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.
Calendar of Events
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8 events,
EXHIBITION: Figurehead: Music & Mayhem in Orlando’s Underground
The Orange County Regional History Center has organized a new special exhibition titled Figurehead: Music & Mayhem in Orlando's Underground. Between 1985 and 2001, the Orlando concert promoter "Figurehead" invigorated the musical landscape in Central Florida. "Figurehead: Music & Mayhem in Orlando's Underground" tells the story of how the company helped grow the local scene with a focus on underground rock music and the club circuit. Utilizing the extensive Figurehead
EXHIBITION: Following Fernando’s Footsteps: A Tale of Tampa’s “Invisible Immigrants”
The Ybor City Museum Society is presenting a special exhibit on Spanish immigration that will be on display through November 2023. The exhibit is based on a semi-fictitious book by Tampa native, Tony Carreño, entitled Following Fernando's Footsteps: The Tale of Tampa's "Invisible Immigrants, which chronicles the life of a young immigrant from Asturias, Spain to Tampa via Havana, Cuba. Exhibit topics include the six phases of immigration beginning with
EXHIBITION: Bahama Village: Relics of a Fading Community
Key West Art & Historical Society will debut a new exhibition on January 13, 2023, that will explore the history and culture of the often-overlooked segment of the community - former and current residents of Bahama Village. In this exhibition, history and stories will be woven together through various events that shaped the Black and Indigenous cultures of Key West. In the early 1800s and 1900s, the Black and Indigenous
EXHIBITION: An Elegy to Rosewood
Following the end of the Civil War, the American South saw a rise in Jim Crow laws. In the town of Rosewood, Florida, these codes prevailed. In 1923, fifty years after the 13th Amendment was passed, racial tensions peaked with a later-dispelled rumor about an assault on a white woman, leading Ku Klux Klan members to track, assault, and kill Blacks in Rosewood. Known now as the Rosewood Massacre, news
English for Families at Miami-Dade Public Library System
The Miami-Dade Public Library System is hosting English for Families once a week for ten weeks from January 10 through March 14, 2023. The ten-week program includes interactive classes for parents and children that focus on developing English vocabulary and literary skills through strategic and fun story reading. Programming is designed to improve the language proficiency of individuals whose native language is not English by providing essential reading strategies needed
Joy and Pain: Black Music of the United States Global Praxis
Joy and Pain: Black Music of the United States Global Praxis
The Orange County Regional History Center is hosting a talk with Don Harrell, founder and CEO of African Diasporic Arts and Education Inc. and UCF Professor of Africana Studies, in conjunction with the exhibition, Figurehead: Music & Mayhem in Orlando's Underground. Figurehead tells the story of how the musical promotion company helped grow the local scene with a focus on underground rock music and the club circuit. Harrell will talk
African and African-American Contributions to Culture: The African Roots of American Cuisine
African and African-American Contributions to Culture: The African Roots of American Cuisine
In this presentation, Dr. Bireda examines the many contributions enslaved Africans and African Americans have made to American culture. Traditional culture retentions survived the Middle Passage and have influenced present-day American culture. This presentation provides surprising and previously untold facts about the impact of African and African American culture upon American culture as a whole. Registration and admission are not required to attend. Parking is available onsite. This program is
A Musical Journey Through Florida
A Musical Journey Through Florida
This 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 the 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.
