Special Events Spring '26   

The Huntsville Museum of Art is home to fourteen galleries, and this docent-led tour will highlight artwork in several of those galleries. After the tour, browse the galleries of your choice, the museum is open until 5:00 pm.  Cost: $8 per person at the door (museum members free)

Attendance limit: 30; (Carpooling is suggested, parking is limited)

 

Have you ever looked at someone with a prosthetic arm or leg and just marveled at the engineering feat that is the prosthetic? Prosthetics have indeed come a long way in the past 10 years.  This tour will explore modern-day prosthetics. 

Cost: none;   Attendance limit: 15 per group

 

Have you ever looked at someone with a prosthetic arm or leg and just marveled at the engineering feat that is the prosthetic? Prosthetics have indeed come a long way in the past 10 years.  This tour will explore modern-day prosthetics. 

Cost: none;   Attendance limit: 15 per group

Travel back in time to 1819. Discover domestic life in a family home, see a demonstration of a printing press, and a demonstration of a working forge in the blacksmith shop. During our private guided tour, we will learn about the Alabama Constitution Convention, Huntsville’s first newspaper, and Huntsville’s first “public library”. Cost: $11/person at the door.

Free parking on the street, pay parking in nearby parking garages 

Learn more: https://earlyworks.com/constitution-hall-park/

Experience Huntsville Ballet dancers up close in a lecture demonstration class and rehearsal prior to the opening night performance of “Dancer’s Choice”. Learn about how dancers warm up and prepare for the performance. Participate in Q&A with host Philip Otto, Artistic Director of the Huntsville Ballet.

Learn more and purchase tickets for Huntsville Ballet performances at https://share.google/yuJrsIjjilz12HJ69 or at huntsvilleballet.org. OLLI 30% discount code: OLQ    

Join Park Naturalist Anna Crow to learn all about bald eagles! We will start with a presentation about the history and conservation of these majestic creatures, followed by an eagle-watching safari, where we’ll visit up to three viewing/nesting sites in and near the state park and Guntersville. Attendees will be encouraged to carpool to the state park, and also to consolidate into fewer vehicles as we visit the viewing sites. We will break for lunch at the state park’s lodge. Bring your cameras and binoculars! Cost: TBD (plus lunch cost)  

Spend a full day at Space Camp! Gear up for an unforgettable adventure as you become part of the astronaut crew on a full space flight mission training experience.  Then learn what it's like to walk on the moon with the 1/6th gravity simulator, a "chair" suspended from springs (low impact). Finally, visit the USSRC Archives for a presentation about the Center's large collection of space artifacts and documents. We will break up into three teams and rotate among the three activities. In between, grab lunch at the Galaxy Grill (additional cost). The staff at USSRC has curated this custom experience for OLLI members at a significant discount and with our demographics in mind (only mild physical activity, completed health forms will be required).

Cost: $100 per person; pay online (website link TBD); OLLI registration deadline is February 20; USSRC deadline to register and pay is March 6; no refunds after this date!

Physical limitations - Mission – afraid of heights and small spaces? Can switch positions/tasks

                               - 1/6th Chair – weight limit 260 lbs.

Have you ever wanted to learn how to play an Irish traditional instrument? Here’s your chance! Join Andy Krespe, from the Irish Drum Center, for a hands-on experience as we learn how to play a reel on the bodhran (Irish traditional frame drum). No experience necessary, and drums and tippers are provided. Cost: $10 per person at the door.

Find out what happens to our Huntsville water supply between the source and our taps. We will visit one of Huntsville Utilities’ largest water treatment plants to learn. The Huntsville Water System was established in 1823 and is the oldest system west of the Appalachians.

Learn more about the Huntsville water system at:

https://www.hsvutil.org/community_resources/educational_resources/water.php

Join Tim Gels (Land Trust of North Alabama) at the Education Pavilion at Chapman Mt. Nature Preserve to learn about Slow Birding, the art and science of enjoying common birds in your own backyard. Tim will also share some tips for basic birding techniques, tools, and resources for this growing hobby. We will try to spot any resident and spring migratory birds during a short walk on a nearby Preserve trail.

Learn more: www.landtrustal.org  

Tour the Downtown Rescue Mission main campus in Huntsville, where we’ll see firsthand how your donations and thrift store purchases directly support their vital work in the community. A complimentary catered lunch will be provided. We will then travel to their thrift store in Madison for an opportunity to shop for great bargains (a coupon will be provided for all participants).

All attendees will meet at the UAH Wilson Hall parking lot and then travel by DRM van and one carpool vehicle to the main campus and thrift store.