Summer Nights Lecture Series scheduled at historic landmark

Fort King National Historic Landmark to Host a Variety of Speakers and Topics


The reconstructed fort is shown at the Fort King National Historic Landmark. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Home » Arts & Entertainment
Posted May 29, 2024 |

The Fort King National Historic Landmark is gearing up for it’s Summer Nights Lecture Series. The series will take place at 6:30 p.m. on select dates in July and August, and will feature a variety of speakers and topics.

The first lecture, “Edible Florida,” will be presented by Florida Master Naturalist Don Philpott on July 11. The event will include discussions on basic foraging skills and the 1,700 wild plants found in Central Florida that are edible or have medicinal uses.

On July 18, guests will be transported back to a bygone era with a trip to the past. The day will include a presentation by Local writer and journalist Dave Schlenker, who will share stories and vigils from the past to present.

For those looking to learn more about the history of citrus fruits in Florida, an event titled “Citrus and Fruit Trees in Florida” will be presented by Mark Bailey, UF/IFAS Extension Agent on July 25. The event will include a discussion on the history and origins of citrus fruits, as well as a presentation on the varieties of citrus fruits cultivated throughout the years.

In addition, a lecture titled “14,000 years of Prehistory in Marion County” will be presented by Scott Mitchell, Coordinator of Silver River Museum on August 1. The event will include a presentation on the ancient paleo and archaic roots of Marion County, as well as a discussion on the dramatic changes that shaped the cultures of those who inhabited or travelled to early Marion County.

On August 15, Bill Locascio, Research Manager Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum will give a talk entitled Enduring Legacies: Exploring the Past from the Seminole Perspective.

This lecture will provide oversight about Seminole history and how the Museum staff is making the history of the Seminole Tribe of Florida broadly accessible.

For more information on the Summer Nights Lecture Series at Fort King National Historic Landmark, visit www.ocalafl.gov/recpark.

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