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Conversations on Florida’s Contributions
to the American Tale

As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of independence, this statewide series invites audiences to look beyond familiar narratives and reconsider Florida’s place in the American story. Led by historians, scholars, artists, and cultural practitioners, the programs explore overlooked Revolutionary histories, the development of democracy in Florida, Indigenous knowledge, and the cultural traditions that carry memory across generations. From Florida’s surprising role in the American Revolution to reflections on civic responsibility and cultural expression today, the series connects past and present in thoughtful and compelling ways. Together, these programs encourage reflection on democracy, identity, and participation at a pivotal moment in the nation’s history.

Upcoming Programs

Telling Florida Food Stories

In this interactive program, journalist and author Dalia Colon provides an overview of Florida’s history through the lens of food, from indigenous foodways, to the rise and fall of the citrus industry, to modern sustainability efforts. Through audience story sharing and audio and video clips, Ms. Colon keeps the discussion energized and personalized for each community.

See Colón’s presentation at one of these upcoming programs:

Florida Reflections: Picturing Paradise: From John James Audubon to the Florida Highwaymen

The Florida landscape has provided aesthetic inspiration to artists for centuries. Titian Ramsay Peale and John James Audubon came in search of native flora and fauna, followed by Harriet Beecher Stowe, Martin Johnson Heade, George Inness, Winslow Homer, and Henry Ossawa Tanner, who were lured by its natural beauty and warm climate. This presentation offers a succinct and engaging history of Florida’s landscape painters.

See Watson’s presentation at one of these upcoming programs:

Democracy in Florida: A Work in Progress

This program examines the slow growth of democracy in Florida. Starting in Spanish colonial Florida, Dr. Steve Noll looks at how the actions of political leaders and grass-roots activists have worked to increase the ideas and notions of democracy, a continuing process.

See Noll’s presentation at one of these upcoming programs:

America@250: An Opportunity for Civic Renewal

Dr. McLauchlan will discuss the United States’ founding documents and guiding political principles as well as the importance of using this sesquicentennial anniversary of US Independence as an impetus for a civic renaissance. She will discuss ways to strengthen civics education and to increase civic participation to reignite democracy in Florida.

See McLauchlan’s presentation at one of these upcoming programs:

What Is It About This Man? The Enduring Relevance of Abraham Lincoln

Lawyer, elected official, and humanities scholar Steve Seibert discusses the enduring relevance of Abraham Lincoln. Drawing on three of Lincoln’s public speeches, Seibert explores the depth of Lincoln’s thinking and the power of his words, considering how Lincoln articulated core democratic ideals and how those ideas continue to shape American civic life and public discourse today. 

See Seibert’s presentation at one of these upcoming programs:

The 14th Colony: The American Revolution’s Best Kept Secret

Historian and author Roger Smith leads a discussion on the most under-told story in our nation’s history. While the American Revolution is often framed through events in the northern colonies, Florida played a very different and largely overlooked role. Even more striking is how little this history is known here in Florida, where these events unfolded and continue to shape our understanding of the nation’s founding.

See Smith’s presentation at one of these upcoming programs:

Music, Memory, and Seminole Life in Florida

Through song and storytelling, Seminole singer-songwriter Rita Youngman shares music rooted in Seminole history, place, and lived experience. Her work draws on stories passed down through generations while also engaging with contemporary Native American life in Florida. Performed in community and cultural settings, Youngman’s songwriting reflects deep connections to Florida’s landscapes and the enduring presence of Seminole voices within them.

See Youngman’s presentation at one of these upcoming programs:

Florida Reflections was developed by Florida Humanities and is part of By the People: Conversations Beyond 250–a series of community-driven programs created by humanities councils in collaboration with local partners. The initiative was developed by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. Funding is provided in part through the Thomas M. & Irene B. Kirbo Charitable Foundation, the Gulf Coast Community Foundation and the Community Foundation for Brevard. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities or its partners.