Historical Presentations

Prepare for the definitive story of Revolutionary betrayal!

This lecture dissects the stunning conspiracy between American hero-turned-villain Benedict Arnold and British Intelligence Chief Major John André. Together, they hatched the high-stakes plot to sell West Point—the strategic key to the entire American Revolution—to the enemy.

Trace the secret, desperate midnight meetings and coded correspondence between the two men. Explore André's daring undercover mission and the agonizing moments of his capture—when the plans for the fortress were found hidden in his boot. This near-miss not only exposed Arnold as America's most infamous traitor but directly sealed the tragic fate of the charismatic British spy.

Discover how one man's wounded pride and another's dedication to duty led to an act of treason that almost crushed the American cause. This is the pulse-pounding, human drama behind the treason that shook George Washington to his core.

Get ready for a gripping dive into the shadows of WWI, right here on American soil! Our lecture uncovers the shocking truth about German espionage and sabotage in the US. Discover the clandestine battle waged by Imperial Germany's spy network, designed to cripple American industry and undermine neutrality.

We'll expose the chilling details of the Black Tom Explosion, a catastrophic blast that rocked New York Harbor, and the Kingsland Explosion, another act of calculated sabotage. This isn't just history; it's a pulse-pounding tale of undercover agents, daring plots, and the desperate fight to protect a nation on the precipice of war. Don't miss this thrilling exploration of a forgotten front!

Before Pearl Harbor dragged the United States into World War II, a terrifying, pro-Nazi organization known as the German American Bund was actively operating right here on American soil, with New Jersey and New York as their major strongholds.

Join us for a thrilling historical examination that reveals the dark underbelly of the Garden State in the 1930s and 40s. We will dive into the history of the German American Bund—a group that promoted antisemitism, Nazism, and dreamed of a "white, Gentile-ruled" America.

The tension explodes with the story of Carl Schiphorst, a Bergen County resident and local Bund leader who became the target of a massive 145-page FBI espionage investigation. Was a key member of the Nazi movement operating as a spy right in the quiet town of Glen Rock? Discover the chilling details of the FBI's surveillance, the fate of Schiphorst and other Bund members, and the unprecedented struggle to protect American democracy from a fascist "fifth column" hiding in plain sight. This is a story of national security, local history, and the shocking truth of Nazi subversion in America's suburbs.

It was the peak of luxury travel, a soaring symbol of German power, and the largest aircraft ever built. Then, in 34 catastrophic seconds, the Hindenburg became a ball of fire.

Join us for a thrilling deep dive into the disaster that was seen, heard, and filmed around the world, instantly ending the golden age of the rigid airship.

This lecture transports you to Lakehurst, New Jersey, on May 6, 1937, to relive the final moments of the pride of the Zeppelin fleet. You will explore:

 * The lavish, hidden world of the Hindenburg's passenger cabins, lounge, and promenade.

 * The high-stakes landing attempt under stormy skies.

 * The flash of light, the roar of hydrogen, and the chilling, iconic words of the live radio reporter: "Oh, the humanity!"

Beyond the tragedy, we will investigate the enduring mystery: Was the cause a simple electrostatic spark, or was the massive airship brought down by a fatal design flaw, or even an act of sabotage? Discover the science, the terror, and the legacy of the fiery crash that changed aviation forever.

On a dark night in 1932, America's most beloved hero, Charles Lindbergh—the "Lone Eagle"—had his world shatter when his infant son was snatched from his nursery in what the press instantly dubbed the "Crime of the Century."

Join me for a gripping lecture that goes beyond the headlines to dissect this infamous saga. I will trace the desperate investigation, the tense ransom negotiations with the mysterious figure known as "John," and the tragic discovery that turned a kidnapping case into a high-stakes murder inquiry.

Then, witness the Trial of the Century, where an entire nation watched as circumstantial evidence, handwriting analysis, and a piece of wooden ladder brought a German carpenter, Bruno Richard Hauptmann, to the stand. Was justice truly served? Or did the relentless glare of celebrity and media frenzy condemn an innocent man?

This lecture explores the shocking evidence, the key players, and the lasting legal legacy of the case that forever changed American law and riveted the world! Don't miss this definitive look at the history, the tragedy, and the enduring controversy of the Lindbergh Kidnapping.

Are you tired of hitting brick walls in your family tree research?

Join us for a unique genealogy program led by a professional with a background in investigative work to learn how to apply real-world detective skills to your family history. We offer two distinct courses to match your skill level:

Level 1: The Rookie Investigator (Complete Beginner Introduction)

This introductory class is for those just starting their journey. Learn the foundational methods and mindset of an investigator to correctly launch your research. We cover essential records, organization techniques, how to interview relatives for clues, and the best free digital resources to begin your family history without error.

Level 2: Advanced Cold Case Files (Advanced Deep Dive)

This course is designed for hobbyists who have already established their basic lineage but are now encountering "brick walls." Using the techniques of a cold-case detective, you will learn to:

• Interrogate the Evidence: Analyze conflicting documents and spot inconsistencies.

• Follow the Clues: Trace paper trails and use probate, court, and land records to prove connections.

• Break Down the Brick Walls: Apply proven investigative strategies to solve the toughest mysteries in your family line, including unknown parents and lost migration paths.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned sleuth, this program provides the essential techniques to turn your family history from a collection of facts into a thrilling, solved case.