More Than Orange Blossoms: Feisty, Fabulous Females of Florida

Though not always in the history books, the women who helped build, form, shape, and develop the state have inspired hope and possibility. Stories of strong, courageous women like Julia Tuttle, known as the Mother of Miami, or Mary McLeod Bethune, daughter of enslaved parents who went on to become an advisor to several US presidents, and other brave women who influenced and impacted their communities, Florida, and the nation. Discover and rediscover some of the women who grew and shaped the state!

An internationally celebrated storyteller, teaching artist, and Chautauqua scholar, Carrie Sue Ayvar is the recipient of multiple awards for service, leadership, and dedication to the art of storytelling and education. Her bilingual blend of traditional, historical, and personal tales connects the people, languages, and cultures of Florida.

This Florida Talks program is a partnership between Florida Humanities and the Friends of the Southeast Branch Library of St. Johns County. 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.