Dr. Diana Reigelsperger, professor of history at Seminole State College, will be giving a fascinating and informative program on the unique history of 18^th century Canary Island colonialism in Florida on Thursday, March 8, 2018. Dr. Reigelsperger’s talk will explore the motivations of the settlers, the agency of their arrival, and how their presence impacted their new home. Light refreshments will be served.

The event will take place in the Historic Pool Area (Café’ Alcazar) of the Lightner Museum, which can be accessed by side entrances located off Grenada and Cordova Streets. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for refreshments and seating; the lecture will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. Seating is based on a first-come, first-serve basis. Be sure to purchase your tickets early!

Tickets, which cost $10.00 for General Admission, are free to museum members and Flagler College students. Visit www.lightnermuseum.org/speaker-series for more information.

March’s lecture is the second of a four-part lecture series sponsored by the Florida Humanities Council (www.floridahumanities.org) with funds from the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs. Information on April and May’s lectures are listed below:

• April 12, 6:30 p.m.: Brendan Burke: “Florida’s Fleet: A Boatbuilding and Fishing Legacy from the First Coast”. Mr. Burke, from the St. Augustine Lighthouse, will guide the audience through the development of a unique shipping vessel developed in the 20^th century right here in Northeast Florida and how its impact it still being realized today. It will be an enlightening presentation that will shed light on an integral part of this region’s economy and lifestyle. Light refreshments will be served.
• May 10, 6:30 p.m.: Steve Noll: “The Spanish Legacy of Florida”. To finish our esteemed speaker’s series, Dr. Noll from the University of Florida will give audiences an opportunity to more fully understand the historical and cultural significance of the early colonial period. As St. Augustine is a city which fully embraces, or known to fully embrace its Spanish heritage, this presentation will only deepen our understanding and appreciation of this historical connection.

 The Lightner Museum is handicap accessible. Parking is free after 5 p.m. and is available behind the museum. For more information, contact the Lightner Museum at 904-824-2874.

Lightner Museum programs are also supported by the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council.

The Lightner Museum is a non-profit cultural institution sustained by the generous support of individuals, businesses and sponsors.