his wife Ginette married in 1980 and traveled together until his death in 2013. Join us to remember James and honor his legacy.
Presenters: Ginette DePreist, radio host, CBC, and Eric Garcia, Music Director, Boise Philharmonic
Date and time: Mon., Mar. 23, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Location: Esther Simplot Performing Arts Academy, 516 S. 9th St., Boise
Cost: $10
Capacity: 85

The Amazon Basin is one of the most renowned locations on Earth. Within its legendary biodiversity are a wide array of bird species, from the huge Harpy Eagle to tiny flycatchers and skulking understory antbirds. This lecture will provide examples of the Amazon Basin’s richness of bird species in Brazil, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. Food, transportation, local people and other wildlife make the Amazon an incredible destination not to be missed.
Presenter: Terry Rich, ornithologist, environmental educator and writer
Date and time: Mon., Mar. 23, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

This tour of the Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology will highlight its remarkable new and upgraded exhibits, including geologic landmarks of the Boise Valley; early fossils of Idaho featuring a replica skeleton of the Idaho state dinosaur, Oryctodromeus; a new interactive touchscreen exploring minerals and their uses; and the unique exhibit of Native American geology reflected by their tools and weapons. Participants also can enjoy multiple touchscreens; informative exhibits of women in mining and Chinese miners in Idaho; the Fujii collection of regional gemstones; black light minerals; and more.
Please note: This event is offered three times; please select ONE option only.
Presenter: Stephen Cox, museum volunteer
Dates and time:
Tour One: Mon., Mar. 23, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Tour Two: Mon., Mar. 30, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Tour Three: Mon., Apr. 6, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Location: Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology, 2455 Old Penitentiary Rd., Boise
Cost: $15
Capacity: 15 per tour

Sure, David Lynch only spent a portion of his childhood living in Idaho (including Boise). Yet the dreamy, surrealist, frightening and audacious themes in Lynch’s work are distinctly entrenched in the American West. Join us as we review and discuss Lynch’s films and explore some of his equally provocative non-cinematic creations.
Presenter: Kurt Orzeck, writer, reporter and critic
Dates and time: Tue., Mar. 24 and 31, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: $25

For thousands of years, people mostly avoided the lava fields of Idaho. Eventually, curiosity about this unknown area led some, like explorer Robert Limbert, to seek it out. Limbert publicized the area through photography and writing, leading to the establishment of Craters of the Moon National Monument in 1924. We will take a deep dive into the history of this special place with a lecture followed by a tour of the park archives and collections at Boise State University.
Presenters: Ted Stout, former park ranger and Chief of Interpretation and Education, Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve; Alessandro Meregaglia and Gwyn Hervochon, both Archivists and Associate Professors, Albertsons Library, Boise State University
Dates and time: Tue., Mar. 24 and 31, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: $25
Watch a preview of this program here: People of the Moon: The History of Craters of the Moon

Translation is more than finding word-for-word equivalencies in a bilingual dictionary. Otherwise, Google Translate would be fine for Homer and the Bible, Tolstoy and Flaubert, and it so clearly isn’t. (Give it a try and prove it to yourself!) But what is translation? We’ll examine both the theory (briefly) and practice (more extensively) of what translators do. In addition to looking at examples of good and bad translations, we’ll try a quick exercise or two to illustrate the points. You’ll never read a translated text the same way again.
Presenter: Dr. Clyde Moneyhun, Professor, Department of English, Boise State University
Date and time: Wed., Mar. 25, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership

This course will examine the apex era of one of Europe’s most storied dynasties: the Habsburgs. Ruling from both Madrid and Vienna (among other places), the Habsburgs embraced a nearly sure-fire formula for accumulating crowns, titles and power. But it came at a financial, social and genetic cost. Centuries of inbreeding and an overdrawn commitment to the Counter-Reformation created unique challenges and spelled profound trouble for historic figures such as Spain’s King Philip II and King Philip III, and Holy Roman Emperors Charles V, Ferdinand I and Rodolf II, among others.
Presenter: Dr. Jared Day, author and retired History Professor, Carnegie Mellon University
Dates and time: Wed., Mar. 25, Apr. 1, 8 and 15, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: $45

Discover how you can — and why you should — learn about the monoliths of our coastlines: our U.S. lighthouses. This lecture will delve into the varied history of lighthouses; the challenges they faced then and still face today; and the people keeping the lights alive. See behind the curtain and through the lens into the rich history and vast collection of true-to-life stories that make lighthouses so special. The goal is to build support for lighthouses by teaching participants how to make their own memories through travel and community involvement.
Presenters: Vincent Bailey and Emily Straight, podcasters, “Lighthouse Lowdown” podcast
Date and time: Thu., Mar. 26, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership
Watch a preview of this program here: Lighthouse History, Tourism and Culture in the 21st Century

This lecture will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the Boise State Public Radio daily news show “Idaho Matters” with host Gemma Gaudette. She also will discuss the evolution of news content and coverage over her almost three decades in the news industry.
Presenter: Gemma Gaudette, Host, “Idaho Matters”
Date and time: Thu., Mar. 26, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

Join Dr. Matthew Kohn with your rocks and minerals — mystery or otherwise — and he will identify them and discuss their origins in this interactive workshop. Dr. Kohn also will bring in diverse, interesting rocks and minerals from his collections to discuss what they are and how they formed.
Presenter: Dr. Matthew Kohn, Distinguished Professor in Geosciences, Boise State University
Date and time: Fri., Mar. 27, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership
Capacity: 100
Watch a preview of this program here: Identifying Rocks and Minerals

