Explore 250 years of Allaire Village through its most influential owners – James P. Allaire, Hal Allaire, Benjamin Harrison, and benefactor Arthur Brisbane. Learn what drew each to this unique site, how their entrepreneurial spirit shaped its development, and how their charitable efforts left lasting marks. Examine their social and cultural impact, the challenges of […]

During the Cold War, the United States, Soviet Union, and China competed not only in space and arms development, but in the mind. Discover fascinating stories of how Governments explored ESP, remote viewing, telepathy, and psychokinesis, hoping for strategic and intelligence advantages. Trace the surprising history behind those efforts and the scientists, soldiers, mystics, and […]

A society’s institutions shape and are shaped by individual behaviors and social dynamics. Explore the fundamental structures and functions of society, emphasizing the role and impact of its core institutions. Examine the five institutions necessary to a society: family, education, religion, politics and government, and economy and work. Learn how social institutions can and do […]

With 2026 being the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, there will be plenty of attention paid to the American Revolution. This course will look at the role played by Irish figures in America during the Revolutionary War years as well as how the American Revolution impacted late 18th century events in Ireland. (No […]

Iceland is a land of breathtaking contrasts, where nature’s most powerful forces have shaped its landscape over millennia. Born from volcanic eruptions and sculpted by glacial ice, this island is a living testament to the dynamic forces of fire and dice. Towering volcanoes, erupting with fiery fury, give birth to vast lava fields, while glaciers […]

Find out why pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America! A paddle sport for all ages and skill levels, pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. The rules are simple, and the game is easy to learn. Don’t miss this addictive new form of fitness and fun. Taught by certified pickleball instructor. […]

Molly Cauterucci Fox, MSEd, Reading Specialist & Certified Yoga Instructor Regina Wackerman, MFA, Certified Yoga Instructor Feeling stiff, distracted, or creatively “stuck” from too much sitting? Enjoy a combination of gentle, yoga-inspired movement, mindful breathing, and guided writing prompts to restore energy, boost focus, and spark fresh ideas. Research shows that light movement and posture […]

Examine how museums and institutions acquired their collections and why this has become a topic of global concern. Many nations seek the return of cultural artifacts removed during colonization, including the Benin Bronzes, Aboriginal Shield, and religious works from the Indian subcontinent. This session explores the importance of provenance in understanding the cultural and historical […]

Over 2,000 years old, the Irish language boasts the oldest living literature in Western Europe. Despite colonial attempts to destroy the language – it is alive and well – and here at Brookdale! Instructors at all levels have earned the Fáinne Óir, and our classes are informal, fun, and stress-free. Designed for beginners to fluent […]

Arlene Smelson, certified art instructor, professional artist Whether a beginner or beyond, explore the magic of acrylics in a relaxed, supportive setting. Learn how to build a painting from the ground up – developing strong composition, mixing colors, creating texture, and adding movement and value to bring your artwork to life. Discover a variety of […]

Wondering how tools like Chat GPT can write essays, answer questions, or carry on a conversation? This easy-to-understand session introduces the basic mathematical and statistical ideas behind “generative” AI – with no advanced math required. Learn how text-based AI systems recognized patterns in language to create human-like responses, and why they sometimes get things wrong […]

Janet Woods, instructor Discover the transformative power of vibrational sound therapy to restore balance, relaxation, and wellness in body, mind, and spirit. Experience a hands-on workshop teaching the history and techniques of tuning forks, including how to hold, strike, and apply them—both standard and weighted – to promote energy flow and alignment. No prior experience […]

Mighty Craic Music, History, Dance! Celebrate the spirit of Ireland with a full day of storytelling, traditions, and song. The Cook College Ramblers return, joined by three of our favorite Irish historians, for a festive program you won’t want to miss. Featured Talk Include: Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way – Maureen Dunphy Brady The Life and Times […]