History Happy Hour (Zoom)   

From the fifth-century sack of Rome to that telltale thick black eyeliner, the identity of the “Goth” has run like an undercurrent through history. But who were the members of this lost civilization? Join us as we tour through the texts and artifacts that provide clues to a population that vanished a thousand years ago. What secrets still beg to be uncovered about a group remembered as both destroyers and heroes?

Originally from the word meaning a tale written in the vernacular, as a genre romances incorporate key aspects of medieval culture, including courtly behavior, questing, magic, and, of course, love & devotion. In honor of Valentine's Day, we will explore the writing style of the medieval romance, and dive headfirst into some of the most enduring romance tales--Arthur & Guinevere, Tristan & Isolde, Pyramus & Thisbe, and more! Join us as we untangle the adventures of these star-cross'd lovers to get at the heart of medieval romance!

Spring skies were full of birds in the Middle Ages just as now, and each had symbolic properties recorded in lavishly illustrated bestiaries. But the medieval mind also pondered hosts of angels and skyborne demons populating the ether. Beginning with a look at the relationship between the earth and heavens in the Middle Ages, we will tour through the bestiaries to learn why the "anthus" bird mimicked a horse's whinny, why the mythical harpy was so treacherous, and how falconry was bound inextricably to courtly culture. Join us as we fly through history alongside these winged creatures of all varieties!