We’ll delve into the cutting-edge integration of radar sensors and digital twins (virtual representations of physical objects updated with real-time data for machine learning and reasoning), a convergence driving transformative advancements across various industries. Radar technology, with its unparalleled capabilities in real-time monitoring and decision-making, is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of the wireless Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem. We’ll explore how these technologies are revolutionizing consumer electronics and autonomous systems, leading to groundbreaking healthcare applications — from non-invasive glucose sensing to the seamless integration of radar sensors into everyday environments.
Presenter: Dr. George Shaker, former director, Wireless Sensors and Devices Laboratory, University of Waterloo
Date and time: Mon., Mar. 30, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership

This lecture will dive into a little-discussed and often taboo topic that greatly impacts older adults: genitourinary syndrome in menopause. Everyone born with ovaries and blessed with long life will eventually reach menopause. The hormonal changes of menopause eventually cause permanent changes to a female’s system and also can bring various health issues.
Presenter: Jill Gustafson, CNM, certified Menopause Practitioner, Quantum Women’s Health
Date and time: Mon., Mar. 30, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

This course will cover Herman Melville’s masterwork Moby-Dick, published in 1851. We will discuss its biographical, intellectual and historical contexts; its composition; its major characters and themes; its place in the history of ideas; and its relationship to other great writers read by Melville whose books survive — heavily marked and annotated — from his library. Moby-Dick typifies our notion of a dense and demanding literary work. But it also succeeds in humor, wit and rhetorical ingenuity. We’ll grapple with its most important qualities as a uniquely American work of literary genius.
Presenter: Dr. Steven Olsen-Smith, Professor of English, Boise State University
Dates and time: Wed., Apr. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: $55
Watch a preview of this program here: Moby-Dick: Origins, Growth and Meaning

Why do some communities thrive in times of change while others struggle? In this interactive workshop, we’ll introduce practical tools that are used across Idaho to explore how connection, collaboration and shared goals help communities adapt and grow stronger. Through a hands-on activity, participants will work in small groups to help a fictional rural town identify strengths, tackle challenges and shape a path to resilience. No expertise needed, just curiosity and a willingness to engage.
Please note: This workshop will start an hour earlier than usual and will last for three hours.
Presenter: Dr. Brittany Brand, Professor, Geosciences Department & Director, Hazard & Climate Resilience Institute, Boise State University
Date and time: Thu., Apr. 2, 9:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: $15
Capacity: 60

The Pacific Northwest accounts for more than two-thirds of the fresh apple production and almost 100 percent of the fresh pear production in the U.S. Extreme temperatures can lead to significant crop losses and reduced fruit quality and is the cause of approximately $80 million in losses each year. This lecture will discuss Strengthening Pear and Apple Resilience to Climate (SPARC), a federally funded project focusing on developing strategies, identifying new cultivars and creating models to maintain high production and quality for apple and pear growers across the U.S. when extreme temperatures occur.
Presenter: Dr. Lee Kalcsits, Professor of Tree Fruit Physiology, Department of Horticulture, Washington State University Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center
Date and time: Thu., Apr. 2, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

Learn more about the specific challenges LGBTQ+ people face, especially as they age. This lecture will cover respectful communication, reducing stigma and access to care.
Presenter: Dr. Becky Gomez, DNP, FNP-C, board-certified nurse practitioner
Date and time: Fri., Apr. 3, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership

Join other Osher members for a staff-selected documentary to enjoy and discuss. There will be time to socialize before and after the program. Refreshments are included, and registration is required. The April selection is “A Trip to Infinity.” Documentary synopsis: “Eminent mathematicians, particle physicists and cosmologists dive into infinity and its mind-bending implications for the universe.”
Date and time: Fri., Apr. 3, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

This course will discuss how urban sprawl affects wildlife, climate, fire risk, and quality of life in Idaho. We will examine conservation easements and their alternatives, funding gaps, and the challenges of protecting land without state support. We also will explore smart growth, zoning and cooperative community land use when traditional tools fall short. With increasing insecurity around grant funding and development, this course will highlight the urgent need for innovative conservation strategies to protect Idaho’s future.
Presenters: Katherine Leister, Stewardship Coordinator, Land Trust of the Treasure Valley and Chris Colson, Executive Director, Land Trust of the Treasure Valley
Dates and time: Mon., Apr. 6, 13, and 20, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: $35
Watch a preview of this program here: Saving Space: Conservation in a Growing Idaho

Jeremy Storton has had hundreds of conversations with people worldwide about beer, flavor and culture, and he’s learned there’s a story in every beer. This lecture will explore the science of how we taste, the human and natural factors that create beer styles, and how all of this gives us a sense of history, personal identity and cultural understanding.
Presenter: Jeremy Storton, writer, podcast producer and Global Beer Educator, Wine and Spirit Education Trust
Date and time: Tue., Apr. 7, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership
Watch a preview of this program here: Human Performance, Cultural Expression and Beer

Hamlet remains one of our culture’s most important texts 425 years after its creation. What keeps readers and audiences returning to Shakespeare’s masterpiece? While some might point to the timeless nature of the play, it was indeed timely at the start of the 17th century and remains so today. We will focus on the abiding textual and interpretive issues in Hamlet, offering historical perspective and suggestions for making sense of the vast critical literature. We also will explore performance issues, highlighting key theater productions and sampling important film versions.
Presenter: Dr. John Ottenhoff, Professor Emeritus of English, Alma College and retired Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty, The College of Idaho
Dates and time: Thu., Apr. 9 and 16, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: $25

Aesop’s fables. The cave paintings at Lascaux. Indigenous folklore. For as long as humans have told stories, we’ve told stories about animals — how they guide, warn, delight and reflect us. In this creative writing workshop open to writers of all levels, we’ll explore the long tradition of animal storytelling and create our own pieces inspired by both historical and contemporary sources. We’ll look to classic tales as well as the works of modern writers like Aimee Nezhukumatathil and Sandra Beasley as we craft our own animal stories for the modern world.
Presenter: Hannah Rodabaugh, author and writing instructor
Date and time: Sat., Apr. 11, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: $20
Capacity: 40

