Florida History   

Florida is a state that is unique in its history. Beginning with the many flags that have flown over it since the first European conquerors came long before Jamestown to the base of our exploration for our future in space. The series will present many visuals to help you see the changes as a Floridian who can trace his roots in Florida to the early 1800s helps guide you as you learn about the Sunshine State.

Before Florida became a slave state in 1845, it served at times as a refuge for enslaved people escaping from other Southern states. Native communities and Spanish authorities sometimes offered protection, creating a complex early history.

This session follows Florida’s transition into American slavery and explores the local history of Marion County. Using census records and historical documents, we will examine who held enslaved people in the county and how this history still connects to families in the region today. The presentation brings attention to a local past that continues to shape the present.

Explore the story of the Space Shuttle Columbia’s final mission and the tragedy that unfolded in the skies above Texas. This course examines the critical mistakes made by NASA, the shocking details revealed in the aftermath, and the investigation that uncovered why Columbia broke apart during reentry.

Tourism has been an integral part of Florida's identity and economy since it became part of the US in 1821.  This presentation delves into the variety of Florida tourist attractions throughout the state's history, looking at how natural Florida was marketed to visitors. It examines how things changed dramatically in October 1971 with the opening of Walt Disney World and how tourism affects the state today.