Celebrating Love – Wedding Officiating by Barry Bradford
2026-07-05 17:00 - 18:00, 2026-07-25 17:00 - 18:00, 2026-08-01 17:00 - 18:00, 2026-08-16 17:00, 2026-08-21 17:00 (America/Chicago)
I’m Officiating a Wedding During This Time!
This time block is reserved because I have the honor of officiating a wedding for a wonderful couple. While this ceremony is private, I’m always grateful to be a part of such joyful and meaningful occasions.
As an award-winning wedding officiant, I’ve had the privilege of conducting unforgettable ceremonies—large and small, traditional and contemporary, religious, civil, and same-sex—for couples from all walks of life. I don’t offer “cookie-cutter” weddings. Every ceremony is personalized to reflect the couple’s unique love story.
💍 Thinking about your wedding?Whether you’re planning a cozy backyard elopement or a grand celebration, I’d love to help you create a custom wedding ceremony that’s heartfelt, memorable, and true to who you are.👉 Learn more about officiant services👉 Watch a short video with testimonials from some of my happy couples!
Serving couples throughout Chicago, Lake County, and beyond, I bring warmth, professionalism, and joy to every wedding I officiate. Feel free to email me if you or someone you know is searching for a thoughtful, experienced officiant.

Paul Revere A Patriot With A Purpose
2026-07-06 09:00 - 10:00 | Private Venue
Paul Revere: A Patriot With A Purpose
Paul Revere is a unique figure in USA history His name is universally known for his “Midnight Ride,” yet he seems to appear out of nowhere on that day and disappear the next Like Rosa Parks, he seems to be important for one day of his life, which changes American History and then vanishes But like Mrs. Parks, Paul Revere was a brave, determined, and respected leader who led a rich, complete, and essential life before and after his moment of fame.
While Americans recall something of the drama of Paul Revere’s ride, the details are more harrowing, exciting, and heroic than you may realize. The CIA credits Revere with organizing the first spy network to protect America!
Paul Revere was captured on his way to Lexington and Concord by the British -who threatened him with death The daring Patriot escaped their clutches, slipping through their lines and then riding tirelessly, Revere saved the necks of John Hancock and John Adams Using his quick wits and unbelievable courage, Paul Revere even managed to smuggle top-secret documents to safety -right under the nose of the British column!
How was Paul Revere a Patriot with a purpose And which modern United States hero would be the most comparable to him Click here to read my surprising answer!
Please join us for this exciting and unexpected multimedia presentation where we will learn how the remarkable Patriot Paul Revere helped organize Boston’s fierce resistance to foreign occupation, revolutionized American industry, and managed to take the unforgettable midnight ride!

Benjamin Franklin
2026-07-06 14:00 - 15:30 | Private Venue
Benjamin Franklin has been called “The First American.” Certainly, no life can compare to his. Benjamin Franklin was one of the most successful businessmen in American history. Although Franklin started his life in poverty, he grew to be phenomenally wealthy.
Franklin was a fantastic businessman, a brilliant writer, a political leader of immeasurable importance to America, a world-renowned scientist, and his inventions have been credited with saving countless lives throughout the centuries. And Franklin was also one of the funniest, most charming, and highly respected men of all time
In this fast-moving multimedia presentation, we will look at all aspects of the life of the amazing

Benjamin Franklin. He invented the lightning rod, bifocal glasses, the Franklin stove (which heated American homes for many years), the first working pedometer, and so many other practical items. But I think one of his greatest inventions is a little harder to recognize. Click here to read a short piece about what I consider Benjamin Franklin’s greatest invention. This exciting and unexpected multimedia presentation will examine Franklin’s immensely important role in shaping American business, giving voice to the new American nation, and transforming the world through his experiments and inventions.

America's Purpose Statement: The Declaration Of Independence (Afternoon)
2026-07-07 13:00 - 14:30 | Zoom
The most important sentence ever written by an American – a sentence that has inspired people in every part of the world – is found in America’s purpose statement! Click here to read more. The legacy of Washington, Hancock, Franklin, Jefferson, Adams, Hamilton, and Paul Revere still challenges us.

On a stifling July Thursday in 1776, our Founding Fathers agreed to a unique document in world history. Many revolutions had occurred over the centuries, but never had one begun with a philosophical purpose statement.
Although the Declaration of Independence has no legal power, it has become the guiding beacon for what America strives to become. As the events of 2020 showed, we as a nation are a world leader in human rights, yet America is still a work in progress.

