“100 Years of American History” Coming to South Suburban College March 24 and 27

SOUTH HOLLAND — A three-hour seminar touring through Illinois community colleges that recounts the past 100 years of American history in news photos and Hollywood film clips will be presented by the Continuing Education department of South Suburban College at its Oak Forest campus March 24, and at the main campus in South Holland March 27. Everyone is invited to register to attend.

“U.S. History and Today,” is a fast-paced, visually-rich presentation that features 600 historic photographs and 44 popular film and music clips highlighting American life between 1914 and present day. Topics range from both World Wars and The Great Depression to Vietnam, the turbulent 1960s, and surprising presidential elections. Entertainment highlights include Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Elvis Presley, Emma Stone, scenes from “Back to the Future, “The Andy Griffith Show” and more.

“It’s a century of American history at high speed,” said one attendee, who applauded the mix of hard-hitting, fact-based history and pop culture. Reviews from showings at five Illinois community colleges to date have been enthusiastic.

The show is presented by John LeGear, a builder and promoter of national not-for-profit organizations who turned his attention to American history late in his career. He employs skills acquired as a journalist, photographer, video editor and public speaker to assemble the presentation. LeGear created the show to lend balance and historical perspective to today’s rollercoaster ride of news events. The seminar is suitable for audiences of high school age and over. Senior citizens have been especially supportive of the show, often describing it as “a walk down memory lane.”

“U.S. History and Today” is a visually-rich three-hour show that is touring through 15 Illinois community colleges this year. A registration fee of $10 is required. The seminar will be held at SSC’s Oak Forest Center, 16333 S. Kilbourn Ave., on Saturday, March 24 from 9 am to noon. An evening presentation starting at 6 pm is scheduled on March 27 in Room 3339 at SSC’s main campus building, 15800 S. State Street, South Holland. SSC’s Continuing Education members can enroll online. In-person registration is welcomed at both facilities from 8 am to 6:45 pm Monday thru Thursday, and until 3:45 pm on Friday. For more information, call the Oak Forest Center at 708-225-6000 or SSC’s Deborah Ravazee at 708-596-2000 (ext. 2231).

For information about all of SSC’s programs, admissions and registration, please visit www.ssc.edu or contact the Admissions Office at (708) 210-5718.

Photo of John LeGear, U.S. History & Today
John LeGear U.S. History & Today