Learn about Road Scholar, a nonprofit organization that offers thousands of learning adventures to people 50 years and over. This lecture will give an overview of the many kinds of travel experiences available, from domestic to international destinations on all seven continents, and from leisurely, slower-paced travel, to hiking, biking and kayaking. Solo travel will be covered, as well as group trips, grandparent adventures and special interest trips involving cooking, art, music, theater, sports and history.
Presenter: Lynn Loud, Road Scholar Ambassador and retired educator
Date and time: Mon., Apr. 13, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership
Watch a preview of this program here: Adventures With Road Scholar

This lecture will provide context and information on the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s campus cares initiative, trauma-informed care and the way organizations can manage change that aligns with caring organizations.
Presenter: Adam Jussel, Managing Director of Student Affairs, University of British Columbia and former Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Date and time: Tue., Apr. 14, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

This lecture will give a look inside the prison system in Idaho, including Dr. Mary Ellen Nourse’s personal experiences during her 21 years of work in corrections.
Presenter: Dr. Mary Ellen Nourse, retired Corrections Education Instructor, Instructor Supervisor, Education Program Manager, and Vocational Education Program Manager
Date and time: Thu., Apr. 16, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership
Watch a preview of this program here: Prisons in Idaho: Life, Lore, Fact and Fiction

Forget the viral robot dance videos — real-world robotics is far more complex, messy and fascinating. We’ll explore how autonomous robots are actually used in today’s dynamic industrial warehouse environments. We’ll examine real deployments, surprising limitations and what it really takes to make robots work outside the lab. We’ll also debunk common myths fueled by flashy media and misleading content, offering a grounded understanding of what robots can — and can’t — do in the real world.
Presenter: Dylan Rolleigh, Robotics Engineer, Bastian Solutions R&D
Date and time: Fri., Apr. 17, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership
Watch a preview of this program here: Warehouse Robots Aren’t Dancing: A Real-World Look at Robotics

This lecture will focus on the music of composer John Williams, one of the most recognized in the world with unparalleled successes, including multiple Academy Awards, Grammy Awards and honorary degrees from 21 American universities. Many people know his most iconic scores from Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Harry Potter. We will cover these and other areas of his catalogue that are lesser known, including earlier film scores and scores for the concert hall.
Presenter: Dr. Brian Hodges, Professor of Cello, String Pedagogy and Coordinator of Chamber Music, Department of Music, Boise State University
Date and time: Sat., Apr. 18, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: $10

Climate change is not talked about enough when it comes to Idaho’s farm workers; it affects their day-to-day lives and health. The Idaho Organization of Resource Councils is developing the Farm Worker Health and Justice Campaign to address and organize around how climate change affects farm workers and what health issues can result from heat exhaustion, smoke inhalation and pesticide poisoning. This lecture will provide education about protection while working and organizing leaders to advocate for just policies to support workers.
Presenter: Irene Ruiz, activist and Co-Founder, Idaho Immigrant Resource Alliance
Date and time: Mon., Apr. 20, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

Boise State University curates a permanent art collection of more than 2,000 pieces, including public art in communally accessible landscapes. It is administered by a curator who works with an advisory committee consisting of experts in the field as well as stakeholders in campus planning. In this exclusive guided walking tour, members will explore the typology of public art on campus; examine the historical and site-specific contexts of several works; and discuss the continued curation of public art at Boise State University, including new acquisitions.
Presenter: Fonda Portales, Director of University Arts, Boise State University
Date and time: Tue., Apr. 21, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Location: Boise State University west side of campus; parking will be available in the Brady Garage
Cost: $10
Capacity: 25

Join the Osher Institute on an Idaho wine country adventure! We are partnering with Ciao Bella Idaho Wine Tours to offer a day trip to three Snake River Valley vineyards, including the opportunity to meet winemakers, growers and vineyard owners to learn about the history and process of Idaho wine.
Registration fee includes tastings at the vineyards, personalized tours and van transportation from the Yanke building to the vineyards and back.
Please Note: Each tour is the same; please select ONE option only. Meals are not included; please bring your own water and snacks, or you may purchase them during the tour.
Dates and time:
Tour One date and time: Thu., Apr. 23, 11:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Tour Two date and time: Thu., April 30, 11:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Tour Three date and time: Thu., May 7, 11:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Cost: $150
Capacity: 12 each tour

The Minidoka National Historic Site commemorates the more than 13,000 Japanese Americans who were imprisoned at the Minidoka War Relocation Center during WWII. The site preserves their legacy and teaches the importance of civil liberties. Join us for a guided tour of two of the historic buildings and the Minidoka Visitor Center.
Presenter: Midori Tanada, Park Guide, Minidoka National Historic Site
Date and time: Fri., Apr. 24, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Location: Minidoka National Historic Site, 1428 Hunt Rd., Jerome, ID
Cost: $10
Capacity: 50

Flush it and forget it? We flush our toilets and turn on the tap many times each day, but have you considered where it goes and how it gets cleaned? Join us as we discuss water treatment, resource recovery and what’s in store for your water utility in Boise. We’ll learn about how one of the nation’s most technologically advanced facilities transforms municipal wastewater into clean water, power, fertilizer and soil amendment for crops. Additionally, we’ll share the vision for the future as pressures from growth, regulation and climate change affect your water.
Presenters: Cindy Busche, Environmental Education Manager, and Ben Nydegger, Operations Manager, both of The WaterShed Education Center
Date and time: Mon., Apr. 27, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership
Watch a preview of this program here: Boise’s Water Renewal Services

Join Preservation Idaho to explore Idaho’s rich architectural and cultural history. Learn how historic preservation helps tell the story of our state’s people, places and progress, and how you can get involved. We’ll highlight fascinating local stories, landmarks and Preservation Idaho’s ongoing work to protect the places that matter.
Presenter: Brittney Scigliano, President, Preservation Idaho
Date and time: Mon., Apr. 27, 1:30-3:00 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

On September 17, 1787, delegates to the Constitutional Convention sent to the states the “new plan for a Federal Government proposed by the Convention.” This lecture will examine a 1531 printing of the Magna Carta in England; the first magazine printing of the proposed Constitution on September 22, 1787; a pocket Constitution printed for the House of Representatives in 1799; the first official printing of the Laws of the United States; the December 1889 proposed Constitution for the State of Idaho; and the handwritten Constitution presented to Idaho Secretary of State, Phil McGrane.
Presenter: Mike McGrane, retired healthcare administrator; Founding Director, Saint Alphonsus Life Flight; and Founding Director, Air St. Luke’s
Date and time: Tue., Apr. 28, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

The old cliché about the best camera being the one you have with you is no longer just a saying. The performance of the cameras in today’s smartphones put most point-and-shoot cameras to shame. Learn the tips and tricks that will take your ordinary smartphone snapshots to the next level. This workshop will combine classroom instruction with hands-on experience to guide you on your journey.
Presenter: Patrick Stoll, photographer and Certified Idaho Master Naturalist
Dates and times: Wed., Apr. 29 and May 6, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: $25
Capacity: 30
Watch a preview of this program here: Smartphone Photography

Are you hearing 20/20? Like vision, hearing has a 20/20 standard. Healthcare professionals suggest having your hearing checked once a year to monitor changes in your hearing number. Knowing your hearing number allows professionals to better monitor, diagnose and treat your hearing. Learn the story of a Cochlear recipient who has walked the journey of losing their hearing and then reconnecting to their world via the incredible technology that cochlear implantation provides.
Presenter: Chery Edwards, Engagement Manager, Cochlear
Date and time: Thu., Apr. 30, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership
Watch a preview of this program here: When Hearing Aids Are Not Enough

Discover the fundamentals of local beekeeping in Southwest Idaho. Learn the basics of caring for honeybees, the importance of pollination and the challenges facing these vital pollinators. Explore how beekeeping supports our local gardens and community. Uncover simple ways you can help bees thrive, whether by starting your own hives or planting pollinator-friendly gardens. We also will introduce “the one rule of beekeeping,” offering practical guidance for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Bring your curiosity and join us to support bees in our community.
Presenter: Steve Sweet, founding member, Treasure Valley Beekeepers Club and journey beekeeper, Oregon Master Beekeeper Program
Date and time: Fri., May 1, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership

Learn the backstory behind BoiseDev’s new book, Incredible Idaho Women: 43 Inspiring Stories for All Ages. We’ll discuss why and how it was created, the challenges and joys of its development, and a few stories about some of the women featured in the book.
Presenter: Kara Jackson, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, BoiseDev
Date and time: Mon., May 4, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership

This lecture will focus on what happens to rural communities when their traditional economic base collapses and new money comes in. We’ll explore Dover, Idaho, as a case study of transformation from thriving timber mill town to economically depressed small town to trendy second-home location. We’ll discuss how Dover embodies the story and challenges of many other rural communities. We’ll also examine the forces driving rural gentrification and how social and environmental inequality is written onto these landscapes.
Presenter: Dr. Ryanne Pilgeram, author and rural sociologist
Date and time: Mon., May 4, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership
Watch a preview of this program here: Pushed Out: Rural Gentrification in the American West

This course will examine events between the time Lewis and Clark spent in Idaho up until the last Rocky Mountain fur trade rendezvous. We’ll discuss early exploration, trading and trapping within the region up until the War of 1812. We’ll cover the incursion of non-American fur traders into Idaho, primarily the North West Company and the Hudson’s Bay Company. We’ll also look at the rendezvous era of 1825-1840 and significant events affecting Idaho’s future.
PLEASE NOTE: This course will meet on subsequent days.
Presenter: Jim Hardee, author, editor of Rocky Mountain Fur Trade Journal and Director, Fur Trade Research Center
Dates and time: Tue., Wed. and Thu., May 5, 6 and 7, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: $35

We will discuss the challenges confronting our power grid with a focus on transmission congestion and utility-ignited wildfires. Participants also will learn about technology used by Pitch Aeronautics and its large-scale dynamic line rating project with Idaho Power, Idaho National Labs and the Department of Energy.
Presenter: Zachary Adams, Co-Founder and CEO, Pitch Aeronautics
Date and time: Tue., May 5, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

An American Odysseus, undertaking the arduous journey to restore a constitutional presidency, will almost certainly face a series of daunting challenges worthy of Homer’s exploration in his epic poem, The Odyssey. In this course, Dr. David Adler will explore the premise that the presidency is swollen with powers that would render it unrecognizable to the nation’s founders. This condition, a crisis for constitutional government, is a function of executive aggrandizement, congressional abdication and judicial acquiescence. Dr. Adler also will identify and explore some of the steps necessary to restore a constitutional presidency.
Presenter: Dr. David Adler, President, Alturas Institute
Dates and time: Wed. and Thu., May 6 and 7, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: $25

Nuclear energy is entering a small-reactor era, with microreactors and small modular reactors (SMRs) moving from concept to deployment. Idaho National Laboratory’s Microreactor Applications Research Validation and Evaluation (MARVEL) microreactor will deliver first criticality in 2027, while other reactors such as Natrium, VOYGR and Xe-100 SMR projects are progressing through licensing and site work. Advances in digital engineering and autonomous operation are shrinking deployment timelines and costs. This lecture will review the latest technical, regulatory and supply-chain milestones, and map a realistic ramp-up that positions microreactors.
Presenter: Dr. Jess Gehin, Associate Lab Director, Nuclear Science and Technology, Idaho National Laboratory
Date and time: Fri., May 8, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership

Join other Osher members for a staff-selected documentary to enjoy and discuss. There will be time to socialize before and after the program. Refreshments are included, and registration is required. The May selection is “Pangolin Kulu’s Journey.” Documentary synopsis: “Rescued from poachers, an endangered baby pangolin embarks on a journey back to the wild with help from a devoted human guardian.”
Date and time: Fri., May 8, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

Jack’s Urban Meeting Place (JUMP) is a nonprofit, interactive creative center and community gathering place that is open to the public. This guided tour will explore the innovative spaces that make up JUMP and allow it to bolster and benefit the Boise community and beyond.
Please note: This event is offered twice; please select ONE option only.
Presenter: Chuck Goolden, volunteer, JUMP
Facilities Tour One date and time: Mon., May 11, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Facilities Tour Two date and time: Mon., May 11, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Location: JUMP, 1000 Myrtle St., Boise
Cost: $12 each tour
Capacity: 50 each tour

JUMP showcases 54 vintage tractors and antique farm equipment dating as far back as 1885. Take a tour of these inspiring examples of industrial art and innovation that connect our agricultural roots to the future of downtown Boise.
Please note: This event is offered twice; please select ONE option only.
Presenter: Rob Bearden, volunteer and “Tractor Doctor,” JUMP
Tractor Collection Tour One date and time: Mon., May 11, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Tractor Collection Tour Two date and time: Mon., May 11, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Location: JUMP, 1000 Myrtle St., Boise
Cost: $12 each tour
Capacity: 50 each tour

Explore the life and works of George Frederic Handel with a focus on his legendary oratorio, The Messiah. The late baroque period provided the transitional conditions that gave birth to the iconic work by one of the most lauded composers of the time. An appreciation of the cultural context and understanding of the musical marketplace elevates the listening experience today. Get to know the wonderful music and the human backstory of Handel’s most performed work.
Presenter: Dr. Zach Buie, Associate Professor of Trumpet and Music History, Boise State University
Date and time: Tue., May 12, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership

This lecture will reveal what happens when wild animals try to make their way with us in the way. We will learn how to help rather than hinder the animals with which we share Idaho’s magnificent landscape. Participants also will gain an increased awareness of what else lives among us and how this strengthens humanity’s connection with our natural resources.
Presenter: Kris Millgate, journalist, author and documentary producer
Date and time: Tue., May 12, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership
Watch a preview of this program here: Misadventures in the Wild

We may think of plants as passive organisms that spend their days vegetating, but many defend themselves from being eaten, and a few capture or parasitize other organisms. This lecture will cover some of the amazing ways that Idaho species defend themselves. For example, spurge has caustic sap; devil’s club has inch-long spines; and poison hemlock, baneberry and death camas contain deadly toxins. We’ll also discuss Idaho’s parasitic and carnivorous species, as well as poisonous gardens in the U.S. and abroad.
Presenter: Dr. Lynn Kinter, Adjunct Professor, Department of Biology, Boise State University
Date and time: Wed., May 13, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership

As the world redefines itself with each turn of the globe, these are challenging times for journalists — particularly public broadcasting journalists. This lecture will take attendees through the process of starting with a pre-dawn blank slate and putting together a “broadcast of record.” George Prentice will talk about giving “Morning Edition” guests the confidence and safety to tell their story. He’ll also share some unique stories and discuss his love for film and how it intersects with his other journalistic pursuits.
Presenter: George Prentice, Host, “Morning Edition,” Boise State Public Radio
Date and time: Thu., May 14, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership
Watch a preview of this program here: Catching Sunrise From the Most Unique Chair in Idaho

This lecture will explore the fascinating history of and stories about the elements in the periodic table that you never learned in high school chemistry class. Elements are named after ancient gods, countries, towns, regions, characteristics and people. One country today is named after an element, as are many locations in Idaho. One element was first discovered on the sun and then misnamed.
Presenter: Gerard Carlson, MSEE, PE, retired patent agent and Adjunct Professor, Boise State University
Date and time: Thu., May 14, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with membership
Watch a preview of this program here: Elemental Trivia: Stories of Element Names and Discoveries

The year 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the Idaho Shakespeare Festival. Founder Doug Copsey’s book, With Our Good Will, chronicles the first 30 years. This lecture will tell the story of the festival’s beginnings in 1977 and its growth up through the 1998 move to its permanent home in Barber Park.
Presenters: Doug Copsey, Founder, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, and Mark Hofflund, Managing Director, Idaho Shakespeare Festival
Date and time: Mon., May 18, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: $10
Watch a preview of this program here: Special Event: 50 Years of Shakespeare in Idaho

We hear much about changes in sea level and the threats to society that such change portends. This lecture will define what is meant by sea level, how it is measured and what are the causes and principal time and space scales of sea level variability. Topics will include sea level variations due to tides, storm surges and geologic changes induced by past climates and predicted for the future due to greenhouse gases induced by human activities.
Presenter: Dr. Tom Weingartner, retired Professor of Physical Oceanography, University of Alaska-Fairbanks
Date and time: Tue., May 19, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership
Watch a preview of this program here: Sea Level and Its Variations

Join us for an onsite walking tour of Boise State University’s Albertsons Stadium, the Blue Turf and the Stueckle Sky Center. Included on the tour will be a brief update on what is happening in college athletics and Boise State’s Athletics Department.
Presenter: Jacob Thompson, Director of Development, Boise State University Foundation
Date and time: Tue., May 19, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Location: Albertsons Stadium, 1400 Bronco Ln., Boise
Cost: $10
Capacity: 80

Carl Rowe has spent 72 of his 80 years on a conveyor belt of art mediums and experiences. Music, acting, dance, painting and writing adventures have given him a unique perspective on the art life and art’s role in society. He will share secrets of these disciplines, explore connections among them, consider art’s role in human history and stimulate discussions about it all. He sees art as an important part of humanity and loves to encourage both understanding and participation in its uniquely human urge to communicate.
Presenter: Carl Rowe, award-winning dancer, choreographer and painter
Date and time: Wed., May 20, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership
Watch a preview of this program here: A Lifetime of Art

