James Clark

Florida Historian

Expertise: Florida History

Available for in-person lectures in: Central FL

Available via Zoom? Yes

To book James, e-mail: dan@hudakonhollywood.com

Jim Clark is a senior lecturer in history at the University of Central Florida. He received a doctorate in Florida history from the University of Florida after receiving a master's degree from Stetson University. He is the author of 11 books on Florida history and the editor of a three-volume anthology of Florida literature. He has been honored by the Florida Historical Society, the Florida Magazine Association, and the Florida Society of Newspaper Editors. He has given more than 300 talks from Pensacola to Key West.

Lectures include:

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Hidden History of Florida

Most people think there were 13 original colonies. There were 14. People overlook Florida, which decided to remain loyal to King George. We all learned American history from the British point of view, but what of the Spanish, who introduced horses, hogs, oranges, and even the first poetry to North America. Spend 50 minutes learning about Florida’s hidden past.

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Lost Attractions of Florida

Yes, there was a Florida before Disney, and there were millions of tourists. They began coming in the 1840s, seeking the spring waters to cure a long list of diseases. The wealthy began coming with Henry Flagler, who built his luxury hotels in St. Augustine, Palm Beach, and Miami. The invention of the automobile brought the “Tin-Can Tourists” in their Model-Ts. And to give all of them something to do, tourist attractions began to spring up, offering alligators, oranges, beautiful gardens, and claims of a Fountain of Youth. But Disney changed everything. Historia Jim Clark takes you back to days some still remember.

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Writers in Florida

The first poetry in North America was about Florida. The first non-fiction was written about Florida. For more than 400 years, writers have been writing about Florida or coming to Florida to write. Ernest Hemingway, Truman Capote, and Jimmy Buffett found inspiration in Key West, Audubon wrote about the natural wonders and painted scores of birds, Elmore Leonard uncovered the state’s seamier side, while Carl Hiaasen and Dave Barry found humor in the weirdness of the state. There are lots of stories about these great writers, their works, disappointments, and divorces.

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A History Lovers Guide to Florida

Spend 50 minutes visiting the state’s most historic landmarks. From Fort Jefferson at the southern-most tip to Fort Pickens in Pensacola, Florida began making history 450 years ago. It is a lesson in Florida history from the Spanish fort in St. Augustine to Florida’s selection as the prime spot for sending men to the moon.

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Presidents in Florida

George Washington hated it. Thomas Jefferson tried to steal it. Abraham Lincoln invaded it. Franklin Roosevelt tried to regain the use of his legs in it, and John Kennedy wrote a Pulitzer-Prize winning book in it. All of it took place in Florida. Historian Jim Clark tells dozens of stories about how presidents have interacted with Florida. Whether they came for the fishing or to be photographed with Mickey Mouse, presidents have flocked to Florida, including one who now calls it home.

Are you ready to bring Hudak On Hollywood to your community?

Please e-mail dan@hudakonhollywood.com for additional information. We look forward to hearing from you!

dan@hudakonhollywood.com