Catherine the Great

Program Details

Catherine the Great: Empress, Visionary, Conqueror If the sweeping saga of the Romanovs feels daunting, this talk spotlights one towering figure who reshaped history: Catherine the Great. Rising to power in an age when women were rarely allowed on the stage of leadership, Catherine defied expectations to become one of the most remarkable and complex rulers of all time. Her reign from 1762 to 1796 was marked by bold reforms, artistic flourishing, and a relentless drive to expand her empire. It was Catherine who secured southern Ukraine for Russia, laying the groundwork for territorial ambitions that echo to this day. Visionary, cunning, and unapologetically ambitious, Catherine’s story reveals a woman whose legacy transcends her time—and whose life would make even Putin take notice. FEE: Free for Patrons SCHEDULE: Thursday, March 6 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM FORMAT: This is an online event. A link will be emailed to participants one day before the event. PRESENTER Alan Freeland is a passionate historian and educator who brings the past to life through engaging workshops and lectures. After a successful career in IT, he shifted his focus to history and art, inspiring audiences with his dynamic teaching and deep knowledge. At the Farnham branch of the University of the Third Age (u3a), Alan leads workshops for the Art History and World History groups and is a sought-after speaker for Probus groups, London u3a virtual programs, and the London u3a Summer School. One of his specialties is the history of the Romanov dynasty, a topic he explores with passion and precision in his workshops. Alan also has a deep connection to the history of the Silk Roads, a subject he explored extensively during a three-year u3a group he led. His travels along this historic route—from Xi’an, China, to the Turkmenistan border and through Georgia—provide firsthand insights that enrich his teaching. Additionally, he offers Silk Road-themed tours at the Victoria and Albert Museum and the British Museum, sharing the fascinating legacy of this ancient trade network. Whether uncovering the stories of the Romanovs or unraveling the Silk Roads, Alan’s passion for history and talent for teaching leave his audiences inspired and informed.