History Topics - Southwestern Illinois College Speakers Bureau

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HISTORY TOPICS

A Citizen in Colonial America

In this session the speaker will dress in period clothing and discuss various topics from colonial America.

Kevin Monroe, History
Target Audiences: GS, HS, AG

American Indians: Who Are They?

This presentation will help dispel stereotypes of Native Americans. Learn where Native Americans live, how they look, and where they work. PowerPoint presentation showing Native Americans and their roles in today's society.

Candy Buechler, Human Resources Specialist

Target Audiences: GS (4th-8th), HS (9th-12th), AG

American Women

Did you know that the U.S. Constitution (prior to the nineteenth amendment) did not deny the vote to women? And, did you know that there was a woman in Congress before most women could vote? These and other facts are included in this montage of American women which includes first ladies, reformers, writers, politicians, and others. This presentation also gives a historical perspective on the fight for woman suffrage and the conflicting strategies that eventually led to ratification of the nineteenth amendment.

Robert Cook, Adjunct Faculty
Target Audiences: HS (11th-12th), AG

Archaeology of Britain

This session is a PowerPoint presentation with pictures that will give you a quick look at 10,000 years of the British past.

Geoffrey Barratt, Auxiliary Services Director
Target Audiences: HS, AG

Background to Beowulf

Monsters and mayhem, heroism and depravity. Not "The Sopranos" but Anglo-Saxon society of seventh century Britain revealed in the largest fragment of literature in the original form of English. Treasures from Sutton Hoo, Taplow and Prittlewell royal burials and other sites support and round out the picture of a society vastly different from our own. A PowerPoint presentation targeted primarily at high school English students.

Geoffrey Barratt, Auxiliary Services Director

Target Audiences: AG, HS

George Washington: Reluctant Statesman

George Washington, after making significant contributions to the American revolution and to the constitutional convention, preferred to retire to his beloved Mount Vernon. Nevertheless, he answered the call of his fellow countrymen and women to become the first president of the republic. Included in this presentation are observations of contemporaries, historians, and scholars that offer insight into the Washington character and persona.

Robert Cook, Adjunct Faculty
Target Audiences: HS (11th-12th), AG

Life of a Common Soldier in the American Civil War

This presentation is made in an authentic reproduction of a Union or Confederate soldier's uniform. Weapons and equipment are available for "hands on" with students.

Kevin Monroe, History
Target Audiences: GS, HS, AG

Lincoln at Gettysburg

Perspectives on the Battle, the Battlefield Dedication, and Speech An overview of the battle and the subsequent dedication of the battlefield as the final resting-place of the soldiers who died there. Historical realities which are brought to light include the following facts: Lincoln very nearly did not attend; his invitation to attend, like his invitation to speak, was an afterthought; and, because he was not the main speaker, he was admonished to keep his remarks to a minimum. Remarks include the reaction of the press and others to what some believe to be the most eloquent utterance ever by an American statesman.

Robert Cook, Adjunct Faculty
Target Audiences: HS (11th-12th), AG

Marie Rouensa: Portrait of a Kaskaskia Indian

Presentation is about the life of Marie Rouensa. Learn how the daughter of Kaskaskia Chief Rouensa influenced the lives of the Kaskaskia Indians around the turn of the 19th Century and gained respect in a white society becoming one of the most notable women in southern Illinois. (Speaker is a direct descendent of Marie Rouensa.)

Candy Buechler, Human Resources Specialist

Target Audiences: GS (6th-8th), HS (9th-12th), AG

Menhir, Dolmen and Stone Circle

A PowerPoint presentation and discussion about the mysterious stone monuments and circles of Neolithic Britain, including Stonehenge and Aveburg.

Geoffrey Barratt, Auxiliary Services Director
Target Audiences: HS, AG

Native Americans How They Lived

Learn how native Americans obtained their food, clothing, and housing. Find out what plants they grew and how they made their clothes. This presentation also includes raw materials they used in manufacturing their tools and weapons.

Jana Ross, Biology Lab Technician
Target Audiences: GS (1st-8th), Kindergarten and preschool 3-5 years), HS, AG

Notable Native Americans Past and Present

This presentation includes a PowerPoint presentation of Native Americans who have made an impact in history from the 19th Century to the present.

Candy Buechler, Human Resources Specialist

Target Audiences: GS (5th-8th), HS (9th-12th), AG

Old Glory

This presentation on the American flag covers several aspects of our flag's traditions and history. The speaker will provide perspectives on the history of "Old Glory" from its inception through our republic's times of travail and triumph. Guidelines for the addition of new stars as well as flag etiquette and protocol are detailed. A commentary on the controversial 1990 Supreme Court decision protecting the rights of flag burners and a number of interesting anecdotal entries are also provided.

