Author: saradesota

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Happy Thanksgiving from the Historical Society

Happy Thanksgiving from the Historical Society of Sarasota CountyIn 1863 Thanksgiving became our third national holiday alongside Washington’s birthday and Independence Day.

NPR’s audio report on recreating a Thanksgiving dinner in the style of 1863.

Boil a tender, nice piece of beef — any piece that is clear from sinews and gristle; boil it till it is perfectly tender. When it is cold, chop it very fine….

Be thankful that Thanksgiving dinner is easier to cook now than in the 19th century, when the Bidwell-Wood House was built.

Ham, cole slaw, peach pickles, oysters, chicken pie, tomato catsup, and stewed prunes were the norm.

The Food Timeline: Thanksgiving

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Sounds of the Holidays Tuesday Dec 3

sharon scottSOUNDS OF THE HOLIDAYS, featuring inspirational music, carols and spirituals will fill the historic Crocker Memorial Church on Tuesday, Dec. 3rd at 7:00 P.M.

This FREE concert for historic music lovers is open to the public and features internationally known voices including:  Sharon E. Scott, Sarasota’s own Mahalia Jackson, Bill Schustik – America’s Troubadour, Tyrone Aiken, whose stage credits include The Voice of Audrey 2 in  “Little Shop of Horrors TYRONE HEAD SHOT 112313National Tour” and Ozanda Gray, Jr. recently seen in the Asolo’s Artist Series, “Sounds of Christmas Concerts”  and currently working with the West Coast Black Theater Troupe.

The New York Times wrote of Sharon…”she is a performer of size and vocal quality that overwhelms the stage…and is a pyrotechnic personality with all the dazzle of a Fourth of July fireworks display.”

bill s cropBill Schustik has performed worldwide and even enjoyed singing for three Presidents at the White House.

A “Love Donation” will be greatly appreciated by this talented gathering of voices.

The Historical Society feels extremely lucky to have them assemble under our historic church roof. For more information, please call the Historical Society at 941-364-9076.

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What type of pirate will you dress up as?

  • Be a Pirate for the evening or for the day or for both! at the Historical Society of Sarasota County's Pirates & Pioners Day November 16 (and the evening before, adults only)We’re SO looking forward to the adults-only Pirates Eve on Friday evening, November 15 (tales and tasty libations for the over-21 group) to the family-oriented Pirates and Pioneers Day on Saturday November 16 (admission, a few canned goods for the Mayors Feed the Hungry Campaign) at the Historical Society of Sarasota County… for the fun, yes, but also because

who doesn’t want to dress up as a pirate?

Inspiration from cheap and cheerful to “too sexy for my hook” ideas here, from Pinterest.

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How WW II Changed Sarasota: A Conversation at the Crocker

How We Were Forever Changed by World War II

Historian and author Dr. Gary Mormino is joined by historian Jeff LaHurd and real estate expert Harold Bubil for a “Conversations at the Crocker” event which explores how Sarasota, Bradenton and Venice were altered by World War II.
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Dr. Gary Mormino, esteemed authority on Florida and World War II will be joined by Sarasota-based historian and author Jeff LaHurd and Harold Bubil (Real Estate Editor, Sarasota Herald-Tribune) for a lively and informative conversation and illustrated presentation about how World War II powerfully Continue reading →
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The TRUE story of Pirates!

You know that we’re having Pirates and Pioneers Day at the Historical Society on Saturday November 16, a family-oriented day filled with music, presentations, pirates in costume (you dress up too, if you dare!), arts and crafts for the kids, a Toddlers’ Treasure Dig, Games of Skill, a Thieves’ Market and local artists and authors and food and even a Trolley Tour and teen-angled computer games!

But all of us above Disney-age know that pirates were not the fun-loving Continue reading →

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November Classes at the Historical Society

Maggie Nevens teaches Paint Like Crazy

Maggie Nevens teaches Paint Like Crazy

Classes are filling up for November, so be sure to check out the learning possibilities in our Classes in the Park program.

Paint Like Crazy with Maggie Nevens is a perennial favorite here, and you can try a session or two, or buy a 4-class packet at a discount. These folks use watercolor in all sorts of non-traditional ways… so whether you’re a beginner or a old hand at painting, you’ll have fun.

Judy Weaver's an expert on iPhones

Judy Weaver’s an expert on iPhones

Getting the most out of your iPhone is guaranteed to teach you to teach your phone to do new tricks. Three levels of classes, take them all or pick and choose. One-on-one help is Judy Weaver‘s forte.

Pearse Kelly, professional mosaicist

Pearse Kelly, professional mosaicist

Basic Mosaic is full up for November… but Pearse Kelly (yes, that Pearse Kelly of Mabel’s Fountain fame!) has graciously agreed to do another class in March, so reserve your spot now.

Bev Blair guides you through leaf-printing

Bev Blair guides you through leaf-printing

Thinking about hands-on learning? Holiday gifts? Or just looking for a fun activity for yourself or your gang of buddies? We have two one-session classes in November that are perfect!

