Since 2020, I have worked multiple times with nearly 100 different Community Education Programs; Public Libraries; Retirement Groups; Continuing Education Groups; Historical Societies, and various Associations. I am available to speak year-around: Morning | Afternoon | Evening and am willing to travel.
Programs are 45 - 60 minutes in length and include time for Q&A.
Presentations can be In-Person, or on-line.
Scheduled Presentations:
February 24: Sterling Pointe Senior Living, "A Road Trip Around Minnesota: Lakes & Waterfalls" 2pm.
March 26: Rothsay Library Link: Rothsay Baptist Church, "Barn Storming: Minnesota's Barns & Barn Quilts" 2:00pm.
March 26: Moorhead Public Library, "Barn Storming: Minnesota's Barns & Barn Quilts" 6:30pm.
March 27: Halstad Living Center, "Barn Storming: Minnesota's Barns & Barn Quilts" 2:00pm.
March 27: Climax Public Library, "Barn Storming: Minnesota's Barns & Barn Quilts" 7:00pm.
March 28: Fosston Public Library, "Barn Storming: Minnesota's Barns & Barn Quilts" 11:00am.
March 28: Mahnomen Public Library, "Barn Storming: Minnesota's Barns & Barn Quilts" 3:00pm.
April 5: Rochester Public Library, "Backyard Photography" 2:00 pm.
May 19: Madelia Public Library, "One Last Time: Veteran Stories p.1" 11:00 am.
May 19: St. James Public Library, "One Last Time: Veteran Stories p.2" 2:00 pm.
May 19: Butterfield Public Library, "A Road Trip Around Minnesota: Veteran Memorials" 4:00pm.
May 20: RAMS (Retired Agricultural Midwesterners Society) NEW! "Ghost Signs And Grain Bins: A Look At Minnesota's Farming Heritage" 12:30pm.
May 26: Shorewood Landing Senior Community, "One Last Time: Veteran Stories p.1" 1:00pm
June 17: Presbyterian Homes Norris Square Cottage Grove, "Fading Ads Of The Twin Cities" 1:30pm.
August 19: Presbyterian Homes Norris Square Cottage Grove, "Barn Storming: Minnesota's Barns & Barn Quilts" 1:30pm.
Recent Clients: Arrowhead Library System (23 location tour); Elk River Senior Center (2); Grey Eagle Public Library; Chippewa County Historical Society; SALT Group Burnsville; Park Rapids Library; Stevens County Historical Society; Wadena Historical Society; Edina Historical Society; Northern Exposures Photo Club; Marshall Public Library; Slayton Public Library; Tyler Public Library; Minnesota Veterans Home (2); Buffalo Public Library/Wright County History Center; Aurora Public Library/Friends of the Library; Paynesville Public Library; Belgrade Public Library; Stillwater Public Library; Pilgrim House Unitarian Universalist Church; Fremont Village Senior Living.
Veterans Programs
One Last Time: Veteran Stories From The Greatest Generation. Part One.
Members of the Greatest Generation are leaving us at an alarming rate, taking with them invaluable stories of courage, sacrifice, and resilience. Photographer, Author, and Amateur Historian, Jay Grammond spent 13 years planning and leading a WWII History Series in Elk River, during which he had the privilege of getting to know many individuals who lived through this pivotal time in history. From Holocaust, and Japanese-American internment camp survivors to Homefront Workers, Allied POWs, Veterans from all branches and theaters of war - even a German soldier who fought the whole war on the Eastern Front - each person shared a unique and powerful perspective. In this presentation, Jay will honor the memory of those who participated in his series and are sadly no longer with us. One Veteran even stated, “This will probably be my last time telling this story.” Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a unique and personal insight into the lives of these remarkable individuals. Whether you're new to the topic or have a deep appreciation for WWII history, this presentation will leave a lasting impact. Plus, be sure to join us for Part Two another time, when we'll explore even more stories from those who served and sacrificed.
One Last Time: Veteran Stories From The Greatest Generation. Part Two.
Due to overwhelming interest in Part One, our presenter, Jay Grammond has created a Part Two in order to continue sharing more powerful stories from WWII Veterans and civilians who experienced the war firsthand. Whether you have attended Part One or are joining us for the first time, this session stands on its own while offering a deeper look into the personal accounts of those who served, sacrificed, and endured during one of the most pivotal times in history. Jay Grammond will share additional firsthand accounts from Veterans, home front workers, and others whose experiences shed light on the war's lasting impact. Each story provides a unique perspective, honoring the memory of those who lived it. No prior attendance is required - come with a desire to learn and pay tribute to these incredible individuals. However, if you can, we encourage you to experience Part One another time for the fullest picture of their extraordinary lives.
A Road Trip Around Minnesota: Veteran Memorials
Minnesota is home to a remarkable array of Veteran Memorials - each with its own story and significance. From street names to granite monuments to powerful statues and unique tributes, these memorials honor the bravery and sacrifice of our servicemen and women in meaningful ways. Join historian, photographer, and military history program organizer Jay Grammond as he takes you on a virtual road trip around the state, showcasing some of the most inspiring memorials he has encountered in his travels. Discover hidden gems and well-known landmarks that pay tribute to veterans from war and peace time across the ages. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a proud supporter of our military, or simply curious about these powerful symbols of remembrance, this presentation will offer valuable insights and inspiration. Why not start planning a road trip of your own to visit these sites and experience their impact firsthand?
