20th Century Shaping The Image Of Florida Is Topic Of  Keys History & Discovery Center Presentation

Islamorada, FL – How the image of Florida evolved starting in the 20th century is the topic of a new book For Sale: American Paradise, by Willie Drye. He is presenting and signing his book as part of the Keys History & Discovery Center Presents… lecture series. The presentation is the evening of Thursday, Feb. 18, at the Keys History & Discovery Center in Islamorada. The Center opens at 5 p.m. and the presentation begins at 6 p.m., with book-signing to follow. 
 
Come hear the story of how Florida became entwined with Americans’ 20th-century hopes, dreams and expectations, and how it was the site of mass delusion, real estate collapses, and catastrophic hurricanes. For Sale – American Paradise: How Our Nation was Sold an Impossible Dream in Florida, focuses on the experiences of William Jennings Bryan and Edwin Menninger, who were among the people who shaped the image of Florida that we know today and who sold that image as America’s paradise. The book also is a tale of the euphoria and mass delusion that inevitably happens when times are good and people convince themselves that they’ve found a foolproof way to have it all, have it now, and keep it forever. It’s the colorful, tragicomic story of how Florida became one of the world’s most appealing places. 
 
Drye, whose first book, Storm of the Century: The Labor Day Hurricane of 1935, was made into a documentary for the History Channel, will share how he became interested in writing about the land boom and share anecdotes from his research and writing. 
 
Cost for non-Discovery Center members is $25 and includes admission to the exhibit as well as light appetizers. A cash bar will be available. Reservations are recommended and can be made at 305-922-2237 or [email protected].
 
The Discovery Center is in Islamorada, MM 82, located at the Islander Resort, a Guy Harvey Outpost. The Center is open Thursdays through Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.General admission is $12. Admission for seniors is $10 and children 13-under are free. Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization operating the Keys History & Discovery Center.
 
For more information, call 305-922-2237 or go to www.keysdiscovery.com.
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