Free, fun, informative.

Attend six FREE programs made possible by the Florida Humanities Council and Marine Bank & Trust Company.

All show begin at 7 PM on Thursdays. General Admission seating is available on a first-come-first-served basis.

Download an ICS file to automatically import all six events into your calendar.
Download a flyer with info about the events in this series.
Complete an online Speakers' Series Evaluation of the programs (below) you have attended.

Craig Callan

“The Dodgers Came to Town: How Big-Time Baseball Found Vero Beach”

Thurs., October 12, 2017, 7:00 PM

    The 2017-18 season kicks off with a nostalgic and revealing look at the 70-year history of the Dodgers baseball team’s relationship with Vero Beach. On October 12, Craig Callan, Vice President of Historic Dodgertown, will recall how local businessman Bud Holman and other neighbors overcame obstacles to launch a Spring Training home for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Today, this facility has evolved into Florida’s premier sports and conference center hosting sporting events throughout the year.

All Humanities Series programs are FREE. No ticket is required. Arrive early for choice seating.

Jay Barnes

“When the Wind Blows: Florida’s Hurricane History”

Thurs., Nov. 9, 2017, 7:00 PM

    On November 9, with three weeks remaining in the official 2017 hurricane season, author Jay Barnes will present a retrospective on Florida’s greatest hurricanes, focusing on the major disasters of the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s.  Highlighting the program will be the display of nearly 100 photographs taken during and in the aftermath of these storms as well as a review of the lessons learned to prepare us for the next great storm.

All Humanities Series programs are FREE. No ticket is required. Arrive early for choice seating.

Fort Pierce Jazz & Blues Society

"Christmas and All That Jazz"

(Special Holiday Concert)

Thurs., Dec 14, 2017, 7:00 PM

    For the holidays, our stage will host the Fort Pierce Jazz and Blues Society on December 14. These acclaimed musicians, distinguished artists who have played with some of the major jazz and blues groups around the world, will help us rock our way into Christmas with a swinging performance of seasonal favorites designed to keep our toes tapping until Santa clears the scene. Plan to stay after this performance for complimentary holiday refreshments.

All Humanities Series programs are FREE. No ticket is required. Arrive early for choice seating.

Sean Sexton

"Local Legends: The Sexton Family"

 (Treasure Coast History Festival)

Thurs., Jan. 11,  2018, 7:00 PM

    In cooperation with the Treasure Coast History Festival, Sean Sexton will appear before our audience on January 11. Bringing up-close insights into his legendary Sexton family, Sean promises an entertaining exploration of the lives of his father, Waldo Sexton, and other key family members. This program will explain some of the unique ways the name “Sexton” became synonymous with “Vero Beach.”

All Humanities Series programs are FREE. No ticket is required. Arrive early for choice seating.

Ersula Knox-Odom

"The Voice of Mary McLeod Bethune"

(Black History Month)

Thurs., Feb. 1,  2018, 7:00 PM

    On February 1, historical actor Ersula Knox-Odom will appear in character as Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune in a performance drawn from that pivotal year of 1954, when “separate but equal” segregated schools were outlawed by the Supreme Court.  Dr. Bethune’s extraordinary contributions to democracy will be highlighted. Dr. Bethune, founder of Bethune-Cookman University, was a high-level official in the New Deal government. Following the performance, a Q&A session with the presenter in character will be held.

All Humanities Series programs are FREE. No ticket is required. Arrive early for choice seating.

Janie Gould

“Global Events That Touched Florida: Great Depression Through Cold War”

Thurs., March 29, 2018, 7:00 PM

    Finally, on March 29, long-time radio journalist Janie Gould will explore Florida’s memories of U-boat attacks, German POWs, the Cold War, the Cuban Missile Crisis in a program entitled “Global Events That Touched Florida: Great Depression Through Cold War.” Using excerpts from her popular “Floridays” radio program, Gould will stage a captivating program that touches people and places vital to our community today.  Gould is a writer, lecturer, and retired public radio journalist who lives in Vero Beach.

All Humanities Series programs are FREE. No ticket is required. Arrive early for choice seating.

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The Florida Humanities Series is sponsored by the Florida Humanities Council (www.FloridaHumanities.org) with funds from the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs.  Additional support from Marine Bank and Trust ensures that these important programs remain open to the public and free of charge.