Featuring Spanish Florida

Who started the myth about a Fountain of Youth? How did seashells save St. Augustine? Why did the first Underground Railroad go south? Read all about this—and much more—in our latest issue of FORUM, which marks Florida’s 500 years of cultural diversity. Here's a sneak peek.

Get FORUM here.

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Florida Destinations

Florida Stories

Remembering a
legendary woman

Betty Mae Jumper—beloved storyteller and guiding force of the Seminole Tribe for a half-century—died last year. She helped the tribe prosper, but missed the quiet of the old days. Full story.

Ybor City’s Vibrant Culture

Historian Gary Mormino describes the vibrant Latin culture created by Spaniards, Cubans and, later, Italians, in Ybor City, founded in 1886.

Also, visit our archive of Florida History Moments.  

 
Florida Teachers: Apply Now

We're accepting online applications for our free summer teachers’ workshops. Check out our plans to explore “Earth Ethics” as well as our journeys into the worlds of Zora Neale Hurston, Spanish St. Augustine, the Civil War, and the Seminole Tribe. We hope to hear from you.  
 

Florida at the Crossroads

Worlds collided 500 years ago when Spanish explorers first set foot on Florida soil. Learn about the people, the conflicts, and the resulting cultural evolution of Florida at the University of Miami’s three-day, free, public conference beginning February 9. Top scholars discuss topics ranging from indigenous Indians to current-day immigration. Go here for details. This is the first of three conferences that we are sponsoring for Florida’s 500th anniversary.

Join the Adventure!

Come with us to Cedar Key
and The Everglades

Sign up for our weekend cultural and historical explorations of two fascinating Florida places next spring: the Everglades (March 9–11) and the Gulf Coast fishing village of Cedar Key (April 13–15). We’ll meet the people, experience the environments, learn about the issues—and have lots of fun. More…

Upcoming Deadlines: