As we study history, many aspects make sense. We understand why several countries fought in WWII and how the Civil War came to be in the U.S. However, stepping outside the historical narratives often passed down through our textbooks reveals numerous fascinating facts that tend to slip through the cracks. This is where we begin to ask, "Why?" and "Really!?"

In this class, students will delve into our past to uncover the weird and intriguing events that have shaped human history. By doing so, they will discover that history can be both peculiar and exciting. Each week, we will focus on a different subject, such as WWI, government structures, famous personalities, Disneyland and Disney World, and more. No two classes will be the same, ensuring a fresh and engaging exploration of history's hidden gems.

Week of September 2: Disneyland - A Magical Yet Chaotic Opening
"Once upon a time, in a land not so far away, there lived a kindly old inventor. Excitable and unpredictable, the man bubbled with whimsy and goodness, and everyone loved him. So, the inventor decided to create a kingdom of his own, a fantastical “magic kingdom.” A place where nothing ever went wrong. A place where you could wish upon a star and your dreams would come true. People traveled from faraway lands to see this wonderful new world for themselves. And they went home believers." (David Koenig) Or did they? The opening of Disneyland was a fiasco. Let's delve into this wondrous yet disastrous event. Join us as we explore the magic and the mayhem of Disneyland's grand opening.

Week of September 9: Disneyland 2 - Behind the Ears
This week, we venture behind those iconic giant ears of Disney. Discover why you suddenly crave candy (or any sweets) as you leave the park, the architectural tricks that make the buildings look just a bit off, and the chaos that ensued when the "Yippies" invaded. Uncover the secrets that keep the magic alive and the hidden stories behind the smiles.

Week of September 16: Disney World - Walt's Bigger Dream
Disneyland was a success, but Walt wanted something more—a new world, a future world. Although Florida wasn't his first (or even second) choice, he eventually decided to build there. Learn how this decision came to be, the deceptive tactics Walt used to acquire the land, and what's happening now. Journey with us through the creation of Disney World and the vision that drove its inception.

Week of September 23: Disney World 2 - Don't Be Goofy
Tunnels, tunnels, tunnels. Yes, there are tunnels beneath the Magic Kingdom, but you'll never see them (unless you work there). Additionally, discover the hidden, abandoned places that nature is reclaiming. Explore the secrets Walt had in store for the park, which were never meant for us to see. Unveil the mysteries beneath the magic.

Week of October 30: Weird War II
In this class, we will explore the bizarre and unusual aspects of World War II. Learn about the assassination attempts on Winston Churchill (and their peculiar methods), Disney's unexpected connection to WWII through a life-saving yet terrifying creation, and the U.S.'s plans for another Japanese attack. Dive into the strange and little-known stories of the war that shaped the modern world.

Week of October 7: The Government - What They Don't Tell You!
Yes, the government has long kept secrets, but some of these secrets have harmed people. Let's uncover some of the hidden truths that were kept under wraps for years. From covert operations to classified documents, we will explore the secrets that the government didn't want you to know and the impact they had on people's lives.

Week of October 16: Historic Disasters - Lessons from Catastrophes
In this class, we will delve into some of the most interesting and disturbing historic disasters. We will explore the events surrounding the Three Mile Island incident, the catastrophic meltdown at Chornobyl and its current status, and the devastating Bhopal Gas Tragedy. Understand the causes, consequences, and lasting effects of these monumental disasters.

Week of October 23: Spies and Espionage - The Weird and the Notorious
In this class, we will dive into the world of spies and espionage. What exactly is a spy, and what makes their world so intriguing? Learn about spies who were caught due to blunders or bad luck, and uncover the stories of some famous individuals who led double lives as spies. Discover the strange and sometimes bizarre tactics used in the world of espionage and the fascinating lives of those who operated in the shadows.

Week of October 30: Ahh! Halloween!
In this class, we will trace the origins of Halloween and its evolution over the years. Discover how different cultures around the world celebrate Halloween and the unique traditions that accompany it. We will also delve into the fascinating history behind Dracula, revealing that the legend goes beyond just Vlad the Impaler, and explore other spooky tales and traditions associated with this eerie holiday.

Week of November 4: The Tragic Tale of Book Burning
The devastating history of book burning begins with the loss of the Library of Alexandria, where countless invaluable manuscripts were consumed by flames. Fast forward to the dark days of the Nazis, who sought to erase knowledge and suppress dissent by mercilessly burning books. Join us as we explore some of the bizarre and unsettling reasons books have been burned or banned throughout history, uncovering the tragic attempts to stifle ideas and culture.

