Living with the Atomic Bomb: 1945-1965

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at FIU is hosting a lecture the explores post-war America in the mid-twentieth century. The threat of an atomic bomb attack was felt throughout the nation in the 1950s and 1960s, including in the state of Florida, especially during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. From duck and cover drills for children and youth, to family and community fallout shelters, to city and statewide civil defense drills, Americans were constantly reminded about the potential of an attack by the Soviet Union. Yet as adults prepared for this possibility, their children played with atomic toys and read comics about “The Bomb.”

The lecture is led by Dr. Michael Scheibach, who holds a doctorate degree in American Studies from the University of Kansas and a master’s degree in History from the University of Missouri. After retiring from a long career in the publishing industry, he now teaches history at multiple colleges and universities. He is the author of five books and has been called upon numerous times to present throughout the United States.

Registration is required. This program is funded in part through a Florida Humanities Greater Good: Humanities in Academia in partnership with Florida International University.