6 events,
Southern Road to Freedom: Florida’s Underground Railroad
Southern Road to Freedom: Florida’s Underground Railroad
The nation's first Underground Railroad was established in Florida in the late 17th century, servings as a beacon of freedom for runaway slaves from the American south. Existing before the better-known Northern Underground Railroad, enslaved Africans gained their freedom by escaping and earning asylum in Spanish Florida. This presentation focuses on Florida's early history as a Spanish territory, the escape routes used by runaway slaves, and the black communities they
7 events,
The Bald Eagle: The Improbable Journey of America’s Bird
The Bald Eagle: The Improbable Journey of America’s Bird
The Florida Studies program at the University of South Florida- St. Petersburg Campus hosts author Jack E. Davis to discuss his award-winning title The Bald Eagle. Americans love bald eagles. But that was not always true. By the end of the nineteenth century, bald eagles were nearly extinct even though the bird was embraced as a symbol of the country. The Bald Eagle is both a cautionary tale of humanity's
The Sound of the Sea: Seashells and the Fate of Oceans
The Sound of the Sea: Seashells and the Fate of Oceans
Explore the human fascination with seashells and their ancient history as global currency, their use as religious and luxury objects, and the remarkable marine mollusks that make them in Ms. Barnett's engaging account of an aspect of nature and culture long hidden in plain sight. Barnett illuminates the beauty and wonder of seashells as well as human ingenuity and scientific solutions they represent for the warming world. Registration and a
6 events,
EXHIBITION: Life in Pinecraft: A Photographic Exhibition
New College of Florida's Humanities Division is hosting the photographic exhibition "Life in Pinecraft Through the Eyes of Katie Troyer" at College Hall at New College of Florida from March 1 through March 31. Katie Troyer is one of the most beloved personalities in the Pinecraft community. She grew up in an Amish family in Ohio and, after living in various Amish communities in the United States and Canada, she
7 events,
Florida and Water: A Historical Perspective
Florida and Water: A Historical Perspective
This presentation chronicles Florida's long and difficult relationship with water. Dr. Steve Noll examines attempts to turn water into land and land into water throughout Florida's history, including contentious water-related issues like the potential restoration of the Everglades, the battle over the Ocklawaha River, the degradation of north Florida's iconic springs, and more. Steve Noll is a master lecturer in the University of Florida's history department, where received his PhD
7 events,
SOLD OUT! Tarpon Springs Gathering 2023
Named after the fish that can be found in abundance off shore, Tarpon Springs is home to one of the largest Greek communities in the United States. The "Sponge Capital of the World" has been fundamentally influenced by water and possesses a rich Gulf Coast heritage. From March 3-4, 2023 join Florida Humanities as we travel to Tarpon Springs to soak up the fascinating history and culture of this waterfront
7 events,
7 events,
Coffee & Conversations: Dance Music in Central Florida
Coffee & Conversations: Dance Music in Central Florida
The Orange County Regional History Center is hosting a curator talk with Jeremy Hileman, History Center assistant curator, and longtime Orlando DJ and club owner John Gardner (Faith in Physics, Beach Club, Barbarella, Independent Bar) for a special tour of the latest exhibition, "Figurehead: Music & Mayhem in Orlando's Underground." Figurehead tells the story of how the musical promotion company helped grow the local scene with a focus on underground
6 events,
6 events,
7 events,
One Nation Under God: Religion’s Impact on the United States: Religious Freedom in America with Ken Wald, PhD
One Nation Under God: Religion’s Impact on the United States: Religious Freedom in America with Ken Wald, PhD
The Jewish Council of North Central Florida host Ken Wald, PhD, for a lecture on religious freedom in America as part of their series One Nation Under God: Religion's Impact on the United States. This lecture examines how the American founders created a system to guarantee religious freedom via the First Amendment clauses. Wald has written about the relationship of religion and politics in the United States, Great Britain, and
8 events,
POSTPONED: Florida Cattle Ranching: Five Centuries of Tradition
POSTPONED: Florida Cattle Ranching: Five Centuries of Tradition
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED. PLEASE CHECK BACK WITH OUR EVENTS CALENDAR FOR ANY UPDATES, OR REACH OUT TO THE EVENT CONTACT FOR MORE DETAILS. This presentation covers centuries of Florida's cattle ranching history, starting with the introduction of cattle and horses in the 16th century by the Spanish. Bob Stone illuminates themes of cultural identity, customs, and beliefs in this presentation that shows audiences that cattle ranching is not
The Island Imprint: The Indelible Impact of the Caribbean Diaspora on America
The Island Imprint: The Indelible Impact of the Caribbean Diaspora on America
Florida Southwestern State College hosts two lectures by Calibe Thompson and David Muir from the Island SPACE Caribbean Museum to discuss the long-standing ties between Florida and peoples from the Caribbean archipelago. Thompson discusses the history and impact of the Caribbean community in the United States. Muir presents a lecture on his book Pieces of Jamaica, a photo-art collection that celebrates his native island from an authentic viewpoint. A book
8 events,
Why does Falstaff appeal to artists creating adaptations of Shakespeare’s work?
