Winter Haven Library:
All lectures begin at 5:30p.m. in the Library Multi-Purpose Room. Doors open at 5p.m. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
January 27: CRAIG PITTMAN presents, Welcome to Florida: True Tales from America’s Most Interesting State Award-winning journalist and native Floridian, Craig Pittman chronicles the quirky, touching, and thought-provoking stories of the Sunshine State in his new book, Welcome to Florida. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
February 3: JAMES ABRAHAM presents, Bloody Streets and Crooked Lines: 100 Years of Black Voter Suppression in Florida From the violent and fatal 1921 election riots in Ocoee through modern redistricting issues, journalist turned book publisher James Abraham explores voter suppression in Florida and the prime figures in the struggle for full and equal access to the polls.
February 10: KERI WATSON presents, The Art of Walt Disney Walt Disney made significant contributions to the history of animation, film, and architecture, not to mention life in Florida. Dr. Keri Watson, Assistant Director of the School of Visual Arts and Design at UCF provides an in-depth look at the art and life of Walt Disney and his impact on the development of cartoons, movies, and theme parks.
February 17: BEN MONTGOMERY presents, For Their Own Good: The Dark History-And New Life-Of the Drozier School for Boys Billed as the state’s answer to juvenile delinquency in 1900, the Florida School for Boys grew into a profitable farming operation that ran on forced labor. By the 1960s, it was the largest institution of its kind, and routinely scandalized due to unsanitary conditions, overcrowding, and extreme punishments. Author and journalist Ben Montgomery details the truth and reconciliation effort after its 2011 closure.
February 24: SCOTT DEITCHE presents, Cigar City Mafia Author Scott M. Deitche uncovers the darker side of history in his book, Cigar City Mafia: A Complete History of the Tampa Underworld. With bootleggers, gambling, ringleaders, arsonists, narcotics dealers, and gang murders, a variety of characters flourished in the era known as Prohibition, and Tampa was where they battled for supremacy of the criminal underworld.
This series is made possible by the generous support of the Friends of the Winter Haven Public Library. To learn more or to make a donation supporting future programs, visit them here.
