Celebrate America’s birthday with a lively exploration of our nation’s creativity, curiosity, and character! From monuments that hold untold stories to foods with surprising origins, from unsung heroes of history to world-changing inventions, this series invites you to rediscover the many ways America has shaped—and been shaped by—its people. Each session offers a new lens on our country’s rich and sometimes unexpected legacy. 

Session  1: Stories in Stone: Discover the surprising secrets behind America’s monuments—from papal pauses to wartime damage and even a summertime swim spot. 

Session 2: As American As... explore the unexpected origins of iconic American foods and how innovation, accident, and demand shaped our national taste. 

Session 3: Lesser-Known Portraits from History: Meet remarkable yet overlooked Americans—like Stagecoach Mary, Joe Medicine Crow, and Bass Reeves—who helped shape our nation’s story. 

Session 4: American Created That? Celebrate the inventors behind everyday American creations—from dental floss to GPS—and the ingenuity that continues to shape our world. 

Subject: history 

Kim Murphy has served as a life enrichment coordinator for older adults for more than 30 years. She enjoys inspiring lifelong learning and finding joy in everyday moments. A writer, speaker, teacher, and event coordinator, Kim has taught classes for CALL and was the 2022 winner of a Brilliance Award from West Michigan Woman magazine.