Florida History   

The only tribe that has never signed a so-called peace treaty with the United States, the Seminole Tribe of Florida has perhaps the most unique history of any tribe in North America. Their fight to hold on to their culture, land and freedom, even as other tribes fell to Euro-American violence, is part of a larger story of an amazing people. This talk tells only part of their story, but what a story it is.

A frontier that was a constant scene of border raiders, slave chasers, militia reprisals, Indian raids and war, Florida was a land painted crimson by the blood and flames that raced over it for more than three centuries. It was one of history's most violent venues. Periods of peace were short to non-existent. This presentation covers the plight of Florida’s inhabitants during Spain’s first ownership, England's administration of a "vacant colony," and Spain's lack of ability and desire to maintain its two Florida colonies. Stability was non-existent. Florida's legacy is one of violence.

This panhandle born girl rose from obscurity to be a giant in aviation and in business. Though not receiving the publicity that Amelia Earhart is accorded, she accomplished much, much more in a life filled with triumphs and heart break. At one point she held every woman's aviation record, was instrumental in forming the WAAC (Woman's Auxiliary Army Corps), the WASP (Woman's Airforce Service Pilots), was an acclaimed test pilot, was the first woman pilot to break the sound barrier, and was the driving force in forming the first woman's astronaut group.

Jake (J.T.) Glisson is a natural-born storyteller. His love of Florida nature is apparent as you read through “The Creek” or peruse his screen play, “Sigsbee.” He grew-up in the backwoods of Florida. Glisson considered Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings his friend and confidante. In addition to being an author and screenwriter, Glisson is an accomplished artist, illustrating all the pictures in “The Creek.”’ Discover more about the wild and wonderful world of Cross Creek and North Central Florida by delving into the tales found in his works.

Join us as we look at the small towns around in North Central Florida.  Explore the history, trivia, and places of interest of places you may want to visit. For this class, come learn about the St. Johns River and First Coast counties.

Why do so many horses in major races across the U.S. have a connection to our county? Learn how Marion County became the Horse Capital of the World® thanks to a little horse named Needles in 1956 and how he changed the trajectory of the Florida thoroughbred industry, making it one of the world's leading breeding, sales and racing centers.