Courses
The following courses are taught on line using the Zoom Interface. For further information on class schedules and enrollment, contact History 500 at 610-306-2489...or richardsperry@history500.com.
(Makeup classes for classes missed available on request)
NEW...THE VIETNAM WAR - Four (4) - 1 Hour Classes for $80
Not Currently Available
The Vietnam War is one of the past century's great events...a military conflagration that spanned 5 American presidencies over 25 years and cost the lives of 58,248 of our servicemen and women. Remarkably, the Vietnamese people (now) seem to willingly accept American tourists with open hearts and big smiles. This course paints a picture of the War from its roots with the French occupation of IndoChina in 1857 to their defeat and expulsion in 1954, and, America's tragic involvement and ultimate withdrawal in 1975. Along the way, you will meet the remarkable Ho Chi Minh, Gen. Vo Nguyen Giap and many of the American decision makers. If you're a Vietnam Vet, you'll learn more about the geography of IndoChina (including Laos and Cambodia) and catch a glimpse of what Vietnam is like today and why it is a great country to visit. If you're new to the Vietnam War, if you have a parent or relative who was there, you'll come away better informed about IndoChina and this chapter of America's history.
World War II - Pacific - Six (6) - 1 hr. classes $100
Begins Monday, Jan 13, 2025 12:30p EDT
World-War II - Pacific from prewar Japan to Pearl Harbor, the Battles of the Coral Sea, Midway, Guadalcanal and Nimitz's march across the Pacific, the Burma Campaign and last days of the war in Japan. Six one-hour talks with heavy use of slides and light reading followed by Q & A discussion. Zoom link will be e-mailed before each class. Course Reviews
H 500 - WW II pacific course synopsis & bio 2-1-21
War of 1812 - Four (4) - 1 hour classes for $80
Not Currently Available
The War of 1812 at sea and in the Western states. From the issues of impressment, famous battles on the high seas and the the attempted invasion of Canada. The final climactic victory at Battle of New Orleans gave the new country a sense of pride. Four one-hour classes with heavy use of slides and light reading followed by Q & A Discussion. Course Reviews
The Korean War - Four (4) - 1 hour classes for $80
Not Currently Available
The Korean War is America's 'Forgotten War". Learn all about its history from the North Korean invasion to the Pusan Perimeter, MacArthur's victorious landing at Inchon, the Chosin Resevoir, China's momentous invasion and Mathew Rigeway's response. Four one-hour classes with heavy use of slides and light reading followed by Q & A discussion. Zoom link will be e-mailed before each class. Course Reviews
Confirmation of Enrollment will be sent upon payment via PayPal or check ("History 500", 14 Buck Ln, Haverford, PA 19041)
Biography of Richard S. Sperry
Richard ("Rick") Sperry is the founder and CEO of American history website, History 500.com. A 1968 NROTC graduate of Yale University, he majored in American and Asian History (U.S., Japan , China). Lt Sperry served in the Caribbean aboard the USS Waldo County (LST-1163) and in Vietnam aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ranger (CVA-61) as Weapons Officer and OOD.
Professional, Military, Civic: Mr Sperry received his MBA from the BU School of Mgmt and spent his career in the Cable TV industry, most recently as VP Corporate Marketing for Comcast He is a member of the Naval Order of the United States, Military Order of Foreign Wars, Society of the War of 1812, PA Society of the Sons of the Revolution, American Legion, Navy League of Philadelphia, Secretary of the Seamens’ Church Institute of Philadelphia,