Community Enrichment Programs

• cost – free
• reservations – required
• presenter – Amy Bosworth, assistant teaching professor of history, Ball State University

Just over a century ago, a new technology revolutionized the way Americans lived, worked, fought, and played. The automobile, born out of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, continues to shape the United States at the beginning of the 21st century. We'll explore the emergence of the automobile in the United States and abroad, with emphasis on local Hoosier companies.  Recognizing our state as “The Racing Capital of the World,” we will also discuss the influential role of auto racing in the early automobile industry, both in Indiana and the country as a whole.

Session

Wednesday, October 19, 2022
3-4 p.m.

• cost – free
• reservations – required
• panelists - Sara McKinley, local history and genealogy supervisor, Muncie Public Library,  Melissa Gentry, supervisor, GIS Research and Map Collection, University Libraries, Ball State University; Karen Vincent, president, Delaware County Historical Society, Karen Good, board member and chair of Ancestor Hunters, Delaware County Historical Society

Presentation will feature historic photographs, maps, newspaper articles, and ghost stories of Muncie’s past. Refreshments served after program.

Session

Wednesday, October 26, 2022
6-7:30 p.m.
NOTE: Due to anticipated audience size, the program will be held at the Ball State Alumni Center, Assembly Hall A.

• cost – free
• reservations – required
• presenter – Melissa Gentry, supervisor, GIS Research and Map Collection, University Libraries, Ball State University

Learn how Muncie women were involved with the big events in American history and how what they wore became symbolic of a point in time. You’ll see bustles and corsets from the Gas Boom era to scandalous suffragists and flappers. You’ll learn about how what Muncie women wore was affected by the influenza pandemic, the Depression, war and rations, and social unrest. And you’ll hear individual stories about some amazing local women of style and substance.  

Session

Thursday, June 23, 2022
2-3 p.m.

• cost – free
• reservations – required
• presenter - Dr. Frederick Suppe, associate professor emeritus of history, Ball State University
  

Why do Americans indulge in "trick-or-treating," jack-o-lanterns, and parties on Halloween? Dr. Suppe will describe the evolution from an ancient, pre-Christian, Celtic harvest festival to modern practices in the 21^st century.

Session

Friday, October 21, 2022
10-11 a.m.

• cost – free
• reservations – required
• presenter – Dr. Frederick Suppe, associate professor emeritus of history, Ball State University

Who invented the A.D. dating system? Why does the date for Easter change each year? What is the reason for Leap Years? Dr. Suppe will discuss the history of how our modern calendar system developed during the Middle Ages, thanks to monks in monasteries and the Venerable Bede.

Session

• cost – free
• reservations – required
• presenters – Sara McKinley, local history and genealogy supervisor, Muncie Public Library, and Melissa Gentry, supervisor, GIS Research and Map Collection, University Libraries, Ball State University

Ever wondered about the history of a house or property? When was it built? What once stood there before? Who owned it? This program will introduce how to get started with your research using maps, historical documents, and other available resources to piece together the story of a building and the people connected to it.

Session

Wednesday, August 10, 2022
10-11 a.m.

• cost – free
• reservations – required
• presenter – Melissa Gentry, supervisor, GIS Research and Map Collection, University Libraries, Ball State University

In this program, learn about the suffragists of Muncie who battled for the ballot beginning just after the Civil War. You’ll see where the suffragists lived, where they organized, worked, and marched, and where they ultimately voted. And find out where visitors like Susan B. Anthony, Anna Dickinson, and Representative Jeannette Rankin spent their time in the “Magic City.”. 

Session

Tuesday, November 1, 2022
10-11 a.m.

• cost – free
• reservations – required
• presenters - Sara McKinley, local history and genealogy supervisor, Muncie Public Library; Melissa Gentry, supervisor, GIS Research and Map Collection, University Libraries, Ball State University; Karen Good, board member and chair of Ancestor Hunters, Delaware County Historical Society; Nalleli Guillen, associate director curation and exhibition, Minnetrista Museum and Gardens

Presentation will feature stories about some of the bold and amazing women who made history but didn’t make the history books. The program will feature historic photographs, maps, and other resources from local history collections.

Session

Tuesday, September 13, 2022
2-3 p.m.

