Matheson History Camp
Florida Time Travelers
July 27-31
Hop in the time machine and see your state with new eyes. Hands-on educational crafts and activities will take you back to the creatures of Florida’s prehistoric past, through Indigenous and American history, up to today. Find out how we know what we know about the past through Florida’s fascinating archaeology.
Early Spanish Florida: An Author Talk with Judith Bense
with Florida Humanities and the University of Florida Press
Wednesday, August 5
7pm
FREE with registration
Join distinguished archaeologist and historian Judith A. Bense for an engaging talk about her book Early Spanish Florida: Unearthing the History of America’s Oldest Colony.
Told through the perspectives of the Spanish, Indigenous, and African communities whose interactions reshaped the region, the book highlights the complex cultural exchanges that defined early Florida. With maps, artifact photographs, excavation images, historical sites, and original documents-along with suggested readings and places to visit-Early Spanish Florida offers readers a vivid and accessible introduction to the state’s deep and fascinating past.
Books will be sold at this event, and there will be a Q&A with Dr. Bense following the presentation.
A Legacy of Excellence: African American Education in Rural Alachua County during Segregation
with E. Stanley Richardson and Veloria Kelly
Saturday, August 22
2pm
FREE with registration
On Saturday, August 22, at 2pm Matheson Board 1st Vice President E. Stanley Richardson and Veloria Kelly will moderate a panel discussion of former students, educators, and historians about African American education in rural Alachua County during segregation.
A Legacy of Excellence registration
African and African American Legacies in Florida: 250 Years of American Ideals and Global Impact
Presented by the African & African American Historical Society, Inc. and Local Organizations
Saturday, August 29
10am-4pm
FREE with registration
Featuring Musical Entertainment in Sweetwater Park and Humanities-based Presenters including,
- Dr. Andrew K. Frank, Allen Morris Professor of History and Director, Native American/Indigenous Studies Center, Florida State University
- Dr. Connie Lester, History, Associate Professor at UCF, and Editor, The Florida Historical Quarterly
- Dr. Rik Stevenson, Assistant Instructional Professor of African American Studies, University of Florida
- Dr. Olivia Barnard, Assistant Professor of History, University of Florida
- Brandon Nightingale, History, Howard University, Senior Project Manager, Black Press Archives Digitization
African American Legacies registration
The Other Book Part 2: The Shoulders We Stand On
with the Alachua County Community Remembrance Project
Recordings by the UF Samuel Proctor Oral History Program: