Humanities speaker series set

SAINT AUGUSTINE:  A fascinating new program series presented by the Florida Humanities Council is coming to the Lightner Museum in 2018!  The Humanities Speakers Series showcases four engaging talks and performances focusing on Florida’s history, culture, and people.

The speaker series begins February 2018 and ends April 2018.  Admission to each program is $10 and is free for Lightner Museum members and Flagler College students.  For tickets visitwww.lightnermuseum.org/speaker-series.  All programs will be hosted at Lightner Museum’s Historic Pool Area, 75 King Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084.

The series will touch on a wide range of topics including a historical journey to Florida colonial life, a dive into the cultural lore of our state’s lush springs, and an exploration of manatees – Florida’s beloved sea cows.

• Feb. 8at 6:30 p.m.: Dr. Michael Francis from University of South Florida presents “Before Jamestown:  Europeans, Africans, and Indians in La Florida, 1513 – 1607”.  The talk will focus on the early history of European settlement efforts in Florida and how it continues to impact the region today. Having recently celebrated the 450th anniversary of its own settlement, Dr. Francis’s talk is particularly well-suited for the City of St. Augustine. Light refreshments will be served.
• March 8, 6:30 p.m.:Dr. Diana Reigelsperger: “Settlers of the Spanish Frontier:  Canary Islanders in Colonial Florida”. A presentation on the unique history of the Canary Islanders and their role in colonizing the New World for Spain. Their presence can be traced throughout the southern regions, however Dr. Reigelsperger will be focusing more specifically on their legacy in Florida. Light refreshments will be served.
• April 12, 6:30 p.m.: Brendan Burke: “Florida’s Fleet:  A Boatbuilding and Fishing Legacy from the First Coast”.  Burke, from the St. Augustine Lighthouse, will guide the audience through the development of a unique shipping vessel developed in the 20^thcentury right here in Northeast Florida and how its impact it still being realized today. It will be an enlightening presentation that will shed light on an integral part of this region’s economy and lifestyle.  Light refreshments will be served.
• May 10, 6:30 p.m.: Dr. Steve Noll: “The Spanish Legacy of Florida”. To finish our esteemed speaker’s series, Dr. Noll from the University of Florida will give audiences an opportunity to more fully understand the historical and cultural significance of the early colonial period. As St. Augustine is a city to fully embrace its Spanish heritage this presentation will only deepen our understanding and appreciation of this historical connection.

The Florida Humanities Council partners with community organizations around the state. Support for the Speaker Series is provided by the Florida Humanities Council with funds from the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs.  Lightner Museum programs are also supported by the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council.

The Lightner Museum is handicap accessible. Parking is free after 5 p.m. and is available behind the museum.  For more information, contact the Lightner Museum at 904-824-2874.

The Lightner Museum is a non-profit cultural institution sustained by the generous support of individuals, businesses and sponsors.