History of American Musical Theatre: Late 19th-21st Century Friday, Jan. 30, 10-11:30 a.m.; Speaker: Dr. Helen Tintes-Schuermann; $27 This lecture offers an overview of the history of the American musical theatre, with its roots in European operetta and early American vaudeville. Historical periods from the late 19th century (French and Viennese operetta, American vaudeville and early American operetta), followed by the early 20th century (the 1920s-30s, including “Showboat,” the first truly American musical) and Broadway’s “Golden Age” (“Kiss me, Kate,” “Oklahoma,” “My Fair Lady,” etc.) will be covered. Works of the last half of the 20th century (including major works such as “West Side Story” and “A Little Night Music”) will be presented, along with musical examples. Composers include Victor Herbert, Jerome Kern, George Gershwin, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Cole Porter, Lerner and Loewe, Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim, among others. The Rise of AI: From Concept to ChatGPT Wednesday, Feb. 11, 10-11:30 a.m.; Speaker: John Guerra; $37 Join this engaging two-hour exploration of artificial intelligence from its early theoretical roots to its remarkable presence in our daily lives. We trace the history of AI, demystify how it works, and examine key milestones that led to today’s advanced systems. The session culminates in a live demonstration of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI, showcasing its ability to write, reason, create, and assist with a variety of tasks. Whether you’re curious, skeptical, or excited about AI, this lecture offers a clear, accessible look at one of the most transformative technologies of our time. No technical background required! The American Revolution on Canvas: Five Painters Who Shaped the Imagery of America’s Founding Thursday, Feb. 26, 1:30-3 p.m.; Speaker: James Pagliaro; $27 The story of America’s founding was shaped not only by words and battles, but also by works of art that captured its key moments. Benjamin West, John Singleton Copley, Charles Willson Peale, John Trumbull, and Gilbert Stuart created the images that gave lasting form to the Revolutionary era — portraits of the founders, stirring depictions of battles, and dramatic scenes of nationbuilding. Their works became icons, shaping how generations of Americans have imagined the Revolution and providing a visual legacy long after its eyewitnesses have passed. This lecture explores the lives, styles, and enduring influence of these five artists, whose canvases transformed history into national memory. On the eve of the United States’ 250th anniversary, their masterpieces invite us to reconsider the power of art in shaping identity, patriotism, and our understanding of America’s beginnings. Six Queens: Love, Power, and Survival in Henry VIII’s Court Wednesday, March 11, 10-11:30 a.m.; Speaker: Nancy Maxwell; $27 Henry VIII’s six marriages are among the most famous episodes in English history, remembered for passion, politics, and peril. While securing a male heir was the king’s goal, each union also served the shifting religious and diplomatic ambitions of others. This lecture explores the lives of Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard, and Catherine Parr — women who were far more than footnotes to a king’s story. Were they helpless pawns, scheming strategists, or both? Through their triumphs and tragedies, we gain insight into the turbulent world of the Tudor court and the women who dared to navigate it. From Cash to Crypto: Understanding the New Era of Money Tuesday, March 31, 1:30-3 p.m.; Speaker: Thomas Consiglio; $27 Cash is fading, and a new kind of money is taking its place. But what exactly is digital currency, and why is it becoming so important? This lecture unpacks the mystery behind cryptocurrencies, blockchain, and the next generation of payment systems. We start by exploring what truly makes money “money” and how it is created today. Then, we look ahead to the rise of blockchain-based currencies, central bank digital money, and the fast-moving world of crypto assets, from Bitcoin to NFTs and beyond. No technical background is needed, just a curiosity about how technology is rewriting the rules of finance and how these changes may soon affect the way you shop, invest, and save. Call for Lecturers Do you have expertise and a passion for teaching? FGCU Academy invites individuals with knowledge and enthusiasm to join its distinguished lineup of lecturers. Interested parties can call 239-434-4838 or email jguerra@fgcu.edu for more information. Register Today Pelican Bay residents are encouraged to join this enriching learning community. To register for lectures or obtain additional information, contact the Pelican Bay Community Center at 239-5978877. Make 2026 a year of discovery, conversation, and lifelong learning! 45 Pelican Bay Lifestyle Guide 2026 PelicanBay.org
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