Celebrate the end of the spring semester right behind the Yanke building, near the Boise River! Join fellow Osher members and Osher staff for an afternoon of good food and fun. We’ll be serving burgers (meat and plant-based), hot dogs and sides, and you’re invited to share a favorite side dish. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy live music, lawn games and great company as we soak up the sunshine and the joy of community. Registration is required for planning purposes. We can’t wait to see you there!
Please note: If you are bringing a guest, please fill out the survey to let us know.
Date and time: Wed., May 20, noon-2:00 p.m.
Location: Yanke Research Park, 220 E. Parkcenter Blvd., Boise
Cost: Included with membership

Since its founding nearly five decades ago, DOROT (“generations” in Hebrew) has earned a reputation of excellence and innovation in the fields of healthy aging, intergenerational programming and volunteerism. Aging Alone Together is DOROT’s flagship program for solo agers 50 and over — individuals who, by choice or circumstance, expect to age or make decisions about their future independently. Through interactive presentations and group discussions, this virtual series explores key topics, tools and strategies to prepare for the future, including building community, aging in place or relocating, advance care planning, navigating legal and financial matters, and strengthening support networks.
Please note: By registering for this program, you agree to the following terms:
1) Commit to attending at least five of the six sessions barring an unforeseen event.
2) Program content is intended solely for the personal, non-commercial use of authorized participants. Recording, screen scraping, copying, storage, display or distribution of this content is strictly prohibited.
Presenter: Claire Solomon Nisen, LMHW, MPH, Manager of Lasting Impressions, DOROT
Dates and time: Wed., June 10, 17, 24, July 1, 8, and 15, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Cost: Included with membership
Watch a preview of this program here: Aging Alone Together

Virtue theory asks not just how to do good, but how to be good. This course explores timeless questions of character through the lens of thinkers like Aristotle, Jesus, the Buddha, and Confucius. We will reflect on key virtues—such as honesty, courage, compassion, and respect —and consider practical ways to cultivate them in daily life. The full series may be taught as two separate courses.
Livestream Only via Zoom; Classes are not shown in the Osher classroom and are not recorded.
Presenter: Dr. David Smith
Dates and times: Wed., Jan. 14-Feb. 18, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Registration Deadline: January 12
Cost: $65
Note: Osher Online programs are not refundable. Following registration, members will receive an email from the Osher National Resource Center at Northwestern University. Contact osheronline@northwestern.edu for assistance after registration.

Discover how film music enhances storytelling, sets mood and place, defines character, and blends styles— jazz, classical, pop—into powerful cinematic impressions. We will discuss how composers shape emotion across genres like drama, romance, comedy, sci-fi, and westerns. From The Jazz Singer to James Bond, we will trace the evolution of film scores, spotlighting legendary composers such as Bernard Herrmann, Ennio Morricone, and John Williams. Celebrate the artistry of film music and its lasting emotional impact.
Livestream Only via Zoom; Classes are not shown in the Osher classroom and are not recorded.
Presenter: Mike Agron
Dates and times: Wed., Jan. 14-Feb. 18, 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Registration Deadline: January 12
Cost: $65
Note: Osher Online programs are not refundable. Following registration, members will receive an email from the Osher National Resource Center at Northwestern University. Contact osheronline@northwestern.edu for assistance after registration.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) shapes our daily lives in subtle yet powerful ways. In this non-technical course, we will explore six case studies that reveal how AI systems work, the ethics behind machine decision-making, and the impact of these technologies on our world. We will gain a deeper understanding of AI’s current influence— and the possibilities ahead.
Livestream Only via Zoom; Classes are not shown in the Osher classroom and are not recorded.
Presenter: Eliot Bethke
Dates and times: Thu., Jan. 15-Feb. 19, 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Registration Deadline: January 13
Cost: $65
Note: Osher Online programs are not refundable. Following registration, members will receive an email from the Osher National Resource Center at Northwestern University. Contact osheronline@northwestern.edu for assistance after registration.

Inspired by the 2024 FX mini-series Shōgun, this course explores Japan’s transition from civil war to peace between the 15th and 18th centuries. We will examine the rise of key unifiers, the roles of diverse social groups (like merchants, peasants, women, and outcasts), and the era’s political, cultural, and artistic shifts. For fans of the series or those new to Japanese history, this course offers a rich, accessible introduction.
Livestream Only via Zoom; Classes are not shown in the Osher classroom and are not recorded.
Presenter: Megan McClory
Dates and times: Tue., Jan. 20-Feb. 24, 5:00-6:30 p.m.
Registration Deadline: January 15
Cost: $65
Note: Osher Online programs are not refundable. Following registration, members will receive an email from the Osher National Resource Center at Northwestern University. Contact osheronline@northwestern.edu for assistance after registration.

In the 1820s, John James Audubon set out to document every bird species in the US, resulting in The Birds of America, a landmark collection of 435 hand-painted prints. This course explores Audubon’s life, artistic methods, and legacy, highlighting how his work bridges art and science. We will examine selected prints and consider his lasting impact on American natural history.
Livestream Only via Zoom; Classes are not shown in the Osher classroom and are not recorded.
Presenter: Dr. Eric Simon
Dates and times: Thu., Jan. 22-Feb. 26, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Registration Deadline: January 20
Cost: $65
Note: Osher Online programs are not refundable. Following registration, members will receive an email from the Osher National Resource Center at Northwestern University. Contact osheronline@northwestern.edu for assistance after registration.

