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History of the Green Bay Packers Noncredit Certificate

Learn the Greatest
Story in Sports

Explore the iconic history of the Packers.

The Green Bay Packers are a story of survival dating back to their origins in 1919. A team owned by the fans, they are 13-time World Champions of the National Football League. Uncover the team’s storied history and get an inside look at the Packers Hall of Fame. Show off your knowledge with a digital badge marked with the “G.”

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aerial of Lambeau Field

Our Certificate at a Glance

Find out more about History of the Green Bay Packers Noncredit Certificate.

Dates

January-March, 2024
8 Sessions

Format

Live Online (Zoom)

Investment

$139 (includes admission to the Packers Hall of Fame)

Green Bay Packers logo

Owned & Sustained by Fans

The Packers are the only franchise in professional sports to be owned and sustained by their fans; the steadfast, unwavering support of the community has been fundamental to the Packers’ success over the last century. In the same vein, it’s clear the Packers have a quantifiable and tangible economic impact on the Greater Green Bay community, from tourism and taxes to job creation and wage generation. Source: Green Bay Packers Media Guide

Insider Sessions

Sessions are taught by the Packers Hall of Fame curator.

This certificate program includes eight sessions that cover important events and personalities from the Packers' rich and proud history that dates back to the early days of the NFL. Sessions take place live on Zoom on Wednesdays from 4-6 p.m.

Origins of American Football
January 10, 2024
4-6 p.m.

The game of American football has evolved from sports in many cultures. It can be traced back to Ancient Greece and Rome to kicking games played in England throughout the centuries. American Football really starts to take shape in the United States in the late 19th century. The class will explore the evolution of the game and how its popularity evolved including in the Green Bay area.

A Story of Survival
January 17, 2024
4-6 p.m.

The Green Bay Packers are arguably the most storied franchise in the National Football League. They were organized in a dingy second-floor editorial rooms of the old Green Bay Press-Gazette building on Aug. 11, 1919. No one at the time would imagine what the semipro team would become. The early days of the franchise were a constant struggle for survival. The class will explore each of these struggles and how this town team would overcome them to not only survive but become the very best in the sport.

Lambeau's Reign
January 24, 2024
4-6 p.m.

Earl “Curly” Lambeau was the guiding force behind the creation of the Green Bay Packers. Lambeau, a native of Green Bay, first made a name for himself as a star football play at Green Bay East High School. He co-founded the Packers in 1919 and served as the team’s head coach until 1949, winning six NFL championships, tying him with George Halas and Bill Belichick for the most in NFL history. The class will look at the rise and eventual fall of the team’s co-founder.

Virtual Tour of the Packers Hall of Fame
January 31, 2024
4-6 p.m.

The Packers Hall of Fame was part of 2013 Lambeau Field renovation project and reopened in a brand-new space located on the first and second floors of the Atrium. The new facility’s design includes use of the latest technology, in addition to a treasure trove of artifacts, as a means to educate and inspire visitors about the rich history of the Packers. The class will take a virtual walk through the museum and get an inside look at how the different exhibits were created.

Packers-Bears Rivalry
February 7, 2024
4-6 p.m.

The Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears are two of the three oldest NFL franchises. They are the oldest definition of professional football. They reflect the culture of the era, before there were big salaries or television contracts. The class will revisit how their founders started their teams and how the franchises became interconnected throughout their history.

Packers Stock & Stadium Drive
February 14, 2024
4-6 p.m.

Of all the things that make the Green Bay Packers and their story incredible and unique, the most significant is simply this: The team is literally owned by its fans. The Packers have had six different stock sales throughout their history. Presently, over 539,000 people can claim to a franchise ownership interest. The class will take an in depth look at the early stock sales that saved the franchise.

Lombardi's Dynasty
February 28, 2024
4-6 p.m.

Nearly five decades after his death, Vince Lombardi remains one of the most recognizable sports figures of all time. His name graces the Super Bowl trophy. In his nine seasons as head coach of the Packers, Lombardi won five NFL championships, including victories in Super Bowl I and II. The class will explore how this little-known coach became the most famous coach in sports.

Leadership & Diversity
March 6, 2024
4-6 p.m.

Vince Lombardi was a flamboyant and captivating leader. At his inaugural press conference, he declared, “I want it understood that I am in complete command.” Lombardi was famous for his pursuit of perfection on and off the field. He also accomplished a great deal for diversity in the NFL during the 1960s. Lombardi’s feeling toward racism was summed up by two words – zero tolerance. The class will discover Lombardi’s important roles in both leadership and diversity.

History of the Green Bay Packers Digital Badge

Bragging Rights

Upon successful completion of all eight sessions, you will receive an exclusive UW-Green Bay credential, a digital badge validating your accomplishment and signaling to employers your mastery of the curriculum. The digital badge can be featured on LinkedIn, your resume, email signature and website.

Register Today

Man running with Packers flag


Green Bay Packers Return to Glory

If you are interested in more Packers lore, check out our companion certificate program and re-experience the Packers revival from the 1970s to today.

Learn More

Instructor

instructor Brent Hensel

Brent Hensel

Curator, Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame

Brent began his museum career as an intern with the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which led to working for the New England Patriots. He helped create and implement their museum, the Hall at Patriot Place and worked there for seven years. In 2013, he returned to Wisconsin and helped renovate the Packers Hall of Fame. A big part of his job is to preserve the history of the Packers organization, which has already over a century of history and continues to create special moments on and off the field each season. The Hall of Fame gets to record, safeguard, and illustrate all of this, and then share it with all the Packers fans out there.

Heidi Jahnke

Have Questions

If you have any questions about this certificate, please contact Heidi Jahnke, Program Specialist, at jahnkeh@uwgb.edu or 920-465-2356

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