Minnesota's Ties To Early American History
Join us as Minnesota historian, Jay Grammond, delivers a captivating presentation that delves into the often over-looked contributions of Minnesota to early American history. Minnesota has a rich and multifaceted history that connects it to pivotal events in the nation's past. This presentation sheds light on Minnesota's ties to the Revolutionary War; the War of 1812; the Indian Wars; the Mexican War; and the Civil War showcasing how this northern state played a significant role in shaping America's destiny. Don't miss an opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of Minnesota's ties to early American history.
Photography Topics
A "Cure" For Cabin Fever: Backyard Photography
Are you feeling like you have had enough of Winter? Can’t wait to get out of the house? Join Professional Photographer, Jay Grammond as he leads us on a photographic journey of possibilities that will get you out of the house and into your own yard, or local park this Spring and Summer. You will learn to see and compose creatively; how to create or look for great backgrounds; what subjects to focus on; and helpful Apps and Resources that could help you create your best images yet!
Backyard Photography
Join Professional Photographer, Jay Grammond as he leads us on a photographic journey of possibilities that will get you out of the house and into your own yard, or local park. You will learn to see and compose creatively; how to create or look for great backgrounds; what subjects to focus on; and helpful Apps and Resources that could help you create your best images yet!
Building Your Vision: Taking Your Photography From Good To Great
Are you a Photographer that wants to take your images to the next level; or maybe someone that is just getting started in photography? Do you want to be a photographer that TAKES snapshots; or one that CREATES Images? You’ll leave this class with ideas and concepts that you can put into practice right away. We will cover some compositional basics that will surely improve your images if you are not using them; and we will discuss concepts of building your Photographic Vision to take your images from good to great!
Fading Ads Of The Twin Cities
Do you remember seeing those old painted ads on the sides of buildings for Coca-Cola, Grain Belt Beer, grocery stores, warehouses, etc. Our instructor, Jay Grammond has been drawn to Fading Ads, or “Ghost Signs” for quite some time. In the Summer of 2020, that interest became so much more when he signed a book deal to publish a book about the topic. Join Jay as he takes you on a virtual walk around the Twin Cities to view this sort of “Art Gallery” that surrounds us. You will also learn a bit about the history of some of these companies that date back into the 1800’s.
Pursuing Your Passion & Making The Leap Of Faith
Join professional photographer, historian, and author Jay Grammond as he leads you through the brave journey he embarked on in 2020. Learn what things were like leading up to the decision to make the Leap of Faith; then making the leap, in what turned out to be, into the incoming locomotive that was the pandemic. Jay will discuss how he had to completely pivot from his original plan and how that is working out. Jay wants to inspire his listeners to go after their dreams, and let them know that it is never to late. Why not now?
History etc!
Discovering Our Past: Lost & Found
When you were a child, did you dream of discovering lost treasure? Our instructor sure did. He once wanted to become an Archaeologist after seeing King Tut’s Tomb! The fact of the matter is that we all walk over lost items, and maybe even “treasures” every day. Join our instructor, Jay as he shares with you some of the items that he has found through his hobby of Metal Detecting that had been quite possibly lost to time. We’ll take a virtual walk back in time through viewing interesting discoveries.
A Road Trip Around Minnesota: Minnesota Barn Quilt Trails
Minnesota is fortunate to have several Barn Quilt Trails. Pieces of art that adorn the side of barns and buildings throughout the state are set up to not only pay homage to heritage or interests; but to bring people into an area. Instructor Jay Grammond will lead you around the state through seven Barn Quilt Trails to give you a sampling of what is out there in hopes that you will make your own road trip!
Barn Storming: Minnesota's Barn's & Barn Quilts
Minnesota is filled with countless numbers of Barns, most from a bygone era. However, there are still a bunch in operation as well. Professional Photographer and Amateur Historian, Jay Grammond has traveled the state capturing images of barns of all shapes, sizes, and conditions. There is just something about a barn! There are some areas of the State where the barns are adorned with something called a Barn Quilt. Barn Quilts are pieces of art on the side of a barn, shed, or house that usually tell some sort of story. These places are all visible from the roadways, so once you know about them, you can go check them out!
A Road Trip Around Minnesota: Lakes & Waterfalls
Raise your hand if you are ready to take a day or weekend Road Trip around the State! We could almost feel the breeze from all the hands shooting up! Join Professional Photographer, Jay Grammond as he takes you on a Virtual Road Trip around the state to learn about some of Minnesota’s largest in-land lakes; and fantastic waterfalls. In today’s world, these same waterways are vital to the State and local community economies; as well as to the citizens as a form of recreation and relaxation. After participating in this class, you should come away with the seeds of your own road trip ideas planted for a fun road trip.
