Click on any entry in Barry Bradford’s Speaking Schedule for full details.

Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau – The Odd Couple Of Comedy!

Harper College - Brookdale Plaza 800 S River Road, Des Plaines, IL

Individually, they were two of the best screen actors of their generation. Collectively,they were one of the greatest movie teams of all time! Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau Like Fred and Ginger, Tracy and Hepburn, Burns and Allen, when you … Continue reading

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The Richest Americans: Railroad Robber Barons

North Shore Senior Center 161 Northfield Road, Northfield

Jay Gould, James Fisk, Leland Stanford: The Railroad "Robber Barons"   The term "robber baron" is usually applied to these three men who revolutionized the business of railroads while carrying on the business of political manipulation. Each had a profound … Continue reading

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Walt Disney – Animating America

Friendship Village 350 W Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg

It is no overstatement to say that Walt Disney is one of the most influential Americans of all time. His name alone has become synonymous with forms of entertainment and recreation known throughout the world. To call something "Disneyesque" or … Continue reading

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America’s Greatest First Ladies

Lake Forest Library 360 E. Deerpath Road, Lake Forest, IL, United States

Who were America's Greatest First Ladies? Nobody really knows! The role of First Lady was not given a moment's thought by the Founding Fathers. In fact, the title itself was not even widely used until the 1850s! Nonetheless, our First … Continue reading

The Richest Americans: Howard Hughes

North Shore Senior Center 161 Northfield Road, Northfield

Howard Hughes was a man whose personality was as large as his fortune and whose mystery was as profound as his influence. He was a record setting and pioneering aviator, manufacturer, inventor, film producer, hotel magnate and political financier, Hughes was … Continue reading

Steve Jobs Apple’s Entrepreneur Of The Future

Friendship Village 350 W Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg

Click Here To Read About Steve Jobs - Entrepreneur Of The Future Click Here To Read About Steve Jobs - Apple's Entrepreneur Of The Future When we speak of great American inventors, there are a few names that leap to mind.  Benjamin … Continue reading

Kate And Spencer: The Films And Lives of Tracy and Hepburn

Harper College - Arlington Heights 1801 W Central Rd , Arlington Heights, IL

  Spencer Tracy Spencer Tracy was one of the greatest movie actors of all time. His phenomenal career is highlighted with great performance after great performance.  Father of the Bride. Boys Town. Captains Courageous. 30 Seconds over Tokyo. Edison, the … Continue reading

The History Of Santa Claus!

Naperville Public Library 3015 Cedar Glade Drive, Naperville, United States

Come and learn the fascinating history of Santa!

The Richest Americans: Billionaire Political Backers

North Shore Senior Center 161 Northfield Road, Northfield

The 2010 Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission opened the floodgates for billionaires to give unlimited sums of money to political campaigns. In this controversial final class on the richest Americans, Barry looks at the lives of the men … Continue reading

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Looking Back, Looking Ahead 2015 In Review & Predictions For 2016

Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Senior Center 100 E. Old Mill Road, Lake Forest, IL, United States

This is one of my most eagerly anticipated programs of the year! Each December, I present a recap of my choice for the top 10 news stories of the previous year and then make my predictions for what will be … Continue reading

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