Sharon Fitzpatrick shows how to make natural, Sarasota, metal-free jewelry

Sharon Fitzpatrick shows how to make natural, Sarasota, metal-free jewelry

Beverly Blair will guide you in creating leaf prints with Sumi ink and watercolor on November 20, and Sharon Fitzpatrick will help you craft your own shell/ bead/ satin cording jewelry on November 25.

To register or for more information, contact Linda Garcia at HSOSC Monday-Friday from 10a – 2p  941-364-9076 or email: hsosc@yahoo.com
View or download our entire season of classes.

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Secrets of Florida’s Forgotten Women

Florida Women – Familiar and Forgotten

A presentation of the Historical Society of Sarasota County by Historian Hope Black as part of the Viva Florida 500 celebration

Do you know anything about Julia Tuttle, Mahulda Carrier,  Carrie Abbe, Rose Wilson, or Victoria Brandon? Probably Continue reading →

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Sea air, stories and sunshine: It’s Time for the Historical Sarasota Bay Cruise!

ANNUAL FLOATING HISTORY LESSON SETS SAIL ON NOVEMBER 3, 2013

The Historical Society of Sarasota County is hosting its 22nd Historical Cruise and Tour of Sarasota Bay on the LeBarge tour boat on Sunday, November 3, 2013 from 11am to 1pm.  The cruise will feature narration by popular local historian John McCarthy.  Guests can expect a complimentary continental breakfast and a cash bar at noon.

This specialty cruise tour has been a favorite with residents and tourists alike who want to learn more about the bygone people and places that have impacted the development of Sarasota County.  Guests cruise along the shoreline of Sarasota Bay and enjoy the sunshine and refreshments while John McCarthy paints a picture of the formative years in Sarasota’s growth.

John McCarthy and a fan aboard the HSoSC History Cruise

Fabled local musician Sal Garcia (left) chats with John McCarthy on an earlier cruise. Click for John’s 2-minute History of Sarasota… but you’ll get the Deluxe Edition on our Cruise!

Proceeds benefit preservation projects and community outreach programs at the Historical Society of Sarasota County.

Reservations are a MUST. For more information, contact Linda Garcia at HSOSC Monday-Friday from 10a – 2p  941-364-9076 or email: hsosc@yahoo.com

Historical Cruise Guests should be at the LeBarge slip, south of Marina Jack in Sarasota’s Bayfront Park by 10:15am, rain or shine.

 

Save

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Are you ready for Pirate’s Eve?

Everyone’s looking forward to Pirates & Pioneers Day on Saturday November 16, when there will be pirate fun for the whole family, from digging for doubloons to a Thieves’ Market and barbeque.

But pirates weren’t the fun-loving characters Hollywood and Walt Disney have made them out to be. Far from it. They were complex, driven, and a fascinating part of Western Hemisphere history. So we’re having Pirate’s Eve for grownups on Friday November 15. Here’s the info (click the graphic to see it larger)

Pirates Eve at the Historical Society of Sarasota County

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Photography as a tool for preserving Florida History

Conversations at The Crocker is back for a new season, starting October 8 with a photography show, sale and in-depth conversation about preserving disappearing parts of Florida through photographic documentation.

If you’re interested in historic preservation, nature, the culture of Florida or you just want to learn about beautiful and forgotten parts of the state, you want to be in the audience for the first of this season’s series, Conversations at the Crocker, organized and presented by the Historical Society of Sarasota and sponsored by SARASOTA Magazine.

The new season starts off with “Florida in Context,” an art photography show, sale and in-depth conversation among award-winning photographers Virginia Hoffman and Matt Allison and historian and naturalist, John McCarthy.

Local gifts for every occasion, from Halloween to Christmas and more!

Also on Tues Oct 8, we will be celebrating the seasonal opening of the Gift Shop with new artists and authors. Join us for wine and cheese, starting at 5:30, and get your gift-shopping done with local crafts and art!

All Conversations at The Crocker begin at 7 p.m. and are held in the historic Crocker Memorial Church, 1260 12th Street (Pioneer Park). HSOSC members, free; guests $10.

Photography will be for sale at this Conversation and will be exhibited in the Crocker Memorial Church.

