Digital Discussion: The Ringlings of Sarasota
In the 1924 while Thomas and Mina Edison were visiting their winter home Seminole Lodge in Fort Myers, John and Mable Ringling began building their home Ca’ d’Zan in Sarasota. Learn about the history of the Ringlings in Sarasota and their connection to Thomas Edison.
Join Program Manager Holly Shaffer for this Free Digital Discussion. Registration is required.
Click here to register for this free webinar.
Free Digital Discussion: Baseball during the Civil War
According to Thomas Edison, “baseball is the greatest of American games”.
Edison was a teen during the Civil War. Learn about his favorite game, how it was played during the time of the Civil War, and how it affected the soldiers. Join Program Manager Holly Shaffer for this Free Digital Discussion. Registration is required.
Click here to register for this free digital discussion.
Free Digital Discussion — It Started With A Handshake: The Story of Harvey Firestone and his Friendship With Thomas Edison and Henry Ford
Discover the story of the founder of Firestone Tires and the forgotten “Vagabond” Harvey Firestone. Firestone was a business titan, friend of Edison and Ford– and the organizer of their camping trips.
Join Program Manager Holly Shaffer for this Free Digital Discussion. Registration is required– click here to register.
Free Digital Discussion: The Legacy of Edsel Ford
Join us as we explore the life and legacy of Edsel Ford. The son of Henry and Clara Ford, Edsel was president of the Ford Motor Company, a car designer, a philanthropist, a patron of the arts and devoted family man.
Join Program Manager Holly Shaffer for this free Digital Discussion. Registration is required– click here to register today!
Free Digital Discussion: Lewis Latimer, Edison Pioneer
Join u
s to explore the fascinating story of Lewis Latimer. The son of escaped slaves, Latimer was an accomplished draftsman and inventor who worked for Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison. He was the only African American member of the Edison Pioneers, a celebrated group of Edison’s earliest staff and colleagues.
Join Program Manager Holly Shaffer for this free Digital Discussion. Registration is required.
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Free Digital Discussion: Harriet Beecher Stowe in Florida
18 years before Thomas Edison first came to Fort Myers, Florida, another famed individual began wintering in the sunshine state. Famed author and abolitionist Harriet Beecher Stowe moved to Mandarin, Florida during the winter of 1867.
Stowe and her Husband Calvin remained winter residents for 17 years. Though her home is no longer standing, the impact she had on the area still remains. Join Program Manager Holly Shaffer for this free virtual lecture. Registration is required– click here to register today.
Digital Discussion: Holiday Traditions During the Civil War Era
Discover the holiday traditions and celebrations popular when Edison was a teenager– the 1860’s.
Get in the holiday spirit with Program Manager Holly Shaffer during this free virtual lecture. Registration is required.
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Digital Discussion: Roberto Clemente, The Pittsburgh Pirates, and Thomas Edison’s Connection with Baseball in Fort Myers
From 1955 to 1968, the Pittsburgh Pirates conducted spring training in Fort Myers. Learn about the team and their greatest player, hall of fame outfielder Roberto Clemente, who experienced Fort Myers during the time of Jim Crow.
Join Program Manager Holly Shaffer for this free virtual lecture. Registration is required.
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Digital Discussion: How Edsel Ford and Ford Motor Company Helped Win World War II
During W
orld War II, the Ford Motor Company played an essential role in arming the United States for success. Much of this success can be attributed to Edsel Ford, the only son of Henry and Clara Ford.
While battling stomach cancer, Edsel helped create an assembly line at the Willow Run plant that could produce crucial B-24 Liberator aircraft in an hour. Join Edison and Ford Winter Estates Program Manager Holly Shaffer for this free virtual discussion (registration is required).
Please note that this Digital Discussion was rescheduled from October 12 to October 13 due to technical difficulties.
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