Henry Flagler: Florida Visionary

Henry Flagler was a self-made millionaire and industrialist who co-founded the Standard Oil Company. In time, the Flagler name would be more associated with the development of Florida and the construction of its railroads. He invested over $50 million in the state, most of the funds going towards the east coast of Florida through luxury resort hotels and the Florida East Coast Railway. This presentation showcases Henry Flagler’s history and vision for the state and his contributions to the east coast of Florida.

Dr. Cori Convertito is the Curator and Historian for the Key West Art & Historical Society. She received her doctorate in maritime history from the U.K.’s University of Exeter. She also serves as an adjunct instructor in History and Humanities programs at the College of the Florida Keys. Today, Convertito creates and curates art and history-rich exhibits that attract about 250,000 annual visitors to the Key West Museum of Art & History, the Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters, Fort East Martello Museum and the Tennessee Williams Museum.

Registration is required to attend. The program will be held at the library with the speaker presenting live virtually.

This Florida Talks program is a partnership between Florida Humanities and the Leesburg Public Library. Funding for this program was provided by Florida Humanities and sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities or the aforementioned entities.