Events Calendar
In local communities across Florida, humanities-rich programming is making a lasting impact in the hearts and minds of Sunshine State residents and visitors alike. Florida Humanities is proud to partner with local community champions to bring you high-quality public programming through Community Project Grants, Florida Talks, Museum on Main Street, and more.
Alert: Some events may be canceled or postponed. We work to ensure that our events calendar remains accurate. We strongly urge you to call the event contact for any program you are interested in to confirm that the event is still planned.
Dreams Into Nightmares—Monsters of Latin American and Caribbean Folklore
Nova Southeastern University—Alvin Sherman Library 3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd., Davie, FloridaNova Southeastern University's Center for Applied Humanities presents "Dreams Into Nightmares—Monsters of Latin American and Caribbean Folklore" as part of the "Encanto: Everyday Magic" series celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Join the center for presentations from scholars Dr. Barbara Ganson and Dr. Andrea Shaw Nevins about the impact of stories about fantastic creatures and legends, such as El Chupacabra and La Llorona, from Spanish, Latin American, and Caribbean cultures. Dr. Barbara
English for Families at Altamonte Springs City Library
Altamonte Springs City Library 281 Maitland Ave., Altamonte Springs, FloridaJoin Altamonte Springs City Library on Wednesdays October 4 through December 13 for English for Families. English for Families is a multi-week series of interactive classes for families focusing on developing vocabulary and literacy skills through story reading. Each class features a lesson centered around a children's book that participating families get to take home, a hands-on activity, and refreshments. All are welcome but registration is required. No class will
Native America: In Translation Online Conversation
Virtual/OnlineUSF Contemporary Art Museum is hosting an online conversation in connection with the exhibit Native America: In Translation on view from August 25 through December 1, 2023. This exhibit assembles the wide-ranging work of nine Indigenous artists who pose challenging questions about identity, heritage, land rights, and histories of colonialism. In this conversation, curator Wendy Red Star and artists Marianne Nicolson and Koyoltzintli discuss concepts and approaches to Indigenous visual
Democracy Reignited: Join or Die
Virtual/OnlineAuthor and Harvard Professor Robert D. Putnam joins author Shaylyn Romney Garrett for a conversation on his groundbreaking sociological research "Bowling Alone" and subsequent book. Dr. Putnam discusses the decline of American community connections over the past half-century and how people can reconnect with one another across demographics. Dr. Robert D. Putnam is the author of 14 books, including Bowling Alone, that have been translated into 20 languages and focuses
SOLD OUT! Florida Humanities St. Augustine Gathering
St. Augustine St. Augustine, FL, United StatesAre you looking for a memorable travel experience rooted in the humanities? Join us for our St. Augustine Gathering, Oct. 6-8, 2023. On this historical and cultural tour, we'll take a look at the arts, architecture and civil rights history of America's oldest city. Trip highlights include: Fort Mose, the first free Black settlement in the United States; A civil rights tour led by Flagler College scholar and historian Dr.
Sip-N-Parol: A Philippine Christmas Lantern Class
Museum of Science and History 1025 Museum Cir., Jacksonville, FloridaJoin the Museum of Science and History to learn how to make a parol. A parol is a Filipino ornamental lantern displayed during the Christmas season and a local adaptation of the Hispanic tradition of carrying small light sources during the nine-day Christmas Novena procession leading up to the midnight mass in the Philippines. Expert partners from Jax Filipinos (School of Language and Culture) guide participants in creating the parol
Weird Florida
Lantana Public Library 205 W Ocean Ave., Lantana, FloridaIn 1998, the original Weird Florida posited that Florida was the wackiest of all. That much weirdness called for a second volume in 2006: Weird Florida II: In a State of Shock. Now, more than two decades later, who can argue otherwise? This presentation includes a whirlwind tour of 500 years of Florida history, capped with a strong argument for Florida's transplants to become Floridians. Eliot Kleinberg spent more than
Voices from Florida: SoFla’s Scary Cinema
Miami-Dade Public Library Main Branch 101 W Flagler St., Miami, FLMiami-Dade Public Library System presents the fourth program in the "Voices From Florida" speaker series. Local history meets horror in this engaging discussion of four fright films made in and around South Florida. Join Florida International University librarian Eduardo Fojo as he provides interesting film facts, history and insightful critical commentary. This program is recommended for ages 12 and up. For more information, contact Special Collections at 305-375-5572 or [email protected].
Stories of Florida—Con Sabor!
