OLLI Spring 2026_pageturn - Flipbook - Page 22
OLLI PRESENTS:
Victoria - The Strange Road to Statehood
Monday, March 23
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Peoria Next Innovation Center
Victoria – Suffering to Statehood offers an
intriguing exploration of Australian history
rarely found in standard accounts. The book
weaves together political, social, and economic
threads to present a richly detailed narrative,
carefully researched and annotated. Local
author Michael Rucker, delves into the
lives of Victoria’s founders, examining their
personalities, motivations, and lasting influence.
A central focus is placed on the suffering of
Australia’s First Nations peoples and the unfair,
oftenn brutal treatment they endured at the
hands of settlers. A world traveler and historian,
Rucker developed a deep fascination with
Australian history while living in Melbourne.
$15 – includes presentation and snacks.
Transportation not provided – meet us there!
Seats available: 35
Girls in White Dresses:
Stories from the Fabric of our Lives
Friday, April 24
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Peoria Public Library, Main Branch
Girls in White Dresses is an illustrated collection
of stories—both gathered and imagined—
woven from the fabric of women’s lives, past
and present. The book reveals how women’s
experiences are intertwined with the garments
they made, wore, and cherished. Local author
and illustrator Janice Powers will share her
22
OLLI ORIGINALS
A甀琀hors in
latest creative journey, inspired by stories
and photographs of women from her own
past, as well as friends, relatives, and even the
generations who lived in her 130-year-old home
before her. She’ll also invite us to reflect on
the white dresses from our own lives and the
meaningful stories those dresses can tell.
$15 – includes presentation and snacks.
Transportation not provided – meet us there!
Seats available: 100
Brothers in Arms
Author Talk with Kevin M. Callahan
Wednesday, May 20
12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Bradley University,
Michel Student Center Ballroom
In Brothers in Arms, author and historian Kevin
M. Callahan pays a powerful tribute to American
brothers who served—and often died—together
during World War II. Inspired by visits to overseas
American cemeteries, where he noticed brothers
buried side by side, Callahan embarked on years
of research to uncover and preserve their stories.
Join Callahan in person as he discusses his book
which honors the sacrifices of more than 70 sets
of brothers, bringing their lives to light through
meticulous research, historic photographs, and
family-shared images. He offers a deeply human
perspective on WWII, highlighting brotherhood,
service, sacrifice, and remembrance, while
ensuring these families’ stories are not forgotten.
$15 – includes presentation and snacks.
Transportation not provided – meet us there!
Seats available: 100
