Florida Department of State Celebrates American Archives Month with Tales From the Archives

Tallahassee –

Florida Secretary of State Laurel M. Lee is pleased to announce the State Archives of Florida is celebrating American Archives Month with Tales From the Archives which includes the Florida Urban Legends and Ghost Stories project, special presentations and extended research hours throughout October.

“The State Archives of Florida has a variety of special activities planned this month around their theme Tales From the Archives,” said Secretary Lee. “The Florida Urban Legends and Ghost Stories project is an especially great way for Floridians to participate in American Archives Month by recording and sharing their favorite urban legends and ghost stories from around the state.”

The State Archives of Florida, in collaboration with the Florida Folklife Program, invites all Floridians to record and share retellings of their favorite Florida urban legends and ghost stories as part of the Florida Urban Legends and Ghost Stories Project. Throughout the month, Floridians can share stories on Facebook and YouTube under the hashtag #TalesFromFlorida or submit recordings to TalesFromFLA@gmail.com. Recordings can be donated to the State Archives as part of a new collection of urban legend oral histories to be featured on the Archives’ Facebook page. Learn more about best practices for recording and preserving stories on the Florida Memory Blog.

The State Archives is also hosting extended research hours and staff-led presentations discussing topics such as preservation issues, family history research and the recently acquired Bruce Mozert Photographic Collection.

Below is a schedule of events throughout the month.

Extended Research Hours 

Tuesday, October 8, 2019, 4:30 to 8 p.m.
Saturday, October 12, 2019, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tuesday, October 29, 2019, 4:30 to 8 p.m.
Archives Reference Room

State Archives Presentations

“Terror of the Archives: Preservation Issues”

Tuesday, October 8, 2019
5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and 6:45 to 7:45 p.m.
Archives Reference Room

In this special, behind-the-scenes presentation, Archivist Matthew Storey will use records from our collections to demonstrate the preservation horrors that archivists encounter and how to address them.

“Voices From the Past: A Walking Tour of Tallahassee’s Old City Cemetery”

Saturday, October 12, 2019
10 to 11 a.m.
Old City Cemetery, 140 North Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Tallahassee, FL 32301

Cemeteries are a treasure trove of historical information. Archives Historian Dr. Josh Goodman will explain the history of the Tallahassee Old City Cemetery, its notable interred and the historical records the Archives has related to those individuals. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a frightfully good time! 

Participants will meet at the cemetery entrance located on North Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Street parking is available on North Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Park Avenue. The cemetery is also a short walk from the R.A. Gray Building, which provides free parking to State Archives patrons.

“Documenting the Dearly Departed: Records for Family History Research”

Saturday, October 12, 2019
1 to 2 p.m.
Tuesday, October 29, 6 to 7 p.m.
Archives Reference Room

In this presentation, Archives Historian Dr. Josh Goodman will use records from our collections to demonstrate the types of information found within death records and how to use them in genealogical and historical research.

“Creature From the Black Lagoon: A Film Event With the Tallahassee Film Society”

Wednesday, October 30, 2019
7 to 9 p.m.
All Saints Cinema, 918 Railroad Avenue, Tallahassee, FL 32301

The State Archives of Florida is pleased to partner with the Tallahassee Film Society (TFS) for the most chilling of film events, just in time for Halloween. Come to All Saints Cinema for a presentation and discussion about Bruce Mozert’s pioneering contributions to underwater photography, led by Social Media and Outreach Coordinator Elizabeth Loeffelman. The discussion will be followed by a special screening of the 1954 film Creature From the Black Lagoon, on which Mozert worked. 

Tickets are $10 for general admission and $7 for TFS members and students. For ticket orders and more information, please visit www.tallahasseefilms.com. All proceeds benefit the Tallahassee Film Society. 

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About the State Archives of Florida 
The State Archives of Florida is the central repository for the government records of the Sunshine State. It also holds a variety of private manuscripts, local government records, photographs and other historically significant materials relating to Florida. The Archives is statutorily tasked with preserving these historic resources and making them available to the public. To learn more, visit archivesflorida.com or contact the Archives’ reference staff at 850.245.6719. The State Archives of Florida is a component of the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services.

About American Archives Month 
American Archives Month is a national collaborative effort led by professional organizations and repositories throughout the country to highlight the enduring value of historical records, recognize the important contributions of professional archivists and promote public awareness of available resources and information through archives.

About the Florida Folklife Program 
The Florida Folklife Program, a component of the Florida Department of State's Division of Historical Resources, documents and presents Florida’s folklife, folklore and folk arts. The program coordinates a wide range of activities and projects designed to increase the awareness of Floridians and visitors alike about Florida’s traditional culture. Established in 1979 by the legislature to document and present Florida folklife, the program is one of the oldest state folk arts programs in the nation. For more information visit www.flheritage.com/Folklife.