St. Albans OLLI

with Kevin Graffagnino, Vermont Historian

On October 19,1864, twenty-two Confederate soldiers led by Lt. Bennett H. Young raided St. Albans, Vermont. They robbed local banks, attempted to burn the downtown, killed one person, and fled to Canada with $227,000. The raid shocked Vermont and the nation. Although some funds were later recovered, Canadian courts dismissed all charges against the raiders. Recount the dramatic events and explore the lives of the Confederate participants through a Southern perspective often missing from traditional Vermont accounts.

with Denise Smith, Executive Director, Vermont Council on Rural Development

Discover what it really takes to revitalize rural communities from the ground up. Learn how local leadership, community voice, and sustained support help towns move from ideas to action through the work of the Vermont Council on Rural Development. Hear stories from communities across Vermont addressing housing, economic resilience, and climate response. Examine what’s working, what’s challenging, and why community-driven approaches matter now more than ever.

with Erica Marks, Director of Volunteer Services

Learn about the services and support available through Age Well, an organization committed to helping older Vermonters, their families, and caregivers thrive. Explore programs designed to promote healthy aging, independence, and community connection while reflecting Age Well’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and compassionate support for all.

with Jean McDermott, Community Outreach Specialist VT Team Senior Lead

Did you know Medicare loses an estimated $60+ billion annually due to fraud, waste, and abuse? Learn from Jean McDermott of the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program about the latest healthcare scams and how to spot them. Protect yourself and your loved ones with practical tools and knowledge. Discover how the SMP program works and how you can help safeguard Medicare for future generations.

with Robert Antonio Mello, Author, Historian; Retired Superior Court Judge

Examine Vermont’s path from independent republic to the fourteenth state. Trace how, after declaring independence in 1777, Vermont faced repeated obstacles to statehood as New York contested its claims. Consider the challenges of isolation, external threats, and internal divisions. Learn how determined leaders, despite limited formal training, guided the region through uncertainty and ultimately secured Vermont’s place in the Union in 1791.

with Larry Trombley, Retired Social Studies Teacher

Trace the story of Native peoples from their arrival in North America through the transition from hunter gatherer societies to agriculture. Examine examples of highly developed cultures and learn about the seasonal lifeways of Vermont’s Native communities. Reflect on the challenges Native people have faced across history and continue to face today.

with Christopher Sabick, Executive Director, Lake Champlain Maritime Museum

Explore the research efforts of the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum leading up to the current 250th commemorations of 1776. Learn about previous, recent, and ongoing investigations focused on the American Revolution, with particular attention to the Battle of Valcour Island (October 1776) and its aftermath. Discover how this work is expanding understanding of the Revolutionary War and the important role Lake Champlain played in shaping American history.

with Mateo Block, Chocolate Maker and Farmer, Prophecy Chocolate

Travel with Mateo to the Amazon jungle of Peru and meet the wild family of cacao. Follow the history of chocolate from cultivation and harvesting to fermentation, drying, and traditional chocolate making. Encounter cacao’s lesser-known relatives, including macambo, copuazu, and cupui. Conclude with a demonstration and tasting as Mateo prepares a traditional chocolate drink for all to enjoy.