PROGRAMS ARE FREE WITH ADVANCE REGISTRATION:
Or call (772) 466-3880 (Monday-Friday); (772) 465-0630 (Saturday-Sunday)
This program is sponsored by the Florida Humanities Council with funds from the Florida Department State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 12, 2019 – 2:00 PM
Modern by Tradition:
Innovation and the Transformation of Seminole Culture
Presented by Andrew K. Frank as part of the 3rd Annual Treasure Coast History Festival
Location: Sunrise Theatre’s Black Box Theatre
Between 1700 and the present, the culture of the Florida Seminoles has remained remarkably connected to its roots while also innovating in dramatic fashion. This lecture explores this dynamic to show how the Seminoles have embraced this dualism of being both modern and traditional. It examines, among other things, their origin stories, dress, cuisine, housing, ceremonial life, and family life.
Andrew K. Frank is the Allen Morris Professor of History at Florida State University and an award-winning author and editor of many books and articles.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2019 – 2:00 PM
Florida Soul
Presented by John Capouya
Location: Sunrise Theatre’s Black Box Theatre
From Ray Charles in the mid-1940s to KC and the Sunshine Band in the late ‘70s, Florida has a rich soul music heritage that’s been overlooked. Did you know that the great duo Sam and Dave (“Soul Man,” “Hold On, I’m Comin’”) came out of Miami? Drawing from his book, Florida Soul, John Capouya will play classic R&B, show vintage and contemporary photos of soul greats, and share his research into this important musical history in a presentation that’s as entertaining as it is educational.
John Capouya teaches journalism and nonfiction narrative at the University of Tampa, mentors creative nonfiction students in UT’s MFA program, and works with private writing clients.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2019 – 2:00 PM
Transparent Waters: The History and Significance of Florida’s Springs
Presented by Tom Berson, Ph.D.
Location: A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery
Florida’s springs are not only unique in their size and number, they are also emblematic of a forgotten Florida, a mysterious frontier that once stirred the national imagination. Before Disney or even the growth of coastal resorts attracted visitors to Florida, travelers ventured in droves into the wild and enchanting Florida interior to visit the springs. This talk examines how springs were—and still are—symbolic representations of natural Florida, and how they continue to stand at the critical and fragile intersection with growth and development.
Tom Berson received his doctorate from the University of Florida, where he wrote his dissertation on the history of Silver Springs and the north Florida interior, and currently teaches American History at Santa Fe College.
TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2019 – 2:00 PM
Florida Transportation History:
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
(& Steamboats too!)
Presented by Steve Noll, Ph.D.
Location: Sunrise Theatre’s Black Box Theatre
Florida’s history as territory and state can be told through the changing methods of transportation designed to move people and goods both to Florida and within Florida. Examining the changing transportation networks in the state, this presentation shows how Florida moved from a backwoods frontier to one of the most important states in the union. Tying transportation history to social history, this presentation moves from the Bellamy Road of the 1820s to the modern transportation issues facing the Florida in the 21st century.
Steve Noll is a master lecturer in the history department at the University of Florida, where he received his Ph.D. in 1991, and has written extensively on general Florida history as well as more specialized subjects.
TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2019 – 2:00 PM
Patrick Smith’s Florida is
A Land Remembered
Presented by Rick Smith
Location: Sunrise Theatre’s Main Stage
This program isn’t a “book lecture,” it is visual storytelling produced and presented by famed author Patrick Smith’s son, a professional media producer. Rick has created over 50 video clips, special visual and sound effects, music and more to bring his presentation to life. He will discuss his late father’s body of work and why he decided to write about society’s underdogs. Using video records, you’ll learn how Patrick Smith researched A Land Remembered for over two years before he could write it, and he’ll share his thoughts about the “real” Florida.
Rick Smith and his wife, Kim Miller, live in Cambria, CA, where they own Panorama Studios, a video and media production company.
TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 2019 – 2:00 PM
Alligators in Florida Culture
Presented by Jeff Klinkenberg
Location: A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery
Few states have a relationship with an animal in the way that Florida does with the alligator. Whether it’s a school mascot, being wrestled at a tourist attraction, or sunbathing on a golf course, these reptiles are ubiquitous to our state. After hearing Jeff Klinkenberg’s lecture, and watching his accompanying video, you’ll agree that there can be no Florida without alligators. Hey, keep your hands inside the canoe.
Jeff Klinkenberg wrote for the Tampa Bay Times for nearly 40 years and is the latest winner of the Florida Humanities Council’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for Writing.
The A.E. Backus Museum in partnership with Main Street Fort Pierce is happy to host the following lectures as part of the 2019 Florida Humanities Speaker Series
Presented FREE of Charge;
Advance Reservations are
Required
Please note the location for each of the programs varies:
A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery
is located at:
500 North Indian River Drive
Fort Pierce, FL 34950
Sunrise Theatre
for the Performing Arts
- Black Box Theatre
is located at:
117 South 2nd Street
Fort Pierce, FL 34950