Researching Florida’s rich history can cause one to feel like they have fallen down a rabbit hole.
Giving patrons a chance to find more resources that can be used to learn about Florida history, the Pinellas Plaza Public Library offered the “Once Upon a Time In Florida: Stories of Life in the Land of Promises” program and the Leesburg Public Library offered the Black Family History Seminar.
Looking At Florida’s History Through 50 Years of Florida Humanities
The book, “Once Upon A Time in Florida,” is a collection of stories showing Florida’s vast history using the archives from Florida Humanities’ FORUM Magazine, a magazine by the nonprofit focused on preserving and sharing the history of Florida.
Historical stories about Mary McLeod Bethune fighting to give Blacks beach access to Bethune Beach to the myths and truths behind the history of Ponce de Leon’s search for the Fountain of Youth, the book touches on a lot of important moments in the state’s history.
Jacki Levine, editor of the book and former editor of FORUM Magazine, provided insight about the book and its creation during a discussion with Lashonda Curry, communications director for the Florida Humanities, on Sept. 24 at Pinellas Plaza Public Library, 7375 Powell Rd #100, Wildwood.
“One thing I always enjoyed when I was editor at Florida Humanities was going through the archives,” Levine said. “I was shocked and amazed about how much history and stories were in the archives from literary figures, to Florida’s earliest settlers or Pulitzer Prize winners who lived in the state. I would read them and think to myself, ‘These are the stories that need to see the lights of day again. They are timeless.’”
The discussion highlighted eventful and historical points in time for Florida from more than 14,000 years ago to today, including the era of slavery, statehood, the Civil War, reconstruction, Jim Crow era, change in Florida’s status to a megastate and more.
The anthology book was put together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Florida Humanities and provides readers with a deep insight into the state’s history.
“We only see the parts of Florida in our little corner. Often times we don’t have appreciation for the state in it’s entirety or for it’s complexity,” Levine said. “Florida Humanities opens up Florida in such a rich way by providing resources like The Walking Tours App or with the magazine.”
For more information about Florida Humanities or the book “Once Upon A Time in Florida,” visit floridahumanities.org.
Leesburg Library Provides Connections with Kinseekers Genealogical Society
In an effort to help residents create connections, the Leesburg Public Library partnered with the Kinseekers Genealogical Society of Lake County to offer assistance with researching family history. On Sept. 28, the library worked with the organization to host the Black Family History Seminar, a several hour program featuring three speakers tackling various subject matters about Black history. This is the third year the seminar will be held at the library.
“We have a longstanding relationship with Kinseekers — the group formed in 1978 and some of their early members conducted and documented vital Lake County history,” said Dusty Hill Matthews, adult services supervisor for the Leesburg Public Library, 100 E Main St, Leesburg.
During the program, the audience learned tips for researching Black youth from the 1900 to 1950s, about Black workers during World War II and about the influence Black women had during World War II.Due to Hurricane Helene hitting Florida two days before the event, the schedule was adjusted to consider the change in travel plans for several of the speakers, causing them to have to participate virtually. Participants were able to attend in person, but most people attended via Zoom.
In a change of plans, Adrienne Whaley, director of education and community engagement at the Museum of the American Revolution, started off the seminar with how to research Black youth from the 1900 to the 1950’s.
The seminar featured a recorded presentation from retired U.S. Army veteran Colonel Edna W. Cummings, who presented about the history and impact Black women had in World War II.
Cummings, who was inducted in the U.S. Army’s Women’s Foundation Hall of Fame and the first Black woman graduate of the Appalachian State University’s ROTC program, spoke about the legacy of Black women using her first hand experience.
Due to changed schedule because of the hurricane, Taneya Y. Koonce, genealogist and a resident of Tampa, was not able to participate in the seminar.
Koonce was going to speak about the impact of redlining — the refusal to loan someone money because of race or financial income — on Black family history.
Organization leaders said her portion of the seminar will be rescheduled for a later date.
To stay informed with the upcoming programs by the Kinseekers Genealogical Society, visit kinseekers.org.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
