Spring lectures begin January 22

When Flagler College informed local Historic City News reporters of the schedule for this spring’s Community Lecture Series, we also learned that they will offer complimentary admission to any of the six programs for St Johns County tourism employees.

As part of the 125th anniversary of the former Hotel Ponce de Leon, Flagler College chose “The Hotel Ponce de Leon Deconstructed: Building the Future for Modern America” as the theme for the 2013 Community Lecture Series.

“The 2013 Flagler College Community Lecture Series provides community members and visitors a chance to learn more about the history of St Augustine, Henry Flagler and 19th century America,” Holly Hill, Assistant Director of College Relations at Flagler College told reporters. “Additionally, VISIT FLORIDA’s Cultural Heritage and Nature Tourism Grant Program, has given us an opportunity to provide educational materials that further enhance the learning experience.”

Lectures begin at 10:00 a.m. in the Flagler Room at Flagler College located at 74 King Street. Reservations are required. Space is limited. Call (904) 819-6282 for reservations or more information. The lecture will last approximately one hour and will be followed by a coffee and pastry reception.

Spring 2013 Community Lecture Series schedule

• January 22: Dr. Tom Graham presents “Life and Leisure in Flagler’s St. Augustine”

• February 12: Dr. Roger Bradley will speak on “The ‘Robber Barons:’ Neither Robbers Nor Barons”

• March 12: Dr. Alan Woolfolk on “The Rise of the WASP Establishment”

• April 9: Dr. Brenda Kauffman presents “The Golden Gleam of the Gilded Surface and the Cheapness of the Metal: Political Corruption and American Policy Reforms in the 19th Century”

• May 7: Dr. Arthur Vanden Houten on “Faith, Fortune and Empire: Henry Flagler, Florida Politics and the Rise of America’s Global Ambition”

• May 17: Prof. Leslee Keys presents “The Modern Wonder of the Ancient City: The Myth and the Marvel of the Hotel Ponce de Leon”

The series features a lineup of historians and scholars discussing Henry Flagler’s vision for St. Augustine, social classes and American politics during the late 19th century, the influence of art, music and literature during the Gilded Age, as well as other exciting topics.

Tickets are $5 per person for a single lecture, or $15 for four lectures. Active military personnel may attend at no charge. Tourism employees interested in attending any of the six lectures offered will need to present their employee name tag or ID at the lecture series registration table.