Florida Southern College

Center for Florida History

The Lawton M. Chiles Center for Florida History strives to enhance the teaching, study, and writing of Florida history.

Founded in 2001, the Center seeks to preserve the state’s past through cooperative efforts with historical societies, preservation groups, museums, public programs, media, and interested persons.

As such, the Center’s long-term goals are to:

  • Expand and upgrade the Florida Lecture Series.
  • Offer training in Florida history for public and private school teachers.
  • Work with and advise historical associations in the collection and preservation of historical artifacts, including oral histories, photographs, and manuscripts.
  • Hold symposia on special topics in Florida history.
  • Host a visiting scholar in Florida history.
  • Publish new and out-of-print works of Florida history.
  • Continue and add to our Oral History Collection.

This unique center, housed in the Sarah D. and L. Kirk McKay, Jr., Archives Center is a source of continuing information created to increase appreciation for Florida history.

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Florida Lecture Series

The lecture series covers a wide range of disciplines, including history, public affairs, law, sociology, criminology, anthropology, literature, and art. The overall objective of the series is to bring members of the community, the faculty, and the student body together to interact with and learn from leading scholars in their fields.

Don’t miss a thing!

Watch on YouTube

Starting in 2021 we are live streaming our lectures from Branscomb Auditorium. Check out the Florida Southern College YouTube channel to watch past lectures!

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Get Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list for more information regarding the Florida Lecture Series.

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Past Florida Lecture Series and Speakers

Among our Series speakers have been distinguished leaders, historians, writers, and public officials such a Reubin Askew, Bob Graham, Janet Reno, Douglas Brinkley, H.W. Brands, and Robert V. Remini. Learn More about our past series and speakers 

Recent Publications

Book: None Can Have Richer Memories Polk County, Florida, 1940-2000

None Can Have Richer Memories Polk County, Florida, 1940-2000
Canter Brown, Jr.
Polk County Historical Association

Book: Echoes from a Distant FrontierThe Brown Sisters' Correspondence from Antebellum Florida

Echoes from a Distant Frontier
The Brown Sisters’ Correspondence from Antebellum Florida

Edited by:
James M. Denham
Keith L. Huneycutt

Book: In the Midst of All That Makes Life Worth Living:Polk County, Florida, to 1940

In the Midst of All That Makes Life Worth Living:
Polk County, Florida, to 1940

Canter Brown, Jr.
Commissioned by the Polk County Historical Association

Book: "A Rogue's Paradise"Crime and Punishment in Antebellum Florida,1821-1861

"A Rogue's Paradise"
Crime and Punishment in Antebellum Florida,
1821-1861

James M. Denham

Book: Cracker Times and Pioneer Lives, The Florida Reminiscences of George Gillett Keen and Sarah Pamela Williams

Cracker Times and Pioneer Lives, The Florida Reminiscences of George Gillett Keen and Sarah Pamela Williams
Edited by:
James M. Denham
Canter Brown, Jr.

Book: Florida Sheriffs: A History 1821-1945

Florida Sheriffs: A History 1821-1945
William Warren Rogers
James M. Denham

Book: Fifty Years of Justice

Fifty Years of Justice
James M. Denham

Book: Florida Founder - William P. Duval - Frontier Bon Vivant

Florida Founder - William P. Duval - Frontier Bon Vivant
James M. Denham

Book: The Letters of George Long Brown - A Yankee Merchant on Florida's Antebellum Frontier

The Letters of George Long Brown
Edited by:
James M. Denham
Keith L. Huneycutt

Support the Center for Florida History

Individuals, corporations, and foundations provide the funds for an endowment and to pay for the operations and programs. If you are interested in supporting the Center for Florida History and its various initiatives, you can contact the Center or the FSC Advancement Office for a pledge card, or you may easily make a gift online.

Give Today

Questions? Contact

James M. Denham, Ph.D.

Executive Director - Center for Florida History
863.680.4312

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Find us in the McKay Archives Building (AR)