Why study the Declaration of Independence? It is the ultimate statement of what we hope to become. Freedom movements in the USA and worldwide have quoted it.
Yet many Americans know surprisingly little about it. In this exciting and thought-provoking multimedia presentation, I will explore the thrilling themes, difficult negotiations, contradictory, complex, and charismatic personalities, and the events leading to the most critical moment in American history.
COST
The program is available for a minimum contribution of $5.00, which helps support my work and allows me to continue offering engaging content.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
Cash/Check
Payable to: Barry Bradford
Mail to:
Barry Bradford
P.O. Box #177
Deerfield, IL 60015
Please write Dec. (AM) in the subject line.
PayPal
Pay securely via PayPal:

(Please note: PayPal deducts 10% of your donation as a fee. I receive $4.50 per $5.00 donation.)
Venmo
Send to: @B-Bradford-1
Please include Dec. (AM) in the note.
Zelle
Use the email address: Barry1776@ATT.NET
Include Dec. (AM) in the note.
WAIVER OPTION
If you cannot afford to pay or feel my programs aren’t worth $5.00, you are welcome to attend for free or contribute less. Just email me to request a waiver—no questions asked! This one-time request will cover all future programs. I completely understand the challenges of living on a tight budget and offer this with compassion.
REGISTRATION LINK
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
DIDN’T RECEIVE YOUR ZOOM LINK?
If you don’t receive a confirmation email after registering, it means your sign-up wasn’t completed. Be sure to:

Check your spam folder for the confirmation email.
Save the confirmation email once you find it.

If you still can’t find the link or the email, return to the website and register again. Unfortunately, I am unable to send you the link manually because it is generated directly by Zoom..

America's Purpose Statement: The Declaration Of Independence (Evening)
2026-07-07 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom
The most important sentence ever written by an American – a sentence that has inspired people in every part of the world – is found in America’s purpose statement! Click here to read more. The legacy of Washington, Hancock, Franklin, Jefferson, Adams, Hamilton, and Paul Revere still challenges us.

On a stifling July Thursday in 1776, our Founding Fathers agreed to a unique document in world history. Many revolutions had occurred over the centuries, but never had one begun with a philosophical purpose statement.
Although the Declaration of Independence has no legal power, it has become the guiding beacon for what America strives to become. As the events of 2020 showed, we as a nation are a world leader in human rights, yet America is still a work in progress.

Why study the Declaration of Independence? It is the ultimate statement of what we hope to become. Freedom movements in the USA and worldwide have quoted it.
Yet many Americans know surprisingly little about it. In this exciting and thought-provoking multimedia presentation, I will explore the thrilling themes, difficult negotiations, contradictory, complex, and charismatic personalities, and the events leading to the most critical moment in American history.
COST
The program is available for a minimum contribution of $5.00, which helps support my work and allows me to continue offering engaging content.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
Cash/Check
Payable to: Barry Bradford
Mail to:
Barry Bradford
P.O. Box #177
Deerfield, IL 60015
Please write Dec. (PM) in the subject line.
PayPal
Pay securely via PayPal:

(Please note: PayPal deducts 10% of your donation as a fee. I receive $4.50 per $5.00 donation.)
Venmo
Send to: @B-Bradford-1
Please include Dec. (PM) in the note.
Zelle
Use the email address: Barry1776@ATT.NET
Include Dec. (PM) in the note.
WAIVER OPTION
If you cannot afford to pay or feel my programs aren’t worth $5.00, you are welcome to attend for free or contribute less. Just email me to request a waiver—no questions asked! This one-time request will cover all future programs. I completely understand the challenges of living on a tight budget and offer this with compassion.
REGISTRATION LINK
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
DIDN’T RECEIVE YOUR ZOOM LINK?
If you don’t receive a confirmation email after registering, it means your sign-up wasn’t completed. Be sure to:

Check your spam folder for the confirmation email.
Save the confirmation email once you find it.

If you still can’t find the link or the email, return to the website and register again. Unfortunately, I am unable to send you the link manually because it is generated directly by Zoom..

