MALTA — The Continuing Education department at Kishwaukee College is hosting a free presentation by amateur historian John LeGear titled U.S. History and Today on April 11 at 9 a.m. LeGear will also present U.S. History and Today on April 18 at 6 p.m. Both presentations will be in Jenkins Auditorium. Participants should park in the South Lot/A and enter through Doors # 16 and 17. The event is free and open to the public.
U.S. History and Today is a three-hour presentation that encompasses the whole of life in the U.S., politically and culturally from the beginning of World War I to the present day. The presentation features 600 historic photographs and 44 popular film and music clips that highlight American life over the past 100 years.
Topics range from both World Wars and The Great Depression to the turbulent 1960s and presidential elections. Entertainment highlights include Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Elvis Presley, Emma Stone, and scenes from Back to the Future, The Andy Griffith Show, and much more.
John LeGear, a builder and promoter of national not-for-profit organizations, turned his attention to his passion for American history in recent years. He employed skills acquired as a journalist, photographer, video editor and public speaker to assemble the presentation. LeGear said he created the show to lend balance and historical perspective to today’s rollercoaster ride of news events and propaganda.

“American history in hindsight—in this case presented year-to-year in chronological order since World War I started in 1914—provides a clearer picture of the past,” LeGear said. “It helps us identify patterns of human behavior that can inform us to make wiser decisions, decisions that will surely shape the way Americans of the future will live.”
U.S. History and Today is being offered free at Kish to students and community residents.  Elementary and secondary school teachers who seek to earn three Professional Development Units (PDUs) for attending are invited to register for a $25 fee. The seminar is suitable for audiences of high school age and over.
To register, contact Tricia Hernandez, Administrative Assistant in Workforce and Community Education, at 815-825-9441.
For more information on the presentation, contact Tamara Newquist, Continuing Education Specialist, at 815-825-9641 or at tnewquist@kish.edu.