October 24, 2022 – (KEY WEST, FL). The Dry Tortugas are known for their beauty and tranquility, but a deeper examination on the islands reveals much more. On Thursday, November 10, join Lead Ranger Curtis Hall as he considers several aspects of the remote location as part of the Key West Art & Historical Society’s Distinguished Speaker Series in a talk entitled, “Dry Tortugas – A Confluence of Human History, Natural Resources, Ambitious Fortifications and Remote National Park.” The presentation takes place from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton Street.
Embark on the currents of the Florida Straits and sail through the history of Dry Tortugas from their early European beginnings in the 1500s, to current projects and tips for your next visit. The period of significance (1846-74) will be covered, but emphasis will also be placed on lesser-known stories of human history that shaped where the Tortugas are today, and ongoing research vital for their future success.
“The Tortugas, one of our nation’s oldest place names, have been many things to generations of visitors for centuries,” says Cori Convertito, curator for the Society. “They are thought of as places of shelter, provisions, struggle, demise, and perseverance. Beyond that, they are a place of research, imprisonment, freedom, recreation, a National Monument, and one of the Florida Keys’ original tourist attractions.”
The presenter, Curtis Hall is the Lead Ranger for Resource Education and a National Park Service diver at the Dry Tortugas. He is a Florida Keys native that served over ten years in United States Navy Special Operations and was awarded multiple decorations with combat valor for overseas engagements. He holds a bachelor’s degree in science from Indiana University and a master’s in Natural Resources and Marine Conservation from Virginia Tech.
The program is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the National Endowment for the Arts with additional support from the Helmerich Trust. Tickets are limited, so early ticket purchase is suggested. Tickets are $12 for KWAHS members, $15 for non-members, and are available at www.kwahs.org/upcoming-events. For more information, contact Cori Convertito, Ph.D. at 305-295-6616 x112 or [email protected]. Your Museums. Your Community. It takes an Island.
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IMAGE 1: A 1904 coastal survey chart of the Dry Tortugas reveals the strategic importance of the islands sited in the Florida Straits at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico. The Dry Tortugas are the subject for the Key West Art & Historical Society’s upcoming virtual Distinguished Speakers Series talk, “Dry Tortugas – A Confluence of Human History, Natural Resources, Ambitious Fortifications and Remote National Park” with Lead Ranger Curtis Hall on November 10. (Photo Credit: University of Wisconsin)