• cost – free
• reservations – required
• presenter – Maria VanVreede, board member, Delaware County Historical Society; Baylor University graduate with a Master of Arts degree in Museum Studies

Heirlooms such as baby photos, homemade quilts, and antique pocket watches are a vital and tangible part of your family’s story. Learn how to incorporate museum and archival practices into your routine so these treasures can be passed down to the next generation. Participants are encouraged to bring artifacts to the workshop for specific discussion and review.

Session

• cost – free
• reservations – required
• presenter – Jessica Jenkins, vice president of collections and storytelling, Minnetrista Museum and Gardens

Since its creation more than a century ago, the Ball Blue Book has become the “Bible” of home canners around the world. Join Jessica Jenkins for a look at the history of this go-to resource. Find out more about how this publication originated on Minnetrista Boulevard, and learn about its lasting impact that has stood the test of time.

Session

November 4, 2022
10-11 a.m.

• cost – free
• reservations – required
• presenter - Melissa Gentry, supervisor, GIS Research and Map Collection, University Libraries, Ball State University

Take a virtual tour of Muncie to learn about some of the places “standing still” that are connected to local women’s history, including homes, churches, restaurants, libraries, theaters, swimming pools and parks, and the YWCA.

Session

Thursday, September 8, 2022
2-3 p.m.

• cost – free
• reservations – required
• presenter – Karen Vincent, president, Delaware County Historical Society

Most local people know that Muncie native Emily Kimbrough wrote several books, including How Dear to My Heart about her early years here. What may not be as commonly known is that she was a magazine editor, hosted her own radio show, authored numerous magazine articles and television scripts, and crisscrossed the country giving lectures. Discussion will be based on a large collection of Miss Kimbrough’s documents, manuscripts, correspondence, photographs, and other material recently donated to Delaware County Historical Society.

Session 

Wednesday, July 27, 2022
10-11 a.m.

• cost – free
• reservations – required
• presenter – Chris Flook, Associate Lecturer of Media, Department of Media, Ball State University; newsletter editor, Delaware County Historical Society

In the wake of the Second Industrial Revolution, landscape designers, city planners, and architects responded with the City Beautiful movement. City Beautiful was an urban design philosophy that sought to beautify public spaces with parks, monuments, neoclassical architecture, and curving boulevards. Several Munsonians adopted the philosophy, including O.W. Crabbs. Crabbs worked as a landscape designer, superintendent of Beech Grove Cemetery, and led early landscaping efforts at Ball State Teacher's College and Ball Memorial Hospital. The presentation will explore City Beautiful in Muncie and Crabb's efforts to make our fair city all the more attractive.

Session

Tuesday, July 19, 2022
10-11 a.m.

• cost – $95
• instructor – Franklin Dargo, a Miami University Oxford graduate with a BA and MA in French Literature; also studied at the Université Grenoble Alpes, as well as the Université de Bourgogne where he taught English, took several courses in French Language, tutored American students in French, and became a certified proficient French speaker

This six-week course provides an introduction to conversational French. Perfect for those wishing to travel to a French-speaking country, work at a French-based company, or add a valuable skill to their resume. Certificate of Completion provided to those who attend all six sessions in their entirety.

Sessions

Six Thursdays
September 1 - October 6, 2022
7-9 p.m.

• cost – $95
• instructor – Laura Shadoin, retired teacher, Muncie Community Schools

Instruction in finger spelling and basic conversation based on American Sign Language and signed English. Certificate of Completion provided to those who attend all six sessions in their entirety.

Session

Six Wednesdays
September 14-October 19, 2022
7-9 p.m.

• cost – free (fee associated with assessment test)
• reservations – required
• presenter – Kayla Coates, project coordinator. Fishers  Center for Academic and Economic Innovation, Ball State University       

Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to identify and manage one's own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. The Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i 2.0) is the world’s leading measure of emotional intelligence, applying decades of research to support effective human performance and development. If you have not taken the assessment before, please email Kayla Coates for access to the assessment tool. A fee is associated with the assessment.

Session

Wednesday, September 28, 2022
9 a.m.—12 p.m.

• cost – $95 for three sessions
• reservations – required
• presenter – Franklin Dargo, experienced reseller and eBay store operator

Learn the necessary steps and strategies for successfully selling on eBay.

Session 1: Basic Concepts of eBay

Evaluating and identifying products, correctly navigating the website, using eBay as a tool, and creating a seller account.

Session 2: Understanding eBay Selling

Different methods of selling, listing an item on eBay, understanding your eBay listing, evaluating seller costs and fees, providing customer service, and the power of punctuality.