Mark Twain: American Treasure
2026-07-09 18:30 - 20:00 | Private Venue
Mark Twain remains one of the most beloved and influential figures in American history. First and foremost, he was a great novelist. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is often called the quintessential American novel—the book that launched modern American literature. His other classics, including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, helped shape the landscape of American fiction. More than a century after his death, Twain’s short stories still appear in student anthologies across the country.
Twain is equally celebrated for his legendary wit. Though not a comedian in the modern sense, he has influenced generations of writers, from H. L. Mencken to Dennis Miller, with his sharp observations and dry humor. He was also an investor, public speaker, and a man who moved comfortably among presidents and paupers alike.
This dynamic multimedia presentation brings the unparalleled life of Mark Twain to life through rare video clips, surprising insights, fascinating anecdotes, and rich biographical detail. Don’t miss this chance to explore the humor, humanity, and genius of an American original.

America's Purpose Statement: The Declaration Of Independence
2026-07-10 10:00 - 23:30 | Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Senior Center, 100 E. Old Mill Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045, United States
The most important sentence ever written by an American – a sentence that has inspired people in every part of the world – is found in America’s purpose statement! Click here to read more. The legacy of Washington, Hancock, Franklin, Jefferson, Adams, Hamilton, and Paul Revere still challenges us.

On a stifling July Thursday in 1776, our Founding Fathers agreed to a completely unique document in the world’s history. Many revolutions had occurred over the centuries, but never had one begun with a philosophical purpose statement.
Although the Declaration of Independence has no legal power, it has become the guiding beacon for what America strives to become. As the events of 2020 showed, we as a nation are a world leader in human rights, yet America is still a work in progress.

Why study the Declaration of Independence? It is the ultimate statement of what we hope to become. Freedom movements in the USA and worldwide have quoted it.
Yet many Americans know surprisingly little about it. In this exciting and thought-provoking multimedia presentation, I will present the thrilling themes, difficult negotiations, contradictory, complex, charismatic personalities, and exciting events leading to the most critical moment in American history.

Barbara Walters: First Superstar Women TV Reporter
2026-07-13 13:00 - 14:30 | Private Venue
Barbara Walters: First Superstar Women TV Reporter
The late Barbara Walters was the first superstar woman television news reporter. Fighting against many barriers, she opened the door for women to be taken seriously as news anchors and news reporters on broadcast television. As the first woman cohost on the Today Show and the first woman to be co-anchor on the network evening national newscast, Barbara Walters broke many important stories – and smashed the glass ceiling for women in broadcasting. Her career is legendary. Her life story is amazing. And this presentation is not to be missed!
From serious news and election coverage to celebrity specials and glamorous red-carpet interviews, Barbara Walters has been a ubiquitous figure in American broadcasting. She interviewed Fidel Castro and Monica Lewinsky, Sadaam Hussein and Tom Cruise In this riveting multimedia presentation, we will look at the professional triumphs
and intriguing private life of the iconic Barbara Walters – a woman who had been in the public eye for over 50 years.

1976 - Life In America Fifty Years Ago (AM)
2026-07-14 13:00 - 14:30 | Zoom
Our popular “Time Capsule” series returns!
Fifty years ago, America celebrated its Bicentennial with parades, fireworks, and a renewed sense of national pride—but 1976 was much more than a birthday party. It was a year of political change in the aftermath of Watergate, remarkable scientific breakthroughs, unforgettable sports moments, and some of the most enduring music, television, and movies ever created.
Join Presidential award-winning historian Barry Bradford as we step back into America in 1976. We’ll revisit the presidential election, celebrate famous people born that year—including Alexei Navalny and Reese Witherspoon—and remember those we lost, such as Howard Hughes and Agatha Christie.
We’ll relive the year’s biggest headlines, from America’s Bicentennial celebration and one of the closest presidential elections in modern history to the founding of Apple Computer. Along the way, we’ll explore the fashions, fads, prices, technology, toys, and cultural moments that defined our nation’s 200th birthday year.
Whether you lived through 1976 or simply wish you had, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for one of the most memorable years in modern American history.
COST
The program is available for a minimum contribution of $5.00, which helps support my work and allows me to continue offering engaging content.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
Cash/Check
Payable to: Barry Bradford
Mail to:
Barry Bradford
P.O. Box #177
Deerfield, IL 60015
Please write 1976 (AM) in the subject line.
PayPal
Pay securely via PayPal:

(Please note: PayPal deducts 10% of your donation as a fee. I receive $4.50 per $5.00 donation.)
Venmo
Send to: @B-Bradford-1
Please include 1976 (AM) in the note.
Zelle
Use the email address: Barry1776@ATT.NET
Include 1976 (AM) in the note.
WAIVER OPTION
If you cannot afford to pay or feel my programs aren’t worth $5.00, you are welcome to attend for free or contribute less. Just email me to request a waiver—no questions asked! This one-time request will cover all future programs. I completely understand the challenges of living on a tight budget and offer this with compassion.
REGISTRATION LINK
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
DIDN’T RECEIVE YOUR ZOOM LINK?
If you don’t receive a confirmation email after registering, it means your sign-up wasn’t completed. Be sure to:

Check your spam folder for the confirmation email.
Save the confirmation email once you find it.

