Since its opening in 1971, Walt Disney World has been Florida’s most popular tourist attraction. But Florida was a place of interest for visitors for about a century before that. Find out about tourist destinations influenced by Florida’s environmental and human history, places created from social, economic and technological change, and locations of curiosity and oddities unique to the Sunshine State.

During the first half of the 20th century, Cuba became a center for Jewish immigrants from the Eastern Hemisphere. They established a small, but close-knit community – a community that mostly came to South Florida after Fidel Castro took power in Cuba. This program will look at the history of the Jewish community of Cuba, the move to and adjustment of thousands in the Sunshine State, and how even time and political changes could not break established bonds.

Jews were among the pioneers settling in South Florida during the early 20th century. Among their contributions were different ways of eating – not always kosher, but certainly tasty! Their legacy has been handed down to millions of people who call this region home or visit – both Jews and non-Jews. This program will highlight the celebrated restaurants, cuisine, and eating habits created and sustained by Jewish community members in South Florida through the years.

It was seen as the greatest technological achievement of the 20th century: In 1969, astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first human being to walk on the moon during Apollo 11. “One Small Step for Man; One Giant Leap for Mankind” was the culmination of more than a decade of effort, with tragedy and triumph. Learn about the building blocks to Apollo, the lunar missions that followed, and current plans for return trips to the moon.

The first Olympics in Ancient Greece honored Zeus. The Roman Empire brought an end to the ancient Games, but beginning in 1896, the modern Olympic Games have thrilled millions of sports fans with diverse sports and athletes. Hear about the rise and fall of the ancient Olympics and the evolution of the modern Olympics with challenges such as wars, illness, politics, drugs and commercialism.

As the temperatures cool, Palm Beach County’s arts and culture season heats up! From Jupiter to Boca and all points in between, join Sylvia Gurinsky for a preview of coming events, including holiday activities, major concerts, museum exhibits, education programs and much more in the 561! Note: This lecture is recommended during Fall as the “season” is about to begin.

The Jewish people began to come to Mexico – then called “Nueva España” – more than 500 years ago. But during the period of Inquisition, their presence had to be hidden until the late 1800s. Learn how Mexico eventually became a center of Jewish culture, how many of today’s Mexicans are tracing previously hidden Jewish ties – and about Ladino, a language that developed for many in the Sephardic Jewish community.