From the Ashley Gang to the Devil’s Millhopper and the Ghost of Bellamy Bridge, Florida folk culture is brimming with fascinating characters and situations almost too amazing to be true. But are they true? This presentation is a dynamic performance from a master storyteller and professor who brings these legends to life and discusses their importance and whether it may not matter if they are fact or fiction.

A must for history buffs and Americana fans, this presentation is based on Dr. Neile’s book Florida Lore: The Barefoot Mailman, Cowboy Bone Mizell, the Tallahassee Witch, and Other Tales. Caren S. Neile, PhD., MFA, has taught storytelling studies at Florida Atlantic University since 2000. A performance storyteller, she has worked in 13 states and seven countries, including as a Fulbright Senior Specialist in Vienna and Jerusalem. Dr. Neile’s numerous publications include the books Florida Lore and Only in Florida, and chapters in books such as the Oxford Handbook of American Folklore & Folklife Studies. She co-hosts the Public Storyteller podcast for Miami public radio WLRN.

This presentation is free as part of Free First Saturday. No reservation is needed to attend. Auditorium seating is limited to 250 on a first-come, first-served basis.

Funding for this Florida Talks program is provided in part by Florida Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities and in partnership with the Florida Remembered Society. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.