If you still can’t find the link or the email, return to the website and register again. Unfortunately, I am unable to send you the link manually because it is generated directly by Zoom..

1976 - Life In America Fifty Years Ago (PM)
2026-07-14 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom
Our popular “Time Capsule” series returns!
Fifty years ago, America celebrated its Bicentennial with parades, fireworks, and a renewed sense of national pride—but 1976 was much more than a birthday party. It was a year of political change in the aftermath of Watergate, remarkable scientific breakthroughs, unforgettable sports moments, and some of the most enduring music, television, and movies ever created.
Join Presidential award-winning historian Barry Bradford as we step back into America in 1976. We’ll revisit the presidential election, celebrate famous people born that year—including Alexei Navalny and Reese Witherspoon—and remember those we lost, such as Howard Hughes and Agatha Christie.
We’ll relive the year’s biggest headlines, from America’s Bicentennial celebration and one of the closest presidential elections in modern history to the founding of Apple Computer. Along the way, we’ll explore the fashions, fads, prices, technology, toys, and cultural moments that defined our nation’s 200th birthday year.
Whether you lived through 1976 or simply wish you had, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for one of the most memorable years in modern American history.
COST
The program is available for a minimum contribution of $5.00, which helps support my work and allows me to continue offering engaging content.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
Cash/Check
Payable to: Barry Bradford
Mail to:
Barry Bradford
P.O. Box #177
Deerfield, IL 60015
Please write 1976 (PM) in the subject line.
PayPal
Pay securely via PayPal:

Venmo
Send to: @B-Bradford-1
Please include 1976 (PM) in the note.
Zelle
Use the email address: Barry1776@ATT.NET
Include 1976 (PM) in the note.
WAIVER OPTION
If you cannot afford to pay or feel my programs aren’t worth $5.00, you are welcome to attend for free or contribute less. Just email me to request a waiver—no questions asked! This one-time request will cover all future programs. I completely understand the challenges of living on a tight budget and offer this with compassion.
REGISTRATION LINK
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
DIDN’T RECEIVE YOUR ZOOM LINK?
If you don’t receive a confirmation email after registering, it means your sign-up wasn’t completed. Be sure to:

Check your spam folder for the confirmation email.
Save the confirmation email once you find it.

If you still can’t find the link or the email, return to the website and register again. Unfortunately, I am unable to send you the link manually because it is generated directly by Zoom..

The Musicals of Lerner & Loewe – From Brigadoon to Camelot
2026-07-15 13:00 - 14:30 | Private Venue
Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe created some of the most beloved musicals of Broadway’s Golden Age — Brigadoon, My Fair Lady, Camelot, Paint Your Wagon, and Gigi. Together, the lyricist and composer combined witty, literate lyrics with lush, unforgettable melodies to produce shows that still captivate audiences decades later. Their musicals earned Tony Awards, Oscars, and a permanent place in the American songbook.
In this fast-paced multimedia presentation, we’ll explore the fascinating story of their partnership — from their very different backgrounds to the creative chemistry that brought their shows to life. You’ll hear the behind-the-scenes stories of how each show was developed, the casting decisions that shaped their success, and the backstage dramas that sometimes threatened to derail them. We’ll also enjoy memorable video clips of their most iconic songs, performed by Broadway legends and exciting modern talents.
Along the way, we’ll look at why their work has endured, how their musicals reflected the times in which they were written, and why revivals continue to find new audiences.
The administration of John F. Kennedy will forever be connected in the public mind with the brilliant Lerner and Loewe musical, Camelot
Whether you’re a lifelong theatre lover or just discovering Lerner & Loewe for the first time, this program offers a rich blend of history, music, and theatrical magic.
BONUS! CLICK HERE to read a hilarious anecdote about how the great Mary Martin completely misjudged one of the greatest Broadway musicals of all time!