Some substances heal, others harm—and some do both. This chemistry-rich (but non-technical) course explores the fine line between pharmaceuticals and poisons. We will examine drug development, venom-inspired medicine, and the history of FDA regulation shaped by scandal and reform. From aspirin’s industrial roots to Gila monster hormones, participants will uncover the fascinating, sometimes unsettling chemistry behind what we choose to swallow.
Livestream Only via Zoom; Classes are not shown in the Osher classroom and are not recorded.
Presenter: Dr. Johnnie Hendrickson
Dates and times: Thu., Jan. 22-Feb. 26, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
Registration Deadline: January 20
Cost: $65
Note: Osher Online programs are not refundable. Following registration, members will receive an email from the Osher National Resource Center at Northwestern University. Contact osheronline@northwestern.edu for assistance after registration.

Explore how digital technologies and artificial intelligence affect the brain, behavior, and mental health. This course examines the impact of modern devices on attention, memory, emotions, and decision- making, while addressing ethical concerns like privacy and tech-based addictions. We will learn how neuroscience and psychology offer tools to support well-being in a rapidly evolving digital world.
Livestream Only via Zoom; Classes are not shown in the Osher classroom and are not recorded.
Presenter: Dr. Elena Labkovsky
Dates and times: Mon., Jan. 26-Mar. 2, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Registration Deadline: January 22
Cost: $65
Note: Osher Online programs are not refundable. Following registration, members will receive an email from the Osher National Resource Center at Northwestern University. Contact osheronline@northwestern.edu for assistance after registration.

Explore the fascinating world of Albert Einstein’s theories—no math or science background required. This course introduces key ideas like time travel, warped space, black holes, and gravitational waves, all in accessible terms. We will discover how modern science continues to confirm Einstein’s predictions and why his work remains a source of wonder for both scientists and science fiction fans.
Livestream Only via Zoom; Classes are not shown in the Osher classroom and are not recorded.
Presenter: Andrew Fraknoi
Dates and times: Tue., Jan. 27-Mar. 3, 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Registration Deadline: January 25
Cost: $65
Note: Osher Online programs are not refundable. Following registration, members will receive an email from the Osher National Resource Center at Northwestern University. Contact osheronline@northwestern.edu for assistance after registration.

Have you ever wondered who writes presidential speeches? This course traces the evolution of speechwriting from George Washington’s administration to today. Yes, Hamilton helped draft Washington’s Farewell Address, but no, Lincoln did not scribble the Gettysburg Address on an envelope. We will study the writing process presidents used and examine drafts from FDR, Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Carter, and George H.W. Bush. We will view clips from speeches and from former White House speechwriters describing the process.
Livestream Only via Zoom; Classes are not shown in the Osher classroom and are not recorded.
Presenter: Dr. Diana Carlin
Dates and times: Mon., Mar. 30-May 4, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Registration Deadline: March 26
Cost: $65
Note: Osher Online programs are not refundable. Following registration, members will receive an email from the Osher National Resource Center at Northwestern University. Contact osheronline@northwestern.edu for assistance after registration.

Throughout his 1000-day presidency, John Kennedy pursued peace through a broad spectrum of initiatives. He saw a connection between learning and leadership and sought to use military deterrence, diplomacy, and soft power in novel ways. In this course, we will explore how his character and life experiences were the origins of those efforts. We will evaluate his  powers of persuasion by listening to key speeches, and we will assess his successes and failures and their relevance to today’s world.
Livestream Only via Zoom; Classes are not shown in the Osher classroom and are not recorded.
Presenter: Charles Blum
Dates and times: Thu., Apr. 2-May 7, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Registration Deadline: March 31
Cost: $65
Note: Osher Online programs are not refundable. Following registration, members will receive an email from the Osher National Resource Center at Northwestern University. Contact osheronline@northwestern.edu for assistance after registration.

How much of who we are is shaped by the places we live and experience? This course invites reflection on the psychological and emotional relationships between people and their environments. Drawing on psychology, geography, architecture, and design, we will explore environmental psychology and how physical environments shape behavior, cognition, identity, and memory. Using place-based methods, we will discuss concepts such as place attachment, identity, and cognitive maps. We will reflect on memory, home, trauma, displacement, and nature’s role in well-being.
Livestream Only via Zoom; Classes are not shown in the Osher classroom and are not recorded.
Presenter: Fernanda Blanco Vidal
Dates and times: Tue., Apr. 7-May 12, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Registration Deadline: April 5
Cost: $65
Note: Osher Online programs are not refundable. Following registration, members will receive an email from the Osher National Resource Center at Northwestern University. Contact osheronline@northwestern.edu for assistance after registration.

Most conversations about aging focus on lifespan, but brainspan (how long our mind stays sharp) matters more. In this course, we will explore how the brain ages and what science reveals about protecting memory, balance, and clarity. Topics include normal changes versus early dementia, neuroplasticity, nutrition, sleep, stress, social ties, and purpose. Each session blends accessible science with self-tests and take-home practices. We will also build a personalized Cognitive Health Scorecard to track habits and strengthen resilience.
Livestream Only via Zoom; Classes are not shown in the Osher classroom and are not recorded.
Presenter: Scott Fulton
Dates and times: Thu., Apr. 9-May 14, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Registration Deadline: April 7
Cost: $65
Note: Osher Online programs are not refundable. Following registration, members will receive an email from the Osher National Resource Center at Northwestern University. Contact osheronline@northwestern.edu for assistance after registration.

Science is full of surprises. Dyes, accidentally discovered, launched the modern pharmaceutical industry. A failed experiment opened the door to new physics. Discoveries are never just facts. They are moments of creativity, struggle, and chance with far- reaching consequences. In this course, we will explore the human side of science, tracing breakthroughs in biology, chemistry, physics, and more. We will ask not only what was found, but how and why it matters.
Livestream Only via Zoom; Classes are not shown in the Osher classroom and are not recorded.
Presenter: Dr. Johnnie Hendrickson
Dates and times: Thu., Apr. 9-May 14, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Registration Deadline: April 7
Cost: $65
Note: Osher Online programs are not refundable. Following registration, members will receive an email from the Osher National Resource Center at Northwestern University. Contact osheronline@northwestern.edu for assistance after registration.