Lake Wales Public Library 290 Cypress Garden Ln., Lake Wales, FLFlorida stories have never been the same since Ponce de Leon first arrived in 1513. Flowing seamlessly between Spanish and English, this presentation connects personal, historical, and traditional Florida tales with the history, peoples, and cultures of Florida, con un poco sabor Latino—with a bit of Latino flavor! An internationally celebrated storyteller, teaching artist, and Chautauqua scholar, Carrie Sue Ayvar is the recipient of multiple awards for service, leadership, and
Day of the Dead Celebration
Nova Southeastern University—Alvin Sherman Library 3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd., Davie, FloridaNova Southeastern University's Center for Applied Humanities presents a "Day of the Dead Celebration" as part of the "Encanto: Everyday Magic" series celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Join the center for presentations, music, and dance performances from the Miami-based Ameyal Mexican Cultural Organization. Through immersive and inventive presentations, Ameyal Mexican Cultural Organization cultivates an appreciation for Mexican traditional culture and brings their heritage to life. Parking is available at the Alvin
A Musical Journey Through Florida
Fernandina Branch Library 25 N 4th St., Fernandina Beach, FloridaThis presentation takes audiences on a historical journey through the state, featuring performances of songs covering a wealth of historical events, characters, and folklore with in-depth storytelling about Ponce de Leon's voyage to Florida in 1513, Henry Flagler's building of Florida's East Coast Railroad, and more. Original songs come from Chris Kahl's Florida-themed albums, Orange Blossom Memories and Sunshine Kid. Chris Kahl is a Florida folk musician and storyteller. He
Florida Talks at Starkey Ranch Theatre: Ten Foods of Florida
Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural CenterThe Ten Foods of Florida is an ever-evolving list, involving arguments as to whether strawberry shortcake or pecan pie should topple Key Lime pie as the Sunshine State’s most iconic dessert, or whether the Cuban is more significant than a fried grouper sandwich. This illustrated talk also discusses Cortez mullet, Vernon gophers, LaBelle swamp cabbage, Ybor City Cuban bread, stone-ground grits, Immokalee tomatoes, and Hastings potatoes and the lamentation of
Executive Director’s Book Club: “The Yearling”
Virtual/OnlineJoin Florida Humanities Executive Director Nashid Madyun for a discussion on Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings's book, The Yearling. The novel won the 1939 Pulitzer Prize and went on to win multiple Academy Awards for its film adaptation in 1946. Set in Northern Florida, The Yearling is a coming-of-age story following Jody, a young boy and his struggles between his relationship with his family and the deer he is raising. Marjorie Kinnan
Underground History Screening and Panel Discussion
The Center for Health Equity 2333 34th St S., St. Petersburg, FloridaMerfolk Media Alliance, in collaboration with The Center for Health Equity, presents a screening and panel discussion of Underground History. Underground History is a documentary film project designed to explore connections between St. Petersburg's diverse cultural history and emerging community efforts to acknowledge the past in charting the future. The film considers the links between the history and remaining archaeological sites of the region's Indigenous Ancestors, the displaced contemporary African
Sixth Annual Taste of the Philippines
Museum of Science and History 1025 Museum Cir., Jacksonville, FloridaThe Museum of Science and History hosts the second in the "MOSH Passport Series," the sixth annual "A Taste of Philippines." Participants can experience the rich flavor and culture of the Philippines through Filipino-American fusion cuisine from local Jax Filipino chefs and businesses. Celebrate Filipino-American History Month and find an array of artwork, unique items from local vendors, and elevated dishes of traditional Filipino cuisine all under one roof. Participating
Community Outreach Program: Florida Talks—The Hidden History of Florida
Heritage Park at Kathleen Area Historical Society 8950 N Campbell Rd., Lakeland, FloridaBeginning in 1565 with the founding of St. Augustine, Florida has been making history; but, much of it is hidden. In his entertaining presentation, Dr. Jim Clark traces the little-known facts of Florida, including the story of the state flag, the origin of Florida's largest grocery store chain, Coca-Cola billionaires, and the origin of cars on the beach with over thirty unique and fast-paced stories. This presentation is based on
Back to Angola Festival
Manatee Mineral Springs Park 1312 2nd Ave East, Bradenton, FloridaOaktree Community Outreach Inc. is hosting the "Back to Angola" Festival. This free cultural and historical three-day festival commemorates the Angola Maroon Community that once made their home at the Manatee Mineral Spring (c. 1812-1821). The event features panel discussions by historians, archaeologists, descendants, and community leaders; workshops in basket weaving, wood carving, and Junkanoo; and, food and music of the Bahamas. Funding for this festival is provided in part
Voices from Florida: SoFla’s Scary Cinema
Aventura Branch Library 2930 NE 199th St., Aventura, FLMiami-Dade Public Library System presents the sixth program in the Voices From Florida speaker series at the Aventura Branch Library. Local history meets horror in this engaging discussion of four fright films made in and around South Florida. Join Florida International University librarian Eduardo Fojo as he provides interesting film facts, history and insightful critical commentary. This program is recommended for ages 12+. For more information, contact Special Collections at
Florida Lore
Avon Park Community Center 310 W Main Street, Avon Park, FL, United StatesFrom 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
The Golden Harvest: The Music and Traditions of the Greek Spongers in Tarpon Springs
Tarpon Springs Public Library 138 E Lemon St., Tarpon Springs, FloridaSince Tarpon Springs's Greek sponge diving industry was founded in the early 1900s, traditional Greek music, dance, and poetry have been at the center of the community. Much of this music is directly connected to the distinct culture that grew up around sponging on Greek islands over the centuries and ranges from joyful dances to laments mourning divers lost under the waves. This presentation explores the rich cultural history of