1876 - American Time Capsule (AM)
2026-07-21 13:00 - 14:30 | Zoom
Our popular “Time Capsule” series returns!
One hundred fifty years ago, America celebrated its Centennial with grand exhibitions, patriotic celebrations, and boundless optimism. But 1876 was far more than a birthday party. It was a year of extraordinary innovation, dramatic conflict, and historic change that helped shape the nation we know today.
Join award-winning historian Barry Bradford as we step back into America in 1876. We’ll revisit the most controversial presidential election in American history and see why it changed the nation forever. We’ll relive the excitement surrounding the Centennial celebration, the invention of the telephone, the founding of Major League Baseball, and the dramatic Battle of the Little Bighorn. Along the way, we’ll celebrate famous people born that year—including Mata Hari and Jack London—and remember remarkable Americans we lost, including General George Armstrong Custer and Wild Bill Hickok.
We’ll also explore the fashions, prices, inventions, music, sports, entertainment, and everyday life of an America standing at the crossroads between its frontier past and its modern future. Whether you’re a lifelong history enthusiast or simply curious about what life was like 150 years ago, you’ll leave with a fascinating new appreciation for one of the most pivotal years in American history.
COST
The program is available for a minimum contribution of $5.00, which helps support my work and allows me to continue offering engaging content.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
Cash/Check
Payable to: Barry Bradford
Mail to:
Barry Bradford
P.O. Box #177
Deerfield, IL 60015
Please write 1876 (AM) in the subject line.
PayPal
Pay securely via PayPal:

Venmo
Send to: @B-Bradford-1
Please include 1876 (AM) in the note.
Zelle
Use the email address: Barry1776@ATT.NET
Include 1876 (AM) in the note.
WAIVER OPTION
If you cannot afford to pay or feel my programs aren’t worth $5.00, you are welcome to attend for free or contribute less. Just email me to request a waiver—no questions asked! This one-time request will cover all future programs. I completely understand the challenges of living on a tight budget and offer this with compassion.
REGISTRATION LINK
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
DIDN’T RECEIVE YOUR ZOOM LINK?
If you don’t receive a confirmation email after registering, it means your sign-up wasn’t completed. Be sure to:

Check your spam folder for the confirmation email.
Save the confirmation email once you find it.

If you still can’t find the link or the email, return to the website and register again. Unfortunately, I am unable to send you the link manually because it is generated directly by Zoom..

1876 - American Time Capsule (PM)
2026-07-21 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom
Our popular “Time Capsule” series returns!
One hundred fifty years ago, America celebrated its Centennial with grand exhibitions, patriotic celebrations, and boundless optimism. But 1876 was far more than a birthday party. It was a year of extraordinary innovation, dramatic conflict, and historic change that helped shape the nation we know today.
Join award-winning historian Barry Bradford as we step back into America in 1876. We’ll revisit the most controversial presidential election in American history and see why it changed the nation forever. We’ll relive the excitement surrounding the Centennial celebration, the invention of the telephone, the founding of Major League Baseball, and the dramatic Battle of the Little Bighorn. Along the way, we’ll celebrate famous people born that year—including Mata Hari and Jack London—and remember remarkable Americans we lost, including General George Armstrong Custer and Wild Bill Hickok.
We’ll also explore the fashions, prices, inventions, music, sports, entertainment, and everyday life of an America standing at the crossroads between its frontier past and its modern future. Whether you’re a lifelong history enthusiast or simply curious about what life was like 150 years ago, you’ll leave with a fascinating new appreciation for one of the most pivotal years in American history.
COST
The program is available for a minimum contribution of $5.00, which helps support my work and allows me to continue offering engaging content.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
Cash/Check
Payable to: Barry Bradford
Mail to:
Barry Bradford
P.O. Box #177
Deerfield, IL 60015
Please write 1876 (PM) in the subject line.
PayPal
Pay securely via PayPal:
[wp_paypal button=”donate” name=1876 (PM)
Venmo
Send to: @B-Bradford-1
Please include 1876 (PM) in the note.
Zelle
Use the email address: Barry1776@ATT.NET
Include 1876 (PM) in the note.
WAIVER OPTION
If you cannot afford to pay or feel my programs aren’t worth $5.00, you are welcome to attend for free or contribute less. Just email me to request a waiver—no questions asked! This one-time request will cover all future programs. I completely understand the challenges of living on a tight budget and offer this with compassion.
REGISTRATION LINK
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
DIDN’T RECEIVE YOUR ZOOM LINK?
If you don’t receive a confirmation email after registering, it means your sign-up wasn’t completed. Be sure to:

Check your spam folder for the confirmation email.
Save the confirmation email once you find it.

