Academia Hernando: “History, Architecture, Music, Reflection and Memories of the Past”

As the fall 2024 series of Academic Hernando launches Sept. 13, guests can look forward to a vibrant, ever-informative journey of learning, growing, and fun—enjoying dynamic presentations regarding kings and queens, architectural art, creatures of the wild, global wars, movie musicals, classic Florida families, vintage fashion and a television legend. And the journey will culminate with a mystery bus trip!

Academia Hernando is a not-for-profit lifelong learning organization providing quality instruction and learning experiences for adult students throughout Hernando County and beyond. Their goal is to inform, educate and inspire adult learners through a series of weekly lectures on a wide variety of topics. All programs are presented at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 2301 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill. Lectures begin promptly at 10:00 AM and last for 2 hours. There is a 15-minute intermission.

“Our Fall Series is a diverse and interesting group of speakers; we have it all!” said Sharon Printz, board member of Academia Hernando. “History, architecture, music, reflection and memories of the past, plus we have three local Hernando County speakers in the series who will inform, educate and inspire us on the topics they love. It is, indeed, a unique lineup of speakers.”

“Henry VIII and Elizabeth: England’s Most Famous Monarchs” will open the program on Friday, Sept. 13, at 10 a.m.

“King Henry VIII is most famous for his six wives and all the palace intrigue surrounding his reign. His daughter Elizabeth I is famous for saving England from invasion and establishing it as one of the most powerful nations in sixteenth-century Europe,” read an event description. “The facts surrounding both of these dynamic and controversial rulers are fascinating as well as compelling. Join us for this lively and enjoyable presentation by Robert Jacob, who will appear in costume!”

With a lifelong passion for history, Robert Jacob has been heavily involved in the areas of living history interpretation and reenacting for more than four decades.

Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in education from Duquesne University and a Master’s Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and served in the United States Marine Corps for 31 years.

Jacob lectures on a variety of history subjects, especially pirates. He has regularly presented piracy topics at the Tampa Bay History Center, for the Other Lifelong Learning Institute, and for Academia Hernando. He has also appeared on the History Channel’s series “Beyond Oak Island” as an expert on pirates.

Jacob looks forward to bringing the life stories of some famous monarchs to the Academia Hernando stage. “King Henry VIII is most famous for his six wives and all the palace intrigue surrounding his reign. He captured the world’s imagination and is among the most recognized rulers in history,” said Jacob. “His daughter Elizabeth is equally famous for saving England from the Spanish Armada. However, there were actually five Tudor monarchs.”

As a part of this presentation, Jacob will explore the life and times of the Tudors. “The 118-year reign of the Tudors was filled with political intrigue, internal struggle, and controversy over the legitimacy to rule,” said Jacob. “In spite of this, the Tudors managed to transform England from a tiny and unimportant nation into a dominating world power. The facts surrounding the Tudors are both fascinating and surprising.”

Printz is pleased to welcome Robert Jacob back to the Academia Hernando stage. “We are thrilled to have Robert Jacob present our opening lecture. He will come in Renaissance attire and is a master at blending history, drama and entertainment,” she said. “What could be better than learning and being entertained simultaneously? Don’t miss this!”

Upcoming Classes at Academia, Hernando:

“Living in a Work of Art: A Frank Lloyd Wright House”
Instructor: Mark Tlachac
Date: Friday, Sept. 20 – 10 a.m.

“Honeybees!”
Instructor: Matthew Beck
Date: Friday, Sept. 27 – 10 a.m.

“The Greatest Generation Goes to War”
Instructor: James Goeb
Date: Friday, Oct. 4 – 10 a.m.

“Maestros of Movie Musicals”
Instructor: Beth Davey
Date: Friday, Oct. 11 – 10 a.m.

“A Land Remembered”
Instructors: Ross and Amber Lamoreaux
Date: Friday, Oct. 18 – 10 a.m.

“Why Did We Wear That? The Search for Comfort While in Fashionable Attire”
Instructor: Professor Emeritus Gretchen Vaughn
Date: Friday, Oct. 25 – 10 a.m.

“Ed Sullivan: American Master”
Instructor: Rick Kistner
Date: Friday, Nov. 1 – 10 a.m.

Special Event:
Bus Trip to Gainesville, FL
Destinations: The Harn Museum and the adjoining Science Museum on the University of Florida campus
Date: Friday, Nov. 8

Admission to the entire Academia Hernando Fall Series is $80. Print the registration form at https://www.academiahernando.org/fall-series and mail it with your check for $80, payable to Academia Hernando, Inc., and mail to:
Bev Nuzzi
15027 Middle Fairway Drive
Brooksville, FL 34609

Important: The registration form must be included with your check.
Your canceled check is your receipt.

The walk-in admission cost to attend individual lectures is $15.00 per lecture (cash or check only). Due to space restrictions, individual tickets may not be available at all lectures. Academia Hernando is sponsored by The Hernando Sun, Kenjo’s Tree Service, The Residence at Timber Pines, and Hardee’s Weeki Wachee.