EIU Academy of Lifelong Learning

EIU Academy of Lifelong Learning The Academy of Lifelong Learning offers diverse, free/low-cost, noncredit educational opportunities to Charleston, Mattoon, and neighboring communities.

Our programs are supported by gracious donations from the Friends of the Academy. The purpose of the Academy is to provide all community members an outlet for their educational, social and creative pursuits. We provide opportunities to learn new skills, engage in discussion topics of interest, explore new areas of learning and enjoy sharing our unique perspectives. Lifelong learning is generally thought of as ongoing and self-directed. We encourage you to continue the journey with us.

A drum. A flag. A moment that shaped a nation.“The Spirit of ’76” captures the courage, resilience, and unity of a defin...
05/08/2026

A drum. A flag. A moment that shaped a nation.

“The Spirit of ’76” captures the courage, resilience, and unity of a defining time in American history.

Come experience the deeper meaning behind this iconic image.

📅 May 11
🎟 FREE | Limited seats

👉 Reserve your spot: go.eiu.edu/Spirit_of_76

👨‍🏫 Meet Your Instructor:Charles Titus Join us for an insightful and engaging session led by an experienced presenter wh...
05/08/2026

👨‍🏫 Meet Your Instructor:

Charles Titus Join us for an insightful and engaging session led by an experienced presenter who brings history to life.

This isn’t just a lecture—it’s a story you’ll remember.

🎟 Free to attend

📍 Charleston Carnegie Public Library

👉 Register today: go.eiu.edu/Spirit_of_76

📚 Do you have a passion, hobby, skill, or life experience worth sharing?The Academy of Lifelong Learning at Eastern Illi...
05/06/2026

📚 Do you have a passion, hobby, skill, or life experience worth sharing?

The Academy of Lifelong Learning at Eastern Illinois University is looking for community members, professionals, educators, artists, and lifelong learners who would like to teach a class or lead a workshop!

Whether it’s:
🎨 Art & Creativity
🧘 Wellness & Healthy Living
💼 Professional Development
🌎 History, Culture & Society
💻 Technology & Life Skills
…or something completely unique — we would love to hear your ideas!

Teaching with the Academy is a meaningful way to:
✔ Share your expertise
✔ Connect with the community
✔ Inspire lifelong learning
✔ Make a lasting impact

📩 Submit your class proposal today:
👉 go.eiu.edu/wanna_teach

🎨 More than a painting—it’s a story. In this engaging session, you’ll explore: ✔ The story behind “The Spirit of ’76”✔ T...
05/06/2026

🎨 More than a painting—it’s a story.

In this engaging session, you’ll explore:
✔ The story behind “The Spirit of ’76”
✔ The life of artist Archibald Willard
✔ The historical moment that inspired it

If you enjoy history, art, or meaningful conversations—this is for you.

📅 May 11 | FREE

👉 Register here: go.eiu.edu/Spirit_of_76

You’ve seen this image before… But do you really know what it represents? The story behind “The Spirit of ’76” goes far ...
05/06/2026

You’ve seen this image before…

But do you really know what it represents?

The story behind “The Spirit of ’76” goes far beyond what meets the eye—filled with history, symbolism, and meaning.

Come discover it with us.

🎟 FREE session | Limited seats
👉 Save your spot: go.eiu.edu/Spirit_of_76

You’ve seen the image—now discover the story behind it. “The Spirit of ’76” is one of America’s most iconic paintings—bu...
05/04/2026

You’ve seen the image—now discover the story behind it.

“The Spirit of ’76” is one of America’s most iconic paintings—but few know the powerful history, symbolism, and story it truly represents.

Join us for an engaging session that brings this legendary image to life and reveals the meaning behind a symbol you’ve likely seen countless times.

📅 May 11, 2026
⏰ 4:00 – 5:00 PM
📍 Charleston Carnegie Public Library
🎟 FREE (Limited Seats Available)

👉 Reserve your spot today: go.eiu.edu/Spirit_of_76

Seats are limited—don’t miss this opportunity to experience history in a whole new way.

🌱 Curious about growing food sustainably?Learn from local expert Ellen Wolcott👉 Register now: go.eiu.edu/Food_Forests
05/02/2026

🌱 Curious about growing food sustainably?
Learn from local expert Ellen Wolcott

👉 Register now: go.eiu.edu/Food_Forests

🌿 Curious what you can actually grow in your region?Join us for an engaging session on Food Forests and discover how nat...
04/30/2026

🌿 Curious what you can actually grow in your region?

Join us for an engaging session on Food Forests and discover how nature can work for you 🌱

✨ What you’ll learn:
✔ The story behind the Charleston Food Forest
✔ How permaculture helps food systems thrive
✔ What’s already growing locally (26 trees + 50+ bushes!)
✔ A guided tour of edible plants you can grow

🌳 Learn. Explore. Grow. — all in one afternoon!

📅 May 5, 2026
⏰ 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Charleston Food Forest

🎟 FREE (Limited Seats Available)

👉 Register now:
go.eiu.edu/Food_Forests

Yes, it’s FREE—but seats are limited👉 Register now: go.eiu.edu/Food_Forests
04/30/2026

Yes, it’s FREE—but seats are limited

👉 Register now: go.eiu.edu/Food_Forests

Grow your own food—naturally 🌱👉 Curious? Save your spot here: go.eiu.edu/Food_Forests
04/28/2026

Grow your own food—naturally 🌱

👉 Curious? Save your spot here: go.eiu.edu/Food_Forests

🌿 Grow Food. Grow Community. Grow Knowledge. 🌿Curious about sustainable living? Join us for a FREE interactive session o...
04/27/2026

🌿 Grow Food. Grow Community. Grow Knowledge. 🌿

Curious about sustainable living? Join us for a FREE interactive session on Food Forests and discover how you can grow your own food naturally! 🍎🌱

📅 May 5, 2026
⏰ 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Charleston Food Forest | 825 18th St, Charleston, IL 61920

✔ Learn permaculture basics
✔ Explore local food forest history
✔ Enjoy a guided tour of edible plants

🎟 Limited seats available – register now:
👉 go.eiu.edu/Food_Forests

Address

600 Lincoln Avenue
Charleston, IL
61920

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 12pm
1pm - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 12pm
1pm - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 12pm
1pm - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 12pm
1pm - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 12pm
1pm - 4:30pm

Telephone

+12175815114

Website

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