History of the Green Bay Packers Noncredit Certificate

Origins of American Football

January 10, 2024

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 19^th 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.