If you still can’t find the link or the email, return to the website and register again. Unfortunately, I am unable to send you the link manually because it is generated directly by Zoom..

What Just Happened - July 2026 Current Events (Afternoon)
2026-07-28 13:00 - 14:30 | Uniper
Once a month, you can participate in a current events presentation and discussion with a twist. Award-winning professional historian Barry Bradford will help us learn “What Just Happened?”
This session is unique because we will not just discuss our opinions about the news but also learn the history behind the events and their underlying significance. We’ll discuss several of the month’s most exciting events, and there will be plenty of time for you to ask questions and share your thoughts.
IMPORTANT NOTE: ALL comments and questions must be respectfully asked using appropriate language. Speeches and misinformation will be terminated at the moderator’s express discretion.
COST
The program is available for a minimum contribution of $5.00, which helps support my work and allows me to continue offering engaging content.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
Cash/Check
Payable to: Barry Bradford
Mail to:
Barry Bradford
P.O. Box #177
Deerfield, IL 60015
Please write July (AM) in the subject line.
PayPal
Pay securely via PayPal:

(Please note: PayPal deducts 10% of your donation as a fee. I receive $4.50 per $5.00 donation.)
Venmo
Send to: @B-Bradford-1
Please include July (AM) in the note.
Zelle
Use the email address: Barry1776@ATT.NET
Include July (AM) in the note.
WAIVER OPTION
If you cannot afford to pay or feel my programs aren’t worth $5.00, you are welcome to attend for free or contribute less. Just email me to request a waiver—no questions asked! This one-time request will cover all future programs. I completely understand the challenges of living on a tight budget and offer this with compassion.
REGISTRATION LINK
Click Here to Register
DIDN’T RECEIVE YOUR ZOOM LINK?
If you don’t receive a confirmation email after registering, it means your sign-up wasn’t completed. Be sure to:

Check your spam folder for the confirmation email.
Save the confirmation email once you find it.

If you still can’t find the link or the email, return to the website and register again. Unfortunately, I am unable to send you the link manually because it is generated directly by Zoom..

What Just Happened - July 2026 Current Events (PM)
2026-07-28 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom
Once a month, you can participate in a current events discussion presentation with a twist. Award-winning professional historian Barry Bradford will help us learn “What Just Happened?”
This session is unique because we will not just discuss our opinions about the news but also learn the history behind the events and their underlying significance. We’ll discuss several of the most exciting events of the month, and there will be ample time for you to ask questions and share your thoughts.
IMPORTANT NOTE: All comments and questions must be submitted respectfully and in an appropriate tone. Speeches and misinformation will be terminated at the moderator’s express choice.
COST
I ask for a minimum donation of $5.00. If you cannot afford it or feel my programs are not worth $5.00, email me, and I will waive your fee. I struggle to support a family, so I understand the challenges of living on a tight budget with compassion.
Cash/Check Payable to Barry Bradford
Barry Bradford
P.O. Box #177
Deerfield, IL 60015
Please put ‘July PM’ in the subject line.
Paypal:

√ Venmo
(send to @B-Bradford-1) Please add a note saying ‘July PM.’
√ Zelle – Use the email address Barry1776@ATT.NET (Please add a note that it is for July PM)
√ Don’t pay (or pay less) if you cannot afford it! Please email me for a waiver if you are unable to pay.
REGISTRATION LINK – Click Here
NO ZOOM LINK??
If you do not receive a confirmation email, you did not sign up correctly. SAVE THE CONFIRMATION EMAIL. If you cannot find your confirmation email, check your spam folder. The other alternative is to return to the website and sign up again. I’m unable to send you the link. They come straight from Zoom!

What Just Happened - July 2026 Current Events (NSSC)
2026-07-30 13:00 - 14:30 | North Shore Senior Center, 161 Northfield Road, Northfield, 60093
Once a month, you can participate in a current events presentation and discussion with a twist. Award-winning professional historian Barry Bradford will help us learn “What Just Happened?”
This session is unique because we will not just discuss our opinions about the news but also learn the history behind the events and their underlying significance. We’ll discuss several of the most exciting events of the month, and there will be plenty of time for you to ask questions and offer your thoughts.
IMPORTANT NOTE: ALL comments and questions must be respectfully asked using appropriate language. Speeches and misinformation will be terminated at the moderator’s express choice.

