History Roundtable with Mike Gilbert returns for its 12th year! Local historian and retired educator Mike Gilbert shares his research on a wide range of topics on six Saturdays in September and October. Sessions are from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Pre-recorded virtual sessions also will be offered for those who cannot attend in-person. Each session is $5, or registrants can purchase all six for $25. Pre-registration and pre-payment for both in-person and virtual sessions are required. Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted. To register and pay, contact Julie Mayle, curator of manuscripts, at [email protected]. No refunds. Sponsored by ProMedica Memorial Hospital.

Dates and session topics are:

Sept. 6 – The Tragic End: The Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy. This presentation will explore the events leading up to the assassination, the immediate aftermath and the lasting impact on American society.

Sept. 13 – Turning Point: The Pivotal Third Day of Gettysburg. Day Three of the Battle of Gettysburg – July 3, 1863 – was crucial due to Pickett’s Charge, a significant Confederate assault on the Union center at Cemetery Ridge. This battle halted General Lee’s invasion of the North, ultimately boosting American morale and paving the way for Lincoln’s Gettysburg address.

Sept. 20 – George Washington: The Founding Father and His Legacy. George Washington, America’s first president, played a key role in the American Revolution and the founding of the United States. The various facets of Washington’s legacy can be inspirational, as well as controversial. Many will be discussed in this presentation.

Sept. 27 – The Fabulous Fifties: A Decade of Change and Innovation. The 1950s was a transformative decade marked by post-WWII economic prosperity, the rise of suburbia and the beginnings of the Civil Rights movement. With the emergence of rock-n-roll, television and the space race, this decade had a tremendous influence on society.

Oct. 11 – Franz Liszt: The Virtuoso Who Revolutionized Music. Franz Liszt, a 19th-century Hungarian composer, virtuoso pianist and conductor, who revolutionized the world of music with his innovative composition and dazzling performances. His legacy as a musical genius and charismatic figure endures to this day.

Oct. 18 – Legend and Lore: The Enchanting History of Witchcraft, Vampires and Werewolves. The rich and mysterious history of witchcraft, vampires and werewolves has captivated human imagination for centuries. Explore the origins, evolutions and cultural impact of these supernatural entities.