Step aboard the USS Potomac — once the floating White House of Franklin D. Roosevelt — on a fascinating guided dockside tour that brings its remarkable story to life. Originally built in 1934 as the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Electra and transformed just two years later into a presidential yacht, the Potomac served FDR until his death in April 1945. Discover how this historic vessel journeyed through decades of change before finding its home in Jack London Square.
[For members only • Learn more and register]
Join us for dozens of new courses that dive deep into history, politics, music, literature, film, law, nature, and more. All taught by Berkeley faculty and other top scholars. Fall registration opens Monday, July 13 at 9 AM. Many courses — in person in Berkeley and online — begin the week of September 14, with a second wave launching in mid-October. Not an OLLI member yet? Let’s fix that! Learn about the many benefits of membership — access to courses, speaker events, field trips, town halls, vital aging workshops, socials, and more — plus a special offer for new members and our fee assistance program.
Join us on July 14 for a guided tour of the San Francisco Embarcadero's outdoor gallery of giant, joyful public artworks, led by OLLI member and SFMOMA docent Laurie Sanchez. Along the way, you'll discover the stories behind these shimmering, awe-inspiring forms — works that celebrate movement, resilience and imagination.
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Join us for a guided tour of the places where the pivotal events of the 1960s unfolded. The Free Speech Movement was one of that decade's first major protests — and a spark for student activism across the U.S. and around the world. What led to it, and why here? Led by guide Rodney Paul, we'll explore key locations on and near Telegraph Ave, and the Berkeley institutions that played quiet but important roles in shaping this remarkable legacy.
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Join us as we explore the rich, enduring spirit of Oakland’s Chinatown on a guided 2.5-hour walking tour. For 175 years, Chinatown has been a hub for immigrants and communities across the Asian diaspora, shaped by stories of perseverance and the search for belonging that began during California’s Gold Rush. We’ll visit sites central to the neighborhood’s often untold history, meet local leaders, and savor the flavors that make Chinatown so beloved.
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Let's dish it up! 🍉 Join us for our 2nd annual Midsummer Potluck — an evening packed with good food, great company and lively conversation. Bring your favorite dish to share (homemade or store-bought — no judgment, we love it all!). New to OLLI? Even better — this is the perfect time to meet and mingle, one delicious bite at a time.
[For members only • Learn more and let us know you're coming]
Join us for a guided tour of Oakland's Paramount Theatre, a beautifully restored 1931 National Historic Landmark and one of the finest examples of Art Deco design in the country. Explore the remarkable architecture, intricate design details and rich history behind one of the city's most iconic venues — a rare opportunity to experience a local classic up close.
[For members only • Learn more and register]