LaBelle Heritage Museum presents its final 2017/2018 Special Speaker program made possible by a grant from the Florida Humanities Council on Wednesday, March 14, at the Dallas B. Townsend Agricultural Center, 1085 Pratt Boulevard, LaBelle 33935, at 7:00 p.m. Dr. Andrew K. Frank, Allen Morris Associate Professor of History at FSU and a specialist in the history of the Seminoles and other tribes in Florida, will present “Making Chief Osceola: The Abolitionists and the Rise of an American Myth”.

Dr. Frank explores how Osceola became a national phenomenon after his death in 1838 and his place in the Second Seminole War. He also discusses the debates that occurred over Indian wars, Indian removal, and their connection to American slavery. In this context, the audience learns how Osceola has been remembered and “mis-remembered” since his capture and death. Special attention is paid to the role of anti-war and abolitionist activists in promoting and fabricating a series of endearing myths about him.

The program is free and open to the public; however since seating capacity of the venue is limited by the State Fire Marshall, we recommend that everyone go to www.labelleheritagemsuem.org and follow the link to make advance reservations to insure a free seat will be waiting for them.

Anyone having a problem making an online reservation is asked to call (863)674-0034 for assistance and leave both name and telephone number for a return call (usually by the end of the next day at the latest). Advance reservations is also the only way LaBelle Heritage Museum has of informing the Florida Humanities Council of local interest generated by its grants programs.