Virginia Hoffman has worked as a sculptor, furniture designer and expert in architectural glass works. But, photography is nothing new for Virginia as she set up her first dark room in the family bathroom when she was 14. Virginia employs various methods in her photography, which range from classic black and white to alternative processing techniques and mixed media using mostly the process of encaustic (painting with wax).  A lover of nature, hiking and camping, Virginia began to explore hidden places in Florida a few years ago and started documenting buildings, landscapes, even deserted communities. She realized she was documenting a history that was fast disappearing. “With these photographs which I call Florida in Context, I hope to advance the legacy of the classic photographers by recapturing the heart of the ignored or rejected,” she says. “Perhaps I can stimulate an interest in preserving Florida places that now sit quietly in the dust by revealing their essential beauty.”
Matt Allison is a life-long lover of photography, beginning with his boyhood Fisher Price toy camera. He is devoted to the art of photography and now enjoys sharing his knowledge with others. Matt is the founder of f8 Photo and Design and the cofounder of f8 Photography Workshops. As a professional fine art photographer, photographic art instructor, and curator, Matt has mastered High Dynamic Range, Infra Red, and both digital and analog photography. His work, much like his personality, is understated but profound.
From his first official with Sarasota County in Historical Archives, to managing the Parks and Recreation Department, to overseeing county initiatives in sports tourism and ecotourism, John McCarthy is a man who understands all the ins and outs of southwest Florida. A native of Fort Myers, he moved to Sarasota with his family when he was seven and he began working for the county after he graduated from high school. His first position, through a federally funded job-training program, was at the Historical Archives (now the History Center). In subsequent years, he served in the Natural Resource Department, then in Parks and Recreation. For several years John has been the immensely popular tour guide of the Historical Society’s annual history boat cruise. He will be performing that duty again next month for the HSOSC Le Barge Cruise floating history lesson that happens on November 3. John is currently the interim director of SCOPE.

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Organized and presented by the Historical Society of Sarasota County (HSOSC), Conversations at The Crocker is a series of monthly inter-active panel discussions that highlight aspects of Sarasota’s history and looks at past events and  at the people who have influenced today’s Sarasota. Conversationists are invited to participate because of their expertise and personal experiences.

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Meet your new Board Members!

Historical Society new Directors

New Directors Bill Kleber and Deborah Bowers look forward to meeting you and hearing about your concerns and your volunteer talents at the Historical Society of Sarasota County. Come meet them Tuesday October 8 at our first Conversation at the Crocker!

Our first Conversation at the Crocker on Tuesday October 8 would be an excellent time to meet your new Board members. Remember, the buildings open an hour earlier, at 6pm, including the Gift Shop, and Deborah and Bill would love to get to know you and your particular areas of interest and expertise!

At its annual meeting, the members of the Historical Society of Sarasota County elected two new board members, Deborah Bowers and Bill Kleber. They also re-elected President Howard Rosenthal and Recording Secretary JoRita Stevens, and elected former Board member (and immediate past president) Jane Kirschner-Tucillo to a new term.

Deborah Bowers recently moved to Sarasota from Fort Myers Beach where she and her husband Peter owned and operated a small beach resort. Prior to her move to Florida, Bowers worked in non-profit development in the Boston area for 20 years.  Her positions there included Vice President for Development and Marketing at the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities, an organization which operates 25 historic house museums throughout New England. She also served as Vice President for Development at MetroWest Medical Center, created by the merger of two community hospitals in the western suburbs of Boston. Deborah is a native Floridian and a graduate of Duke University.

Bill Kleber moved to Sarasota in 2004 after a career in the computer industry in Chicago, New York and Boston. A graduate of Purdue University with a BS in mechanical engineering, he also served in the Air Force and was assigned to one of the country’s first computer installations. “I like to tell people that I was a programmer on the 10th computer ever built, which is true,” he said. Besides serving on the HSOSC board, Kleber is membership chair of the Genealogical Society of Sarasota, a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and a member of the local Purdue Club. Heand his wife Ali recently formed a non-profit organization, Sarasota Outreach Solutions, Inc., the goal of which is to establish an overnight shelter for the homeless in the Sarasota area.

The full HSOSC Board is: Howard Rosenthal (President), Marsha Fottler (Vice President), Greg Dickinson (Treasurer), Meade Ferguson (Corresponding Secretary), JoRita Stevens (Secretary), Linda Garcia (Site Manager), Lynn Harding, Ron McCarty, Jane Kirschner-Tuccillo, Deborah Bowers, Bill Kleber and William Watrous. Rotating off the board but remaining active with the organization on various committees are Kate Holmes, Chuck Resh and Hope Black.

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Come as you are…

No need to plan ahead, just come to HSoSC and enjoy!Some of the events this season at the Historical Society of Sarasota County require a bit of pre-planning, as we talked about our Schedule of Events in this post.

Others, all you need to do is show up and enjoy!

Just come as you are.

  • Our treasured Conversation at the Crocker series opens Tuesday evening, October 8 at 7 pm. See the entire series of Conversations this season.
  • That same evening, Tuesday October 8, will see the Grand Opening of the Gift Shop at 5:30. Come browse the unique local crafts, art and books, enjoy a glass of wine and a nibble or two, and maybe even spot one or more of the talented Sarasota County artists and authors on our Back Porch. We do take checks, cash, and credit cards, so maybe you can get your holiday gift-giving all sewn up as you help the Society preserve and protect Sarasota’s historic buildings.
  • Pirates & Pioneers Day is Saturday November 16. Come early and stay late (and if you want to take the Historic Downtown Trolley Tour from 10 til around noon, you do need to make a reservation in advance.)

Click for a link to our Calendar, our Classes in the Park, and a map to the Historical Society.

We borrowed the graphic from http://www.dunfermlinepresbytery.org.uk/ which, since Dumferline is one of Sarasota’s Sister Cities, I’m sure they won’t mind.