Hemingway Scholar to Share Rare Insights at Custom House Museum during Hemingway Days 2016

July 14, 2016.  – Key West, FL.  On Thursday, July 21 at 5pm, Key West Art & Historical Society presents internationally acclaimed Hemingway scholar Nancy Sindelar, PhD in the Helmerich Research & Learning Center at the Custom House Museum in conjunction with Hemingway Days 2016. Sindelar will offer “People and Places That Influenced Ernest Hemingway,” an hour-long presentation that highlights the people, places, and activities that shaped the legendary author.

Author of the 176 page “Influencing Hemingway: The People and Places That Shaped His Life and Work,” published by Rowman & Littlefield, Sindelar has logged many miles in her research. She has “stood in the bedroom where Hemingway was born and the foyer where he ended his life and has visited all the places in between,” she says.

“When my research took to me to Key West and Havana, it became very clear why Hemingway was drawn to Key West and later Cuba,” she says. “Clearly he was attracted by the beautiful waters and opportunities for world-class fishing.”

The presentation— one of many special events organized in the six-day tribute to the acclaimed fishing and literary legend and his Key West legacy and lifestyle— will include rare photos of these places and discuss their influence on his writing as well as offer excerpts from Hemingway’s personal letters to parents, wives, lovers, children, and friends.  Sindelar’s books will be available for sale and signing post presentation, and a 117th birthday celebration of the literary legend will ensue, complete with birthday cake and Hemingway’s favorite drink, rum.

Hemingway Days offerings presented by The Society begin Tuesday, July 19, at the Custom House Museum with an exhibit tribute to the writer and avid fisherman where fans can admire the original “Depicting Hemingway” sketches by renowned marine life artist Guy Harvey in the permanent exhibit.  Fifty-nine original pen and ink sketches are on display, illustrations that portray Santiago’s epic battle in “The Old Man and the Sea,” and a number of artifacts belonging to the Museum’s Hemingway Collection are showcased. The exhibit will be open following Sindelar’s presentation.

Other Hemingway Days scheduled highlights include the world-famous Hemingway look-alike contest at Sloppy Joe’s; readings – “Voices, Places, Inspirations” at the Key West Woman’s Club and The Key West Poetry Guild’s “The Poetry of Ernest Hemingway” at Blue Heaven; the Papa’s Pilar Rum Hemingway 5k Sunset Run/Walk and Paddleboard Race and a three-day marlin tournament tipping its hat to the iconic angler.

The Society’s Hemingway Days activities are sponsored in part by Dave and Cheryl Copham and the Florida Humanities Council.  “People and Places That Influenced Ernest Hemingway” is sponsored by The Helmerich Trust, Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel and the Marion Stevens Fund and is part of the organization’s Distinguished Speaker Series, a twice-monthly program that highlights the abundant history and cultural assets of our islands through informal lectures.

Tickets are available at through KWAHS.ORG/LEARN; $5 for members, $10 for nonmembers.  For more information, contact Adele Williams, Programs & Education Director at 305.295.6616 extension 115 or visit KWAHS.ORG.  Your Museums.  Your Community.  It takes an Island.

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