Fall 2026 Offerings:
Digital Literacy & Pop Culture: Improve your social media and digital skills through the engaging lens of pop culture. September 18 | 7 p.m.
Mahjong: History, lesson, and game presented by a specialist in social history and culture of mahjong. September 23 | 7 p.m.
Online Historical Mixology: From the comfort of your own home, mix a drink with the provided recipe, and learn about the culture of the 1950s. Drew University’s archivist will showcase items from the collection that speak to the fashion and life of the mid-20th century. September 25 | 7 p.m.
Color and The Renaissance: We will discuss the use of color and its significance in late medieval and early Renaissance manuscript illuminations. Well preserved examples, often made from fugitive pigments, are essential historic documents for our knowledge of how contemporaries viewed, used, and understood color in other media. Following our discussion, participants will look at and handle examples of late medieval and Renaissance manuscript decorations in Special Collections. In addition, we will investigate colors in their powdered pigment state and work at applying gold leaf to parchment. September 30 | 6:30 p.m.
Optimal Aging: One of our own empty nesters opens the conversation by exploring how we think about aging — personally and culturally. A Drew psychology professor follows with practical, research-backed strategies for aging at your best. We close with our archivist, who reveals how old books and family documents hold stories that shape who we are — and why preserving them matters. October 7 | 7 p.m.
Hamlet, Be!: A Drew professor leads us through Hamlet, the preeminent revenge tragedy. We’ll discuss Shakespeare’s poetic language, Hamlet’s grief, and the madness afflicting him and Ophelia. We’ll tune in to debates raging in Shakespeare’s own day, like the choice between heroic violence versus Christian forgiveness and the murky nature of the afterlife. We’ll also touch upon the play’s enduring importance in our own pop culture. Then, we take our seats in the Shakespeare Theater and watch it all unfold live. October 14 | 7 p.m.
Thriller Movement: Movement is one of the most powerful ways we connect — with each other and with ourselves. Join us for an evening of supportive, joyful movement culminating in a group performance of the iconic Thriller. The class will be accessible and will not require any prior dance experience. October 22 | 6 p.m.
Haunted Holdings: Experience the supernatural collection of books on monsters, death, dying, witches, and the undead, including the Malleus Maleficarum. Sit with these haunting books as an archivist and a mortician guide you through the history and particulars of death. The event will end with a discussion and ghost tour of Drew University’s “haunted” locations. October 28 | 7 p.m.
Autumn Landscapes: The evening begins with a guided tour of the Korn exhibit, followed by a discussion on famous landscape paintings. We finish the night with a beginner-friendly class focused on creating quick and easy landscape paintings. An established artist and Drew Art Professor will guide us in color and technique using gouache paint. November 5 | 7 p.m.
Artificial Intelligence: AI is already part of your life — but do you have a say in how? A Drew Professor and Media Specialist walks us through how AI actually works, where its biases live, and how to use it wisely. You’ll leave with something tangible: your own personal AI policy, written by you, for you. November 9 | 7 p.m.
5Rhythms Dance: Created by Gabrielle Roth, the 5Rhythms is a dynamic movement practice rooted in the principle that if you put the psyche in motion it will heal itself. Through the map of the 5Rhythms, we will take a deep dive into our own inner landscape to reconnect with our authentic selves, allowing us to be more fully present for what matters most in life. This is an opportunity to bring our deepest prayers to life through conscious movement, while being in community with others. November 18 | 7 p.m.
Astronomy: “What is out there?” A discussion of extraterrestrial life, exo-planets, life in the universe and archeoastronomy. Followed by a look at the stars through telescopes or the observatory. December 1 | 7 p.m.
Online-Beyond the Nest: How can we thrive during and after the empty nest transition? A premier life coach provides supportive virtual training designed to help individuals navigate the emotional, relational, and personal changes that come with children leaving home. Participants will explore the impact of this life transition, learn healthy coping strategies, and discover ways to reconnect with personal goals, relationships, identity, and overall well-being. Through reflection, practical tools, and guided discussion, this training encourages participants to move beyond loss and embrace the empty nest stage as an opportunity for growth, renewal, and meaningful new beginnings. December 4 | 7 p.m.
