Florida Lore

Florida Lore

Saturday, September 5, 2026 · 12:00 PM EDT · Appleton Museum of Art · Ocala, FL

Art
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About this event

Join Dr. Caren Neile in the auditorium on the September 5 Free First Saturday for a free storytelling presentation on “Florida Lore.” From the Ashley Gang to the Devil’s Millhopper and the Ghost of Bellamy Bridge, Florida folk culture is brimming with fascinating characters and situations almost too amazing to be true. But are they true? This presentation is a dynamic performance from a master storyteller and professor who brings these legends to life and discusses their importance and whether it may not matter if they are fact or fiction. A must for history buffs and Americana fans, this presentation is based on Dr. Neile’s book “Florida Lore: The Barefoot Mailman, Cowboy Bone Mizell, the Tallahassee Witch, and Other Tales.” Free to attend; no reservation needed. Auditorium seating is limited to 250 on a first-come, first-served basis. About the Speaker Caren S. Neile, PhD., MFA, has taught storytelling studies at Florida Atlantic University since 2000. A performance storyteller, she has worked in 13 states and seven countries, including as a Fulbright Senior Specialist in Vienna and Jerusalem. Dr. Neile’s numerous publications include the books “Florida Lore” and “Only in Florida,” and chapters in books such as the “Oxford Handbook of American Folklore & Folklife Studies.” She co-hosts the Public Storyteller podcast for Miami public radio WLRN. Funding for this Florida Talks program was provided by Florida Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities.

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