Television In The 1950s
2026-08-03 09:00 - 10:00 | Private Venue
The fabulous 1950s are often called The “First Golden Era” of Television!Mel
With programs ranging from “I Love Lucy” to Edward R. Murrow, Sid Caesar to live dramas weekly, , from rigged quiz shows, Gunsmoke, and soap operas, the 1950s were the incubator of modern television.
This unique multimedia presentation combines clips from many of the most iconic shows of the 50s with insightful analysis of how TV reflected and shaped a transformational era in American history and in American popular culture. This is not an exercise in nostalgia – we will look at the cultural changes happening in the USA as reflected by what we watched on TV.

South Pacific - A Multimedia Presentation on South Pacific
2026-08-04 14:00 - 15:30 | Private Venue
South Pacific is one of the greatest works of musical theater ever created. Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein’s masterpiece combines a unique and fascinating story of American nurses and GI on a remote island during World War II with an unforgettable score and powerful lyrics. Add in lavish costumes, a beautiful set, and fabulous staging, and something unforgettable evolves right in front of the audience’s eyes. This multimedia presentation on South Pacific will help you more fully appreciate this work of genius.
However, South Pacific is more than just an outstanding musical. The story is powerful as it launches a broadside against racism in America. Like Hamilton, this is a work of genius that transcends musical theater expectations and attempts to influence the country’s political discussion. South Pacific is romantic, suspenseful, and often very funny. At its core, this was a personal statement against racism and prejudice by its extraordinary creators. Click here to read why this story was personal for Oscar Hammerstein II. Two different characters, both white Americans, realize that their love for non-white Asian people dooms any chance of returning to a bigoted America in the 1940s. Beloved by critics and the audience, the show was nonetheless divisive and controversial with some conservatives! This multimedia presentation on South Pacific will reveal its authors’ motivations and intent.
This multimedia presentation traces South Pacific’s backstory, beginning with author John O’Hara’s wartime experiences and brilliant book of short stories that became the basis for the musical.
We will look at excerpts from the stage musical and film versions to explore the history and impact of a Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece of the Broadway stage. Come for the music and stay for the amazing story!

Great Fortunes Of The Gilded Age (J. P. Morgan)
2026-08-14 10:00 - 11:30 | Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Senior Center, 100 E. Old Mill Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045, United States
During the Gilded Age, America saw a handful of families dominate the economy with staggering fortunes.
If I asked you to name the richest American, other than Elon Musk, you might name Bill Gates or Sam Walton. Both are from the top of the list!
Today, we focus on the bankers who created venture capitalism, hostile takeovers, and trickle-down economics. And who gave extravagantly to charity, benefitting education, the arts, and learning even today.
J. P. Morgan was, by some accounting, the second richest American ever – and a man whose acquisition of wealth was almost unimaginable. He was so rich that twice he had to use his personal fortune to help save the nation from disaster during several economic crises. His private art collection was one of the greatest in the world, and his name still adorns one of the most powerful banks in America. The story of this powerful man is a fascinating narrative of wealth and power in a changing America.

The Beach Boys: America’s Band and Their Timeless Sound
2026-08-24 13:00 - 14:30 | Private Venue
With Brian Wilson’s death on June 11, 2025, American music lost one of its most dynamic and original creators. As co-founder of the Beach Boys, Wilson was the musical genius behind the California sound, melding lush harmonies, inventive arrangements, and emotional depth into pop music in ways few have ever done. From iconic early hits like Surfin’ U.S.A. to masterpieces like Pet Sounds and Good Vibrations, his work continues to inspire musicians across genres.
The Beach Boys created an unmistakably American sound — sunny, inventive, and layered with harmonies that captured the spirit of an era. Emerging from Southern California in the early 1960s, they became the soundtrack of surfboards, convertibles, and endless summers.
Yet their music was far more sophisticated than it first appeared. Brian Wilson, their creative force, blended rock, jazz, and classical influences to craft songs that still feel fresh decades later.
The Beach Boys constantly pushed boundaries from early hits like Surfin’ U.S.A. and California Girls to the groundbreaking Pet Sounds album and the iconic Good Vibrations. Their work influenced everyone from the Beatles to today’s indie bands. Behind the catchy tunes were stories of sibling rivalries, innovation in the studio, and the complicated personal struggles that shaped their artistry.
This fascinating multimedia program traces the history of the Beach Boys — from their modest beginnings in Hawthorne, California, to their rightful place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
With fabulous music clips, rare behind-the-scenes stories, and fascinating cultural context, we’ll rediscover why the Beach Boys remain one of American music history’s most important and beloved groups.
Whether you grew up with their records or are hearing them with new ears, their story is as moving as their melodies.

