“Remember the USS Maine: 125th Anniversary” to be next Key West Art & Historical Society Distinguished Speaker Series talk

May 8, 2023 – (KEY WEST, FL).  On Saturday, May 20, join Florida Keys historian Dr. Cori Convertito as she considers the history and sinking of the USS Maine as part of the Key West Art & Historical Society’s Distinguished Speaker Series.  Her talk entitled, “Remember the Maine: 125th Anniversary of the Sinking” takes place from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton Street.

The USS Maine, a 6682-ton second-class battleship, was built at the New York Navy Yard and commissioned in September 1895.  Her active career was spent operating along the east coast of the United States and in the Caribbean, including much time in Key West.  In January 1898, she was ordered to Havana, Cuba, to protect U.S. interests during a time of local insurrection and civil disturbances.  Three weeks later, on 15 February, the battleship was sunk by a massive explosion that killed the great majority of her crew.

“The ship receives considerable attention as the flashpoint that initiates the Spanish-American War and is the centerpiece for yellow journalism that proliferated during that era,” says Convertito.  “Interest in this battleship has endured for 125 years and has, at times, provoked controversy as to the true cause of her sinking.”

The presenter, Dr. Cori Convertito, has served as the curator and historian for the Key West Art & Historical Society for the last twelve years while also acting as an adjunct instructor of American History at the College of the Florida Keys.  She received her Ph.D. in maritime history from the University of Exeter.  She presents regularly at the US Naval Academy, the UK’s National Maritime Museum and is a Florida Humanities “Florida Talks” scholar.

To reserve your spot at the lecture; visit kwahs.org/upcoming-events – $12 for KWAHS members, $15 for non-members.  This program is sponsored in part by the Florida Department of State: Division of Arts and Culture, with additional support provided by The Helmerich Trust.  For more information, contact Cori Convertito, Ph.D. at 305-295-6616 x507 or [email protected].  Your Museums.  Your Community.  It takes an Island.

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