For Cold War historian and atomic artifact collector Michael Scheibach, understanding 20th-century America requires looking past politics to the everyday realities of the nuclear age.
After a 40-year career in publishing, Scheibach turned his lifelong passion for history into a second act as an educator, teaching at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) since retiring to Miami in 2019.
"I knew I wanted to continue teaching after I retired," Scheibach said. "Teaching American history at OLLI has been totally satisfying and stimulating."
Having spent more than two decades teaching as an adjunct professor in Kansas City while working in executive publishing roles, joining OLLI was a natural transition when he moved to South Florida with his wife.
"I love to teach and do research to make my classes informative, insightful, relevant, educational, and entertaining," he said.
Scheibach's focus on the early atomic era (1945–1965) sits at the heart of his scholarly work. He holds a Ph.D. in American Studies from the University of Kansas and has authored five books on the subject, including "Atomic Narratives and American Youth: Coming of Age with the Atom, 1945–1955" and "Alert America: The Atomic Bomb and The Show That May Save Your Life." He also edited "In Case Atom Bombs Fall," an anthology of government-issued Cold War survival instructions.
This fall, Scheibach brings his Cold War expertise to OLLI with a new course: "Dawning of the Atomic Age, American Society and 'The Bomb,' 1945–1965." The class examines how the nuclear age reshaped American politics, media, and daily life, drawing on everything from civil defense policies to nuclear-themed toys and period films.
A second course, "Politics, Society and the Arts: A Selective History," traces how creative figures shaped social movements from the Antebellum era to today.
In addition to his background and collection of atomic artifacts, Scheibach relies on the lived experiences of his students—their personal memories of growing up during World War II, hiding under school desks during duck-and-cover drills, or living through the Cuban Missile Crisis—to enrich class discussions.
"OLLI offers a fantastic opportunity to learn new subjects, meet new friends, and become more enthused about life," he said.
Beyond OLLI, Scheibach shares his historical insights across the region, leading courses at the Key Biscayne Community Center, The Palace and Mirabelle retirement communities, and as a speaker for Primetime Presenters at senior living facilities throughout South Florida.
Scheibach, who also holds a master's degree in history and a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, has no plans to stop expanding his curriculum.
"I'm always exploring new topics," he said.