What Just Happened - August 2025 Current Events (Uniper)
2026-08-25 14:00 - 15:00 | Uniper

What Just Happened - August 2026 Current Events (PM)
2026-08-25 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom
Once a month, you can participate in a current events discussion presentation with a twist. Award-winning professional historian Barry Bradford will help us learn “What Just Happened?”
This session is unique because we will not just discuss our opinions about the news but also learn the history behind the events and their underlying significance. We’ll discuss several of the most exciting events of the month, and there will be ample time for you to ask questions and share your thoughts.
IMPORTANT NOTE: All comments and questions must be submitted respectfully and in an appropriate tone. Speeches and misinformation will be terminated at the moderator’s express choice.
COST
I ask for a minimum donation of $5.00. If you cannot afford it or feel my programs are not worth $5.00, email me, and I will waive your fee. I struggle to support a family, so I understand the challenges of living on a tight budget with compassion.
Cash/Check Payable to Barry Bradford
Barry Bradford
P.O. Box #177
Deerfield, IL 60015
Please put ‘August PM’ in the subject line.
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(send to @B-Bradford-1) Please add a note saying ‘August PM.’
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√ Don’t pay (or pay less) if you cannot afford it! Please email me for a waiver if you are unable to pay.
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If you do not receive a confirmation email, you did not sign up correctly. SAVE THE CONFIRMATIONEMAIL. If you cannot find your confirmation email, check your spam folder. The other alternative is to return to the website and sign up again. I’m unable to send you the link. They come straight from Zoom!

Al Capone - Master Of The Mob
2026-09-07 09:00 - 2026-09-08 10:30 | Private Venue
Organized crime came in with a bang – literally – with the rise of prohibition. And no city was more under the control of the mob than Chicago. This exciting look at the rise of the Chicago outfit in the early days, culminating with Al Capone, finishes with a fascinating look at how Sam Giancana changed the Syndicate in Chicago from a group of bootlegging dogs to an international powerhouse that influenced American presidential elections and American foreign policy.
We’ll examine how ethnic neighborhoods, Chicago city politics, and the Kennedy administration all played into the tremendous influence of organized crime in Chicago.
Al Capone was one of the most famous gangsters in American History. Unlike many organized crime leaders, he did little to hide his identity. He was seen at Wrigley Field chatting with star catcher Gabby Hartnett.
Gabby Hartnett Chats With Al Capone

The true story of Al Capone’s rise and fall is complex and unexpected. Capone began as a cheap hoodlum in Brooklyn, working for Frankie Yale, the first man to begin organizing the mob in New York.
Later, Capone moved to Chicago to assist his pal Frankie Torrio, second in command of the Chicago mob. With ferocity and force, Capone would come to head the Chicago outfit – before his pal, a mild-mannered bookkeeper, and the federal income tax laws brought him down!

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TV By The Decades: Television in the 1960s
2026-09-11 10:00 - 11:30 | Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Senior Center, 100 E. Old Mill Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045, United States
TV in the 1960s
The 1960s were definitely one of TV’s oddest decades! The 1960s began with Westerns dominating the ratings! The old West soap opera Bonanza became the most popular show on the air. One after another competing show was vanquished by the old-time sensibilities of an old-fashioned Western.
All you really need to know about the diverse nature of TV in the 1960s is found in the answer to the question: “What show finally was able to compete with Bonanza in the ratings?” The answer was a liberal, modern, and very controversial challenger: The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. This bastion of the hip, cutting edge liberal comedy gave young viewers quite a stark alternative to the Ponderosa! (Trivia! Bonanza, like Dragnet, had their stars wear the exact same clothes every week. It saved money on costumes and allowed the producers to reuse old shots from previous episodes!
So the 1960s were the era of Gunsmoke and Wagon Train, Gilligan’s Island and The Beverly Hillbillies and Laugh-In and The Smothers Brothers! We will talk about how TV grew and changed as viewers who had enjoyed Combat began tuning in to Hogan’s Heroes. You won’t want to miss this fast-paced multimedia presentation!
IN THE COMMENTS BELOW – LIST YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW OF THE 1960s!

What Just Happened - September 2026 Current Events (NSSC)
2026-09-24 13:00 - 14:30 | North Shore Senior Center, 161 Northfield Road, Northfield, 60093

What Just Happened - September 2026 Current Events (Uniper)
2026-09-29 14:00 - 15:00 | Uniper
