Edison and Ford Winter Estates to Host Florida Humanities Council Speaker Series

FORT MYERS, Fla. (October 15, 2018) – The Edison and Ford Winter Estates is partnering with the Florida Humanities Council (FHC) to offer a five-part speaker series. Presenters will speak on topics related to Florida’s history, including orchid smuggling, World War ll, the American Revolution, soul music, and the role of women in shaping the culture and history of Florida. Except where noted, the following events will take place at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates on the museum west porch.
Thursday, October 25 at 6 p.m.: “The Scent of Scandal”
Craig Pittman, author of “The Scent of Scandal: Inside the Wild World of Orchid Smuggling,” will discuss a fascinating aspect of Florida’s botanical history. Books will be available for sale and signing.
Tuesday, December 11 at 10 a.m.: “U-Boats Close to Home”
This is a special daytime lecture on Florida during World War II with author Michael Tougias. NOTE: This event will take place in the South Florida Water Management building, located at 2301 McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers.
Thursday, January 24 at 6 p.m.: “Spies, Schemes, and the Song of Liberty”
Acclaimed author, Dr. Roger Smith, will talk about the shadier side of East and West Florida during the American Revolution.
Thursday, February 28 at 6 p.m.: “Florida Soul Music Heritage”
University of Tampa professor and “Florida Soul” author, John Capouya, will discuss the history of soul music in Florida and provide music samples.
Thursday, March 28 at 6 p.m.: “Florida’s Female Pioneers”
Award-winning author and lecturer, Dr. Peggy MacDonald, highlights some of the women who have shaped the unique culture and history of the sunshine state.
“As a passionate advocate for continuing education, and a lifelong learner herself, Mina Edison believed wholeheartedly in the transformative power of education in the lives of individuals, for the success of the community,” said Michael Flanders, President and CEO of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. “The support from the FHC, which makes the Florida Humanities Speaker Series possible, allows the Edison and Ford Winter Estates to bring people together as a community in order to explore a shared past and engage in important conversations about Florida’s rich culture and history.”
FHC partners with community organizations around the state. Support for the Speaker Series is provided by the FHC with funds from the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs.
Admission to each event is free for the Edison and Ford Winter Estates members and $5 for non-members. Tours of the homes, museum and laboratory are not included. Light hors d’oeuvres will be provided and a cash bar will be available.
The Edison and Ford Winter Estates is located at 2350 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers, Fla. 33901. The site is fully accessible. For more information, visit www.edisonfordwinterestates.org or call 239-334-7419.