Vic Henningsen

A graduate of Yale, Stanford, and Harvard, Vic was a ranger-naturalist with Vermont’s Dept. of Forests & Parks before teaching history for many years at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. He’s also been a visiting scholar at Dartmouth, a summer research fellow at the Massachusetts Historical Society and the Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello, and a regular commentator on Vermont Public Radio. (2/7/24)

Portrait of a Mind - Three Letters From Thomas Jefferson (Winter Term 2024)

Participant Testimonials: 

The letters gave the course a logical and natural organization. Classes were a very good mix of a small amount of presentation and larger amount of discussion. They never lagged.

Vic has invaluable and outstanding knowledge of American history and is a superb study leader.

In the Devil’s Snare? – Witchcraft in Salem, 1692 (Fall Term 2023)

Participant Testimonials: 

Bottom line - one of the very best courses I have taken at Osher, and I have taken a great many courses. Discussions were encouraged and well-managed. The success of the course was due in large part to Vic’s management and also a willingness of the class to participate.

Actually it exceeded expectations. This was the most thought provoking course I've taken at Osher.

Portrait of a Mind - Three Letters from Thomas Jefferson (Winter Term 2023)

Participant Testimonials:

Near perfect. The class discussions never lagged, nor was there a hurried feel either.

Consistent with the description. The course went well beyond in terms of depth of content. Excellent!

Brilliant presentation. To read the same source and extrapolate from letters.

“Madness Rules the Hour”—Division and Disaster in the 1850s (Fall Term 2022)

Participant Testimonials:

A number of people in the class were there because they had taken courses earlier with Vic and were very pleased indeed. I am one of those.

Very good use of supporting materials. Reading requirements were extremely helpful to understand the climate of the times. Class presentation and discussion deepened my appreciation of the class.

The Making of the American Revolution: 1760 - 1776 (Spring Term 2019)

Participant Testimonials: 

This was an outstanding course in all regards: knowledgeable instructor, excellent reading selections, perfect balance between class discussion and lecture.

As Study Leader, Vic Henningsen makes history come alive. He is a master teacher, who skillfully engages his class. Not only is his knowledge of the subject matter clearly evident but also the manner in which it is presented noteworthy. Every class involves critical thought, group discussions, and activities pertinent to the topic on hand.