Session 3: Shipping Methods, Finalizing Your Sale, and Critical Information

Overview of shipping materials and equipment needed to start your business, best shipping practices, choosing the best shipping service and company, purchasing labels, and more. 

Sessions

Three Wednesdays, August 17-31, 2022
7-9 p.m.

• cost – free
• reservations – required
• presenter – Peggy Cenova, regional director, East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center (ECI-SBDC)

In this session, you’ll learn strategies for overcoming stage fright, developing a powerful presence, and structuring your presentation. The ECI-SBDC provides training and technical assistance to small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs at no cost.

Session

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

• cost – free
• reservations – required
• presenter – Peggy Cenova, regional director, East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center (ECI-SBDC)

In this session, you’ll learn strategies for overcoming stage fright, developing a powerful presence, and structuring your presentation. The ECI-SBDC provides training and technical assistance to small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs at no cost.

Session

Wednesday, July 20, 2022
2-3 p.m.

• cost –$25
• reservations – required
• presenter – Jackie Davis, director, Pre Award, Strategy, and Outreach, Sponsored Projects Administration, Ball State University

Whether you are new to grant seeking or looking for grant writing tips, this class is for you. Grant writing is a crucial activity for nonprofits and educators to fund projects and support their mission. In this introductory class, you will learn the basics of grant writing including:

• How to find funding opportunities
• The basic elements of a grant proposal
• Developing a project budget
• The “do’s and don’ts” of writing a proposal

Working as a grant professional for over 20 years, Davis has experience as a program officer, grant writer, grant program manager, and grant proposal manager. She is a Certified Research Administrator (CRA), who has spent her career assisting others in the pursuit of grant funding.

Session

Friday, September 23, 2022
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

The Association of Lifelong Learners (ALL) is a group of retirees and community members interested in continuing to learn by participating in presentations, field trips, mini-courses, and discussion groups. ALL meets weekly on Tuesdays, September through May, 3-4:15 p.m., at the Ball State Alumni Center. For more information, e-mail John Hill.

Ball State University Libraries supports the university’s mission and enduring values by creating transformative experiences for diverse communities of learners through excellent resources, expert research assistance, dedicated study and learning spaces, and innovative services and technologies for knowledge discovery and dissemination, lifetime learning, and community engagement.Indiana residents, age 18 and older, may obtain a  Resident/Affiliate Library Card for $1.00. Guests must provide a valid photo identification indicating residency. Call 765-285-5143 for additional information.

The planetarium is an immersive theater where state-of-the-art technology transforms a 52-foot dome into a simulation of the night sky as seen from Earth and from space. It is the largest planetarium in Indiana, serves more than 20,000 visitors per year, and offers free programs.

The David Owsley Museum of Art cultivates lifelong learning and recreation in the visual arts through its collection of original works of art, engaging exhibitions, and educational programs for the University community and other diverse audiences.Admission to the David Owsley Museum of Art is free and open to the public year-round. Visit the website for visitor hours and to view the calendar of events.

Christy Woods is an outdoor teaching laboratory for Ball State students, as well as the community. Located on the southwest corner of campus, the property is filled with mature deciduous forest, tallgrass prairie, and other plant communities. Group and school tours are offered throughout the year.

Named after Ball State’s sixth president, John R. Emens (1945-1968), the auditorium is the university’s premier venue for arts and entertainment. Since its 1964 grand opening, many world-renowned artists, individuals, musicians, and shows have graced the Emens stage. Legendary appearances range from President Ford, B.B. King, Victor Borge, Louis Armstrong, Red Skelton, Stevie Wonder, to magician David Copperfield, comedian Adam Sandler, Dave Letterman, Third Eye Blind, Cats, and the Dixie Chicks. For more information, call (765) 285-1539 or visit the website.

The Marilyn K. Glick Center for Glass is a premier glass facility that was built to support and promote the practice of the contemporary glass arts at Ball State University and in the East Central Indiana Region.  Visit the website for visitor hours and a calendar of events.

With nearly 2,000 orchids, the Rinard Orchid Greenhouse contains the largest university-based orchid collection in the United States, including the Wheeler-Thanhauser Orchid Collection and Species Bank, and the Betty Kendall Ladyslipper Orchid Species Collection. The greenhouse is free and open to the public. Call (765) 285-2641 to schedule a tour.