From Edward Teach to Francis Drake to Jose Gaspar, pirates have long been part of Florida’s maritime history. Locally based, world-renowned pirate historian and author Robert Jacob will separate fact from folklore in “Pirates of the Florida Coast,” on Wednesday, Sept. 2, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Palm Harbor Library.
This free presentation is the first Palm Harbor Museum Presents program following the summer break. Jacob will have signed copies of his books available for purchase, including “A Pirate’s Life in the Golden Age of Piracy,” “Pirates of the Florida Coast,” and the new “Blackbeard: Truth Revealed.” Pirate-themed refreshments will be served.
Student contributions and opportunities
With school back in session, the Palm Harbor Museum staff sends best wishes to its college-aged volunteers who generously gave their time during the summer, including El Horvath, Elena Manolakos and Mateusz Jelinski. The staff also extends thanks to middle school volunteers Evan, Liam and Scarlett, who provide docent hours, project support and assistance throughout the school year.
Students seeking Bright Futures Scholarship volunteer hours are invited to become Palm Harbor Museum docents. Schedules are flexible, with a typical range of 4 to 16 hours per month in a fun, friendly atmosphere. This volunteer experience also provides valuable community service experience on college applications.
Sharing local history
The Palm Harbor Museum is seeking local historical artifacts and documents to expand its rotating collection, as well as community members stopping by to share area history. Recent visitors included Jessica Brueland from Palm Harbor United Methodist Church, who shared documents and photos from the Rheba Sutton White Chapel Archives, and volunteer Jade Johnson, who curated the museum’s latest table-top exhibit, “School Years,” on display in the Crystal Beach/Faith Mission Room. These collections preserve the stories of Palm Harbor’s past and make them accessible to all.
From China to Florida’s citrus groves
Palm Harbor Museum volunteer and historian Quinton Spiaggi will explore the life of pioneering horticulturist Lue Gim Gong on Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the East Lake Community Library.
Born in China, Gim Gong came to the United States as a teenager and eventually came to Florida, where his experiments with citrus earned him recognition as a Great Floridian 2000. Spiaggi, guest curator of Heritage Village’s ongoing exhibit of Gim Gong, will also share stories from more than 330 years of Chinese American history in Florida. Admission is free.
Tell your story
Have some local history to share? Community members are invited to participate in The Power of Place Oral History Initiative, a collaboration between the Palm Harbor Museum and Heritage Village that is designed to preserve the voice, memories and lived experiences that shape our area.
Participants can make an appointment to record a 3- to 5-minute video about a personal memory connected to Pinellas County. Videos can be filmed at the museum or at a memorable place. Photos that help tell these stories are also welcome. Make an appointment at palmharbormuseum@outlook.com, adding “Oral History” to the subject line.
Discover the history of Palm Harbor
The Palm Harbor Museum is open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Located in the historic Hartley House at 2043 Curlew Road, Palm Harbor, the museum features a wealth of artifacts, collections and stories of Palm Harbor’s colorful past. From its new outdoor historical markers to its native plant garden and a variety of indoor displays, the museum offers a window to the past guided by knowledgeable and friendly volunteers.
Email palmharbormuseum@outlook.com for details; visit palmharbormuseum.com and follow on social media.