California is more than a state—it is an idea, a dream, and a contradiction. In this course, we will journey from its earliest Indigenous cultures through Spanish, Mexican, and American rule, exploring missions, the Gold Rush, the railroad, Hollywood, and Silicon Valley. We will challenge myths, highlight overlooked voices, and examine how migration, innovation, and cultural change shaped the Golden State. We will discover what it has meant, and still means, to be Californian.
Livestream Only via Zoom; Classes are not shown in the Osher classroom and are not recorded.
Presenter: Anthony Antonucci
Dates and times: Fri., Apr. 10-May 15, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Registration Deadline: April 8
Cost: $65
Note: Osher Online programs are not refundable. Following registration, members will receive an email from the Osher National Resource Center at Northwestern University. Contact osheronline@northwestern.edu for assistance after registration.

Music has long provoked debate, from Beethoven and Stravinsky’s bold innovations to Broadway works like Annie Get Your Gun and South Pacific, now revisited through modern concerns about race, consent, and gender. Is political correctness enriching art or erasing cultural heritage? We will also examine plagiarism and borrowing in pop and film music, with cases involving The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Peter Frampton. This course blends audiovisuals, anecdotes, and humor to explore music’s most controversial moments.
Livestream Only via Zoom; Classes are not shown in the Osher classroom and are not recorded.
Presenter: Emanuel Abramovits
Dates and times: Wed., Apr. 15-May 20, 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Registration Deadline: April 13
Cost: $65
Note: Osher Online programs are not refundable. Following registration, members will receive an email from the Osher National Resource Center at Northwestern University. Contact osheronline@northwestern.edu for assistance after registration.

This course will examine the cultural transformations in thinking and living that reshaped America and Western Europe between World War I and the Great Depression. Known as the Roaring Twenties, the Jazz Age, and the Lost Generation, this period redefined values and norms. We will explore the vibrant world of 1920s Paris through F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Babylon Revisited and Bernice Bobs Her Hair, Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises, and Gertrude Stein’s The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas, considering the lasting legacy of the era.
Livestream Only via Zoom; Classes are not shown in the Osher classroom and are not recorded.
Presenter: Ferdâ Asya
Dates and times: Wed., Apr. 15-May 20, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Registration Deadline: April 13
Cost: $65
Note: Osher Online programs are not refundable. Following registration, members will receive an email from the Osher National Resource Center at Northwestern University. Contact osheronline@northwestern.edu for assistance after registration.

Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are member-led opportunities for learning and engagement outside of the classroom.

Come socialize with other Osher members before the start of class on Thursday mornings at the Yanke building. This SIG is for Osher members only, and registration is required.
Facilitator: Mark Eubank
Meetings: Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Location: Yanke Building
Capacity: 30

Join Osher members for a monthly meetup at a Treasure Valley brewery to sample various local craft beers. There will be knowledgeable people on hand to introduce members to the world of craft beer and various styles of local beer to enjoy. Beer is at members’ own expense, but the company, conversation, and discovery are included at no charge. Information on the brewery, address, and links will be provided in advance.
Facilitators: Steve Easley and Todd Fraser
Meetings: One Wednesday or Thursday a month, times TBD
Location: TBD
Capacity: 40

Explore Boise’s Ridge to Rivers trail system on moderately strenuous hikes of one-and-a-half to two hours in duration. Start from a different trailhead each week to experience the beauty of the open space surrounding our city. Hikes can be lengthy and challenging. Information with details on date, time, and location will be emailed to registrants in advance of the planned hike.
Facilitator: Dennis Hynes
Meetings: Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Location: TBD
Capacity: 120

This SIG is a group of Osher members that meets every month in a seminar. Each member, in rotation, presents on a topic they have researched to the group. Topics cover a wide range of subjects, such as literature, history, sociology, and technology.
Facilitators: Gail Robb and Lucia Haet
Meetings: Second Friday of each month, 12:30-3:00 p.m.
Location: Smoky Mountain Pizza, 1805 W. State St., Boise
Capacity: 20

Join Osher members who enjoy films — both foreign and American — by gathering at The Flicks, Boise’s premier independent movie theater. Following each film, members will have the opportunity to meet in the theater for a short discussion. The Flicks utilizes best practices for social distancing and safety issues.
Please note: Due to robust interest in this SIG and the limited size of the theater, the film may sell out.
Facilitators: Bob and Toni Fontaine
Meetings: One Monday a month, around 4:30 p.m.
Location: The Flicks, 646 W. Fulton St., Boise
Capacity: Theater capacity

Join Osher members who explore various forms of personal writing, including memoirs, family histories, personal reflections, essays, letters to the editor, flash fiction, short stories, and fables. This SIG is peer-led, with a different member responsible for each session. Members normally write 250 words (or a little more) in response to a prompt circulated almost two weeks before each session. During the session, they read what they’ve written as well as text composed in response to one or more additional prompts. The SIG helps participants expand, refine, and improve their writing by sharing it with others and by listening to and learning from the ways others write. No prior writing experience is necessary.
Facilitator: Tom Baerwald
Meetings: Fridays, Jan. 9, Jan. 23, Feb. 6, Feb. 20, Mar. 6, Mar. 20, Apr. 3, Apr. 17, May 1, May 15, May 29, June 12, June 26, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Location: Yanke Building
Capacity: 25

Take part in the beauty of the Boise River Greenbelt with other Osher members who want to get exercise while enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. Moderate to brisk walks that begin and end at the Yanke building will be at the core of this SIG.
Facilitators: Diane Ronayne and Sharon Bixby
Meetings: Fridays, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Location: Meet on the east side of the Yanke building
Capacity: 45