Speakers' Bureau
Need a speaker at your group's next event? Consider one of our fabulous speakers:
ANN ROBBINS |
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| Ann is the Head of Adult Literacy at the Bay County Public Library. She is a fifth generation Floridian. Her family settled in Holmes County before Florida was a state and in Bay County after the Civil War when it was still part of Washington County. Ann has worked at the Bay County Public Library for over 50 years. She loves to read, collect antiques, and show her bullmastiffs at dog shows in Florida, Alabama, and Georgia. Availability: Ann is available to speak in Bay, Gulf, and Liberty Counties. She can speak during business hours in Gulf and Liberty Counties, and during business and evening hours in Bay County. |
| Topics: | "Bone Mizell: Florida Cow Hunter" This presentation discusses the life and times of Bone Mizell, a cattle ranch foreman during the late 1800s in Florida. Bone was an uneducated, hard-drinking, and fun-loving cowman who made the front page of a New York newspaper and had a ballad written about him. Bone sure left his mark on Florida history! This is a 30 minute presentation plus questions with a display of Florida antiques from that time period. "Old Town and the St. Andrews Bay Salt Works" This presentation discusses the history of Old Town and the people who lived there before the Civil War. It includes a brief look at salt making and how it caused the destruction of Old Town by the Union. This is a 30 minute presentation plus questions with a display of Civil War antiques. "A Chicken, a Dog, and Women, Too...At the Battle of Gettysburg" A look at little-known facts about the Battle of Gettysburg and the people and animals that were there. This is a 30 minute presentation plus questions with a display of Civil War antiques. "Billy Bowlegs, The Pirate" This presentation is about searching for the real Billy Bowlegs. There were at least five men who went by the name of Billy Bowlegs. In this 30 minute presentation, we will look at each other and find the true, dastardly Billy Bowlegs. We will dive into the history of pirates in West Florida and where pirates might have hidden their booty. "Colonial Days and Dames" This presentation shares the colonial life in the early days of our country's history. Learn what was worn, what they ate, schooling, laws they lived by, etc. This is a 15 minute presentation plus a program handout. "Old St. Joe" This presentation is about the history of Old Saint Joseph, Florida. It was founded in 1835 and almost became the capital of Florida. The First Constitutional Convention of the State of Florida was held in Old Saint Joe. The first railroad in Florida was built in Old St. Joe. Fate stepped in and changed the course of history. This is a 30 minute presentation with a display of antiques from that time period. "Cracker Life in Northwest Florida" This presentation is about the history of the first settlers in Florida while Florida was still a territory in the late 1700s. It tells of the hardships of that time period and the good times too. The pioneers who came were hardy, religious and stubborn. They lived their lives by the "Yellow Code." Learn how these early settlers got their name and how they lived their lives. Along with this presentation is a display of antiques from that time period. "Life in Panama City During the 1940s" This presentation provides a look at Panama City after the Great Depression and the effect that World War II had on the Panhandle of Florida. It's a look at a sleepy Southern town changing almost overnight into a busy city. This is a 30 minute presentation plus questions with a display of antiques. |
ROBIN SHADER |
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| Robin has served as the Director of the Bay County Public Library and Northwest Regional Library System since August 2010. She received her Master of Library Science degree from Rutgers
University, and has worked in public libraries for over 20 years. Availability: Robin is available to speak in Bay, Gulf, and Liberty Counties. |
| Topic: | "The Value of Public Libraries in the Age of Amazon and Google" Libraries offer so much more than books. They provide early literacy education for children, hands-on experiences with emerging technologies, opportunities for social interactions for all ages, and so much more. Modern libraries are dynamic centers for creativity and discovery. During this presentation you will learn about the exciting services offered by your local library. If time permits, a 3D printer demonstration or ukulele sing-a-long can follow the presentation. |
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LAURA MOREE |
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| Laura is the Head of Local History and Genealogy at the Bay County Public Library. She received her Master of Library and Information Science degree from University of South Carolina and her
Bachelor of the Arts degree from Mercer University (Macon, GA) in Archaeology and Art History. Laura has worked in public libraries for over 11 years. Availability: Laura is available to speak in Bay County. |
| Topic: | "Genealogy Basics "New to genealogy, but not sure how to get started? Come to this class to learn the terminology, forms, and process for delving into your family history confidently! This is a 1 hour program including questions. |
SARAH BURRIS |
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| Sarah is the Community Relations and Marketing Coordinator at the Bay County Public Library. She received both her Master of Library and Information Science and Master of Fine Art degrees from Kent State University in Ohio. She is also the author of the blog The Artist and the Librarian. Availability: Sarah is available to speak in Bay County. |
| Topics: | "Google Art Project 101 "This program will introduce why Google Art Project was developed, how to search and explore within Google Art Project, and how museums around the world contribute to the project. This is a 30 minute to 1 hour program including questions. "Explore Art History Online" Learn about free, online art history resources provided from notable institutions. This program will also introduce open access, high-resolution images that can be downloaded for free from the National Gallery of Art, Rijksmuseum, and the Metropolian Museum of Art. This is the perfect way to add art to your office or home! This is a 30 minute to 1 hour program including questions. |
SAMANTHA "SAM" HUDSON |
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| Sam is the Teen Librarian at Bay County Public Library. She received her Master of Library and Information Studies degree from Florida State University and has worked in various public
libraries. She currently works at the Youth Services reference desk, plans teen programming and selects graphic novels and Young Adult titles for the library system. Availability: Sam is available to speak in Bay, Gulf, and Liberty Counties. |
| Topic: | "Graphic Novels 101" This presentation discusses what graphic novels are, the different types of graphic novels, how they are beneficial and worthy of inclusion in a library, and some key titles to read to get you started. |
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If you'd like to schedule a speaker, please call 850-522-2120 or email [email protected].