Week of November 11: Secret Societies - Unveiling the Hidden
Secret societies have flourished throughout history, with Founding Fathers and royals among their ranks. We'll revisit the enigmatic Knights Templar and delve deeper into the world of secret societies, including the Knights of Malta, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the ever-mysterious Illuminati. Discover the secrets, rituals, and influence these societies wielded throughout history and how they continue to captivate our imaginations.

Week of November 18: Hidden Rooms and Tunnels - Mysteries Beneath
Hidden rooms and tunnels exist in various corners of the world, shrouded in mystery and intrigue. From the secret passageways beneath ancient castles in Europe to the clandestine underground tunnels used by smugglers in South America, these enigmatic spaces hold untold stories and offer a glimpse into the hidden past of civilizations worldwide. Join us as we uncover these fascinating and often forgotten places, revealing the secrets they keep beneath the surface.

Week of November 25: No Class

Week of December 2: The White House - Secrets of the Most Famous House in the U.S.
Think you know everything about the White House? Think again! In this class, we'll uncover fascinating and lesser-known facts about this iconic residence. Learn about its impressive size, the pool, bowling alley, movie theater, and hidden gardens. We'll explore the historical significance of different rooms, secret passages and bunkers, and unique traditions. Discover the rich history, hidden secrets, and day-to-day life within the White House. From presidential pets to ghost stories, there's more to this famous house than meets the eye! 

Week of December 9: Mysterious Disappearances - Where'd They Go?
Explore some of history's most intriguing and perplexing disappearances. We'll delve into the story of Amelia Earhart, the pioneering aviator who vanished during her attempt to circumnavigate the globe. Discover the eerie tale of the Isolated Siberian Family, a group of Russian Old Believers who mysteriously disappeared in the Siberian wilderness. We'll also examine the Lost Colony of Roanoke, where an entire settlement vanished without a trace in the 16th century, and the Mary Celeste, a ship found adrift with its crew missing. Additionally, we'll look into the case of D.B. Cooper, the hijacker who parachuted out of a plane with ransom money, never to be seen again. Join us to uncover the theories and evidence behind these captivating mysteries.

Week of December 16: Weird and Interesting Christmas Traditions
Explore the quirky and fascinating world of Christmas traditions from around the globe! Discover peculiar customs like Austria's Krampus, Japan's KFC Christmas dinner, and Venezuela's roller-skating to church. Learn about strange legends such as Iceland's Yule Lads and Ukraine's spider web decorations. Taste unusual holiday foods like Greenland's kiviak and Sweden's lutefisk, and find out about unique decorations like Germany's pickle ornament and Norway's hidden brooms. Join us for a journey through these surprising and delightful Christmas traditions, adding new layers of wonder to your holiday season! .

Week of December 23: No Class

Week of December 30: No Class

Week of January 6: A Brief History of Weird Cures: Leaches Anyone?
In this class, we will delve into the intriguing history of weird cures and explore why we trust modern medicine today. We'll begin by understanding the evolution of medical practices and how they have shaped our current perceptions of safety and efficacy. Then, we'll take a fascinating look at some historical remedies that were once touted as cures but were actually dangerous and even deadly. From toxic tonics to peculiar potions, discover the strange and often hazardous treatments people once relied on in their quest for health. Join us as we uncover the bizarre and sometimes horrifying history of medicine and appreciate the advancements that have led to safer, more effective treatments today.

Week of January 13: Mysteries of the Vietnam War: Was That Bigfoot
Uncover the enigmatic and mysterious tales from the Vietnam War. In this class, we will explore the legends and eyewitness accounts of the Nguoi Rung, or "Vietnamese Bigfoot," and the elusive Batutut, a humanoid creature said to inhabit the remote jungles. We'll also delve into stories of the Ujit, mysterious Rock Apes encountered by soldiers, and the accounts of Kregg P.J. Jorgenson, a soldier who documented these strange sightings. Additionally, we'll examine the reports of giant spiders and other bizarre creatures that added an eerie dimension to the already intense experiences of the war. Join us as we sift through the evidence and legends, uncovering the strange and often chilling mysteries that haunted the Vietnam War.

**** Classes for the week are subject to change. ****