Beer mug

Germany’s Liquid Bread – A Refreshing Look (and Taste of) the History of Beer

The upcoming 100th anniversary of the Prohibition is a perfect opportunity to drink in the history of a revolutionary beverage that changed the world: beer, or more precisely, German beer! Once so essential to daily diets that it was referred to as liquid bread, German beer is still a source of great cultural and national pride. German Historian Anette Isaacs, M.A., takes us on a fascinating exploration of this iconic drink and will include the sagas of the lucky German brewers who became Beer Barons in the USA. Anette brings her own beer tasting to this program!

The Woman Behind the Teddy Bear

It is common knowledge that President Theodore Roosevelt, who died one century ago this year, was the namesake of the world-famous Teddy Bear. Hardly anyone knows, though, that the cuddly stuffed toys were invented by an amazing woman from Southern Germany who overcame terrible sickness and incredible challenges to turn her tiny workshop into one of the most recognizable international brands– and all that in the male-dominated world of the 19th century! Join German historian Anette Isaacs as she relates the true story of toymaker and business maven Margarete Steiff!

Operation Freedom – The Berlin Airlift

It was perhaps one of the greatest adventures in American military history: the Berlin airlift of 1948/49! When Soviet troops closed all access routes to West- Berlin by land, sea and rail, they threatened the lives of 2.5 million people and provoked the first major international crisis of the Cold War. American General Lucius D. Clay did not hesitate and proceeded to build a bold and fantastic bridge across the sky, involving 700 planes and 250,000 flights over a period of 14 months. Join German Historian Anette Isaacs for a fascinating discussion of this exciting time in her country’s postwar history.

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Harper College: Germany’s Current Affairs

After the last German elections and their upsetting results, it took almost six months until Chancellor Angela Merkel was able to create a new coalition government. Last spring Europe’s most populous nation was taken by surprise when the Trump administration threatened high tariffs on luxury cars and other products made in Germany. Add to that the challenging integration of Muslim refugees and the disappointment of many East Germans over unequal living conditions thirty years after the Fall of the Berlin Wall; no wonder the country is currently experiencing turbulent times.

The Amazing Adventure of Bertha Benz (and the history of the German automobile)

Porsche, BMW, Audi, and Mercedes Benz have millions of fans all over the world and are synonymous with the quality and success of German engineering. Hardly anyone knows, however, that the history of the automobile’s origin is, to a great extent, due to Bertha Benz, a young mother of five, who, in a secret attempt to visit her mother, became the first human being to drive an automobile over a long distance. Join German historian Anette Isaacs, M.A., as she introduces you to Bertha Benz who was born 170 years ago and who truly changed the world with her history-making adventure!

Levi Stauss Building

Levi Strauss, the Gold Rush and the World’s Most Famous Pair of Pants

We love them; we wear them. Jeans are an iconic garment, and they tell the legendary story of the American West. But did you know they were made world famous by an adventurous Bavarian Jew who combined his marvelous business sense with German ingenuity? Join German Historian Anette Isaacs, M.A., for a fascinating journey into the days of the Gold Rush 170 years ago and learn about Levi Strauss and his amazing life!