This year marks the bicentennial of the transfer of Florida from Spanish rule to U.S. control and becoming a U.S. Territory. To commemorate this important historical event, the Museum of Florida History is presenting a virtual lecture series that focuses on the diverse peoples living in Florida leading up to and during the Territorial Period and how their lives were affected by the transition from Spanish to American governance and policies.

Dr. Philip Smith, Associate Professor at Texas A&M University, explores how Europeans, Africans, and Native tribes for centuries had forged complicated multicultural relationships only to see those relationships challenged in the new U.S. territory. Some stood with their neighbors to resist the changes while others adopted the new American identity. In the end, the new identity for the territory prevailed and Florida was changed forever.

This program will be streamed live via Zoom. Please click on the following link to register for the event and to receive access information, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/157270635705