Why does Falstaff appeal to artists creating adaptations of Shakespeare’s work?
The Palm Beach Opera hosts a panel discussion with Francesco Izzo and Susan Jones to explore the appeal and challenges of adapting Shakespeare's recurring character to an operatic idiom in Giuseppe Verdi's Falstaff in conjunction with their 2023 production. This program is funded in part through a Florida Humanities Community Project Grant in partnership with the Palm Beach Opera. The library provides parking vouchers to cover the first two hours
Spike the Punch
Spike the Punch
The Wolfsonian Public Humanities Lab at Florida International University presents Spike the Punch, a series of film screenings and discussions. This series, in collaboration with Iris PhotoCollective, celebrates the art and meanings of Spike Lee's early films Do the Right Thing (1989), She's Gotta Have It (1986), and Malcolm X (1992). Schedule of Events: Friday, March 10 6-8 PM: "Defiance: Past. Present. Future.": A discussion between Dr. Tameka Hobbs, AARLCC
7 events,
History of Fishing in Ponce Inlet, Florida
History of Fishing in Ponce Inlet, Florida
The Ormond Beach Historical Society is hosting their 2022-2023 live Speaker Series program. The ninth lecture shares the history of fishing in Ponce Inlet. From the Timucuan Indians to the modern-day fleet and conservation efforts, Chad Macfie shares the stories and pictures from the families, fishermen, and locals who created the backbone of Ponce Inlet as it is known today. Chad Macfie started his career at the Florida Museum of
6 events,
7 events,
Amazing Florida Women: More Than Orange Blossoms: The Feisty, Fabulous Females of Florida
Amazing Florida Women: More Than Orange Blossoms: The 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 McCleod 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.
7 events,
The Fighting Baileys: Florida’s Black Military Experience
The Fighting Baileys: Florida’s Black Military Experience
During World War II and Korean War, seven brothers from a black Punta Gorda family served overseas. Yet, the family received no acclaim for over fifty years for their exploits. From a high-flying Tuskegee airman to a grunt in the Red Ball Express, the Bailey brothers' struggles in a Jim Crow south speak to the hidden and ongoing struggle to accord black Americans in their place in the military. The
8 events,
An Elegy to Rosewood, Panel Discussion
An Elegy to Rosewood, Panel Discussion
The Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum will host a panel discussion in conjunction with its special exhibition, "An Elegy to Rosewood ." Moderated by celebrated African American studies scholar, Tameka Bradley Hobbs, this panel will include artists Charlisa Montrope, Rhea Leonard and Chire Regans. These artists have created artists' books for the exhibition focusing on histories of racial injustice and the historic erasure of violence against Black bodies. With
Conversations at MOCA: Queer, Black, and Being Haitian
Conversations at MOCA: Queer, Black, and Being Haitian
The Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami is hosting an artist conversation in coordination with its special exhibition, "Didier William: Nou Kite Tout Sa Dèyè " on view through April 16, 2023. This conversation asks how might artists develop and deploy black, queer aesthetics and sensibilities to challenge heteronormativity and dysfunctional power dynamics in Haiti and beyond and explores an intersection of identities with artists Josue Azor and Erol Josue
7 events,
More Than Orange Blossoms: Feisty, Fabulous Females of Florida
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 McCleod 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.
7 events,
The Last Turtlemen of the Caribbean: Labor, Conservation, and Boundary Making from the Cayman Islands to Key West with Dr. Sharika Crawford
The Last Turtlemen of the Caribbean: Labor, Conservation, and Boundary Making from the Cayman Islands to Key West with Dr. Sharika Crawford
The Key West Art & Historical Society is hosting Dr. Sharika D. Crawford for a special lecture related to the exhibition, "Bahama Village: Relics of a Fading Community". Dr. Crawford will discuss the entangled histories of peoples and commodities that circulated across the greater Caribbean, which connected places like Key West to the Cayman Islands and further south toward Nicaragua and Costa Rica. The story of the humble turtle and
8 events,
Dialogues in Local Democracy, Conversation 2
Dialogues in Local Democracy, Conversation 2
Nova Southeastern University's Council for Dialogue and Democracy is hosting the second in a series of three workshops focused on the Broward County community's needs and wants as regards local government services and processes. Broward County residents are invited to participate in these community conversations to explore the workings of local government and how these actions meet (or don't meet) the needs of the County's residents. This first discussion will
Pirates, Privateers, and the Fall of the Spanish Empire: How Spanish American Independence Brought Florida to the United States
Pirates, Privateers, and the Fall of the Spanish Empire: How Spanish American Independence Brought Florida to the United States
Over two hundred years ago, in the summer of 1817, a group of pirates and privateers invaded Amelia Island, Florida, a Spanish colony, in hopes of striking a blow for the Spanish American Revolutions. This presentation tells the stories of these revolutionary rogues and their leaders, how they planned to free Florida from Spanish rule, and how the United States intervened to stop them. Registration is not required to attend.
5 events,
5 events,
8 events,
African and African-American Contributions to American Culture
African and African-American Contributions to American Culture
In this presentation, Dr. Bireda examines the many contributions enslaved Africans and African Americans have made to American culture. Traditional culture retentions survived the Middle Passage and have influenced present-day American culture. This presentation provides surprising and previously untold facts about the impact of African and African American culture upon American culture as a whole. The library's seating capacity is limited. Please register by calling 941-764-5562 or visiting the registration
More Than Orange Blossoms: Feisty, Fabulous Females of Florida
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 McCleod 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.
One Nation Under God: Religion’s Impact on the United States: Seeing the Other: Sacred Listening and Portraits with Daniel Epstein
One Nation Under God: Religion’s Impact on the United States: Seeing the Other: Sacred Listening and Portraits with Daniel Epstein
The Jewish Council of North Central Florida hosts a lecture with Daniel Epstein as part of their series One Nation Under God: Religion's Impact on the United States. Daniel Epstein, creator of the Portraits of Faith online project, shares a "photographic meditation" and how various people have answered his key questions around the world. Portraits of Faith focuses on publishing interviews, conducting "Sacred Listening" workshops and working to dismantle the
5 events,
6 events,
What in the World? How Walt Created Disney World
What in the World? How Walt Created Disney World
When Walt Disney realized cheap tourist traps were enveloping Disneyland, he began a nationwide search for enough land to hold every dream he could imagine. What happened next would require a heightened degree of CIA-level secrecy for Disney's undercover team, who launched a misinformation campaign that included dummy corporations and secret transaction. However, when a keen-eyed reporter cracked the code, Disney was forced to show his hand. Audiences will be
7 events,
Remembering Paradise Park
Remembering Paradise Park
In 1949, during the Jim Crow era, Silver Springs' owners Carl Ray and Shorty Davidson did something unique: they created a place for African-American tourists. Located downriver, they dubbed their creation "Paradise Park for Colored People." From 1949 to 1969, the former Silver Springs boat captain Eddie Vereen ran one of the most popular places for African Americans to visit in the country. Registration and admission are not required to
Stories of Florida–Con Sabor!
Stories of Florida–Con Sabor!
