“Without history, we are adrift in an endless sea of everywhen.”

Some classes are in person, some remote. All registrants will be sent directions to the classroom and/or a zoom link within 24 hours of the class. (All classes are from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. with a fee of $20.)

For more information or if you have any questions please email us at coned@manor.edu or call (215) 884-2218.

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Philadelphia & the Civil War (zoom only)

Philadelphia, birthplace of the Nation is often noted as a shrine of the Revolutionary War, first capital of the Republic, and the colonial city of William Penn. Few realize however, that the city played a most significant and vital role in the American Civil War, earning it the title of “Arsenal of the North”.

At the outbreak of hostilities in 1861, Philadelphia was the second largest city in the country and the closest urban center to the war front. As a major transportation hub, manufacturing center, and site of the finest civilian hospitals and medical schools in the nation, and later in the war, and largest military hospitals — the city was destined to become crucial to the war effort.

“The Cradle of Liberty” had always also been home to the largest free Black community in the North. It was a center of Abolitionism, a safe haven and support for the Underground RR and a destination for fugitive slaves making Philadelphia’s contribution to the war effort both crucial and unique.

Join Dr. Anthony Waskie on a journey exploring this fascinating time in the city the Brotherly Love.

Date: Thursday, June 12, 2025
Instructor: Dr. Anthony (Andy) Waskie
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Fee: $20.00
Register: Click here

Philadelphia’s Fighting Regiments & Men (zoom only)

Nearly 100,000 Philadelphians entered the military service, 20,000 of whom never returned. This was an enviable record of service and sacrifice few other cities could equal. Philadelphia could also claim some of the greatest commanders of both North and South, including the redoubtable Victor of Gettysburg, Gen. George G. Meade, Confederate General John C. Pemberton as well Union Generals and Naval commanders: McClellan, Humphreys, Gibbon and Crawford; Admirals Porter and Dahlgren, along with fallen heroes such as Koltes, Greble, the Ellets, Bohlen, and Birney to name just a few all also can be claimed by the City of Brotherly Love.

This discussion about Philadelphia in this period will retrace a journey through time to the large number of sites that are most closely identified with the Civil War era, including forts, training camps, recruiting stations, hospitals, arsenals and depots. Also of importance will be a review to the fortifications that were hastily erected to guard against the Confederate invasion of 1863 that was halted at Gettysburg. Other sites covered include the homes of war heroes, cultural institutions, and of locales associated with the home front, such as the Southwark Refreshment Saloon movement.

Date: Thursday, July 10, 2025
Instructor: Dr. Anthony (Andy) Waskie
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Fee: $20.00
Register: Click here

The True Story behind the Last of the Mohicans (zoom only)

This course will examine the struggle for Lake Champlain, a vital area of interest in the French and Indian war. The major protagonists of this story include such legendary figures as Robert Rogers, William Johnson and the French General Montcalm, The full cast includes Native Americans (Mohawks, Mohicans. Abenakies and others); French regulars and partisans; American Rangers as well as Scottish Highlanders.

These all took part in epic (and vicious) battles of Fort William Henry (1757,) The Battle on Snowshoes (1757,) The Assault on Fort Ticonderoga and Rogers’ Rangers’ Raid on St. Francis (1759.) These events became the stuff of legends.

Date: Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Instructor: Thomas Donnelly
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Fee: $20.00
Register: Click here