Robert Cook, Adjunct Faculty

Target Audiences: HS (11th-12th), AG

Presidential Wit & Humor (Includes VPs) Notes, Quotes, and Anecdotes on Chief Executives

A humorous yet instructive look at American presidents, vice presidents, and would-be presidents. It includes observations on Congress, the courts, the press, and the presidency itself. The office of vice president is also examined and includes statements of vice presidents on the office that was once considered a political tomb. The program concludes with examples of presidential wit and repartee both on and off the campaign circuit.

Robert Cook, Adjunct Faculty
Target Audiences: HS (11th-12th), AG

The Black Death

In this presentation you will learn the story of the great plagues of the 14th Century that killed one-third of Europe's population.

Paul Wreford, Dean, Liberal Arts
Target Audiences: AG

The Cold War

This presentation covers the Cold War era start to finish, including political and military aspects. Presentation examines nuclear and conventional weapons that would have been used by NATO & the Warsaw Pact.

Van Plexico, Faculty

Target Audience: HS, AG

The Declaration of Independence

This presentation explores and answers some questions relative to the Declaration of Independence: What was the intent of the Second Continental Congress in issuing it? Did it, in fact, make Americans independent? Did it serve its purpose in 1776 only to be relegated thereafter to being a mere historical curiosity? What is its relevance for modern Americans?

Robert Cook, Adjunct Faculty
Target Audiences: HS, AG

The Golden Bronze Age of Britain

The speaker will give an illustrated description of the gold treasures and the Wessex culture of the British Bronze Age. This is a PowerPoint presentation.

Geoffrey Barratt, Auxiliary Services Director
Target Audiences: HS, AG

The History of Halloween

This session will cover the history of Halloween, from its origins with the Druids to its evolution into an "American" holiday.

Paul Wreford, Dean, Liberal Arts

Target Audiences: AG

The History of Valentine's Day

In this session the speaker will discuss the history of Valentine's Day, from its origins as a commemoration of Christian martyrdom during the period of the Roman Empire to its modern celebration as the holiday of love and romance.

Paul Wreford, Dean, Liberal Arts
Target Audiences: AG

The Middle East Today

The speaker will discuss the Arab-Israeli dispute, fundamentalism, and the current political situation of the Middle East.

Anthony Vitale, Adjunct Faculty

Target Audiences: HS, AG

The Political Situation in the Commonwealth of Independent States

This presentation will give you an overview of the current political situation in Russia, including Yeltsin's rule, political parties, etc.

Anthony Vitale, Adjunct Faculty
Target Audiences: HS, AG

The Powwow Trail

Powwows are a great way to learn more about Native American culture. This presentation will show what to expect at a powwow. Learn about the history, events, dancers, terminology, and powwow etiquette. PowerPoint is used and some dance items will be on hand. Can be tailored to teach a Round Dance.

Candy Buechler, Human Resources Specialist

Target Audiences: AG

The Strongest Link

A trivia game designed to enhance the knowledge of women's issues and to make individuals aware of women's strengths and the powerful role they have played throughout history.

Amy Markus, Non-Traditional Career Specialist
Target Audiences: AG

The Vietnam Syndrome

The speaker will discuss the influence of the Vietnam War on US policymakers from President Gerald Ford to the present. This is a 1-hour presentation.

Wayne Ault, Liberal Arts Department Head
Target Audiences: AG

The Vietnam War

This presentation gives a history of the U.S. involvment in Vietnam from World War II until the signing of the Paris Peace Agreement in January 1973 and an explanation as to why the U.S. lost the war.

Wayne Ault, Liberal Arts Department Head

Target Audiences: AG

Topics Related to the American Civil War

This war was one of the defining events in American History. Topic can be tailored to range from military history to social and political history. Powerpoint presentation available.

Kevin Monroe, History
Target Audiences: GS, HS, AG

Treasures of the Sutton Hoo Ship Burial

In this session the presenter will give a PowerPoint presentation/discussion of the burial of Raedwald, King of the East Angles and High King of Britain—a ray of light from the British Dark Age.

Geoffrey Barratt, Auxiliary Services Director
Target Audiences: HS, AG

U.S. Constitution: Birth of the Republic

A look at the Philadelphia Convention and the men who attended it and wrote what William Gladstone called, "the most wonderful work ever struck off at one time by the brain and purpose of man." Included in this presentation are observations on he significance of the absence of such men as Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry; the need for secrecy; the compromises between various conflicting interests; the document's recognition of slavery; and, the durability and flexibility of this framework of government.

Robert Cook, Adjunct Faculty
Target Audiences: HS (11th-12th), AG

World History

This speaker will discuss world history from the birth of civilization to the end of the religious wars in the seventeenth century.

James Bohn, Retired Faculty
Target Audiences: GS, HS, AG

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