Florida 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,
6 events,
James Weldon Johnson Park and Local Black History
James Weldon Johnson Park and Local Black History
The Ormond Beach Historical Society is hosting their 2022-2023 live Speaker Series program. The tenth lecture explores James Weldon Johnson Park in Jacksonville, Florida as site of contested memory, specifically of racial violence and Black resistance. Felicia Bevel also discusses this public space as a lens to understand Black history in Florida and important activists such as A Philip Randolph, Mary McLeod Bethune, Eartha White, and Rodney Hurst.. Felicia Bevel
7 events,
Female Superheroes: What Are Their Real Powers?
Female Superheroes: What Are Their Real Powers?
When Superman first flew onto comic book pages, the Kryptonian set the bar for the future of the medium. Female superheroes also filled those pages from the start, but their portrayal has been a subject of controversy. This presentation examines how women are perceived in popular culture through the lens of comic books and asks what are their real powers?" Registration and admission are not required to attend, parking is
More Than Orange Blossoms: Feisty, Fabulous Females of Florida
More Than Orange Blossoms: Feisty, Fabulous Females of Florida
The Historical Society of Avon Park presents "More Than Orange Blossoms: Feisty, Fabulous Florida Females" by storyteller Carrie Sue Ayvar. 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 McCleod Bethune, daughter of enslaved parents who went on to become
5 events,
8 events,
Operation Pedro Pan: The Voices and Stories of Cuba’s Child Exodus
Operation Pedro Pan: The Voices and Stories of Cuba’s Child Exodus
The University of Central Florida's Department of English hosts a two-day virtual and in-person bilingual schedule of programming featuring panel discussions, conversations, and music to bring awareness and understanding to the legacy of Operation Pedro Pan, an exodus of 14,000 unaccompanied minor refugees from Cuba to the United States from 1960 to 1962. Registration is required to attend on Zoom. Schedule of Events: Tuesday, March 28, 11:30-12 pm: Music and
War in Paradise: World War II in Florida
War in Paradise: World War II in Florida
In the first weeks after Pearl Harbor pulled America into a two-front war, Germany's U-Boats worked with impunity. Off Florida alone, they sank 24 ships. Some of Florida's very features that attracted tourists made it a logical place for soldiers as well. The state, a strategic asset for its geography and climate, became an armed camp. Hotels turned into barracks, and hospitals, bases and airfields increased from 8 to 172
Florida Landmarks, Lodgings, and Legends
Florida Landmarks, Lodgings, and Legends
The Florida Studies program at the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg hosts longtime Tampa artists Charles Greacen and historian Gary Mormino for a conversation about Florida landmarks and lore, featuring personal narratives and a historical sense of state. In Greacen's "Florida Landmarks, Lodgings, and Legends," he creates meticulous, photo-like drawings of iconic structures in the Tampa Bay area and beyond accompanied by short histories, personal memories and observations. Greacen
7 events,
More Than Orange Blossoms: Feisty, Fabulous Women
More Than Orange Blossoms: Feisty, Fabulous Women
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 McCleod 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.
Chris Stirewalt: Broken News
Chris Stirewalt: Broken News
Chris Stirewalt, former Fox News political editor, gives an inside view of the rage-driven political environment the United States has been plunged into. From Amazon: "Rage revenue-addicted news companies are plagued by shoddy reporting, sensationalism, groupthink, and partisan tribalism. Newsrooms rely on emotion-driven talk to entrance conflict-addled super users." This event is free to attend, but registration is required via the Eventbrite link. Stirewalt is a senior fellow at the
5 events,
5 events,
5 events,
OBHS Florida History and Cultural Festival
OBHS Florida History and Cultural Festival
The Ormond Beach Historical Society is hosting their 2022-2023 live Speaker Series program during the Ormond Beach Historical Society's Florida History and Cultural Festival, including several museums, authors, artists, and historical artifact collectors and exhibitors. The festival occurs from 10 am-2 pm on April 1. At 12 pm, Diane Jacoby tells the story in period dress of the life of elegant 16th Spanish noblewoman, Dona de Maria de Menendez, illegitimate