As part of the ongoing fall 2024 Academic Hernando series, participants can look forward to a unique lecture on “A Land Remembered” by Patrick D. Smith, delivered by instructors Ross and Amber Lamoreaux. The presentation will occur on Friday, October 18, at 10 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Spring Hill, Florida. Walk-in admission is $15.
Academic Hernando, a not-for-profit lifelong learning organization, is known for offering a wide range of educational experiences for adult learners throughout Hernando County and beyond. Their goal is to inform, educate and inspire, providing weekly lectures spanning various topics—from history and architecture to art, music and literature. Each lecture begins at 10 a.m. and lasts two hours, with a brief intermission.
“A Land Remembered,” is a Florida classic that has captured readers’ hearts for decades. Ross and Amber Lamoreaux will present the saga of the MacIvey family, who rose from humble Cracker ranchers in the Florida wilderness of 1858 to wealthy Miami real estate tycoons by 1968. Dressed in pioneer costumes, the instructors will bring this story to life, exploring themes of hardship, greed and the exploitation of Florida’s natural landscape, all while celebrating the resilience of the human spirit. Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase copies of the novel.
“A Land Remembered” is a widely celebrated work, having been named the #1 Best Florida Book multiple times in annual polls by Florida Monthly Magazine. It won the Florida Historical Society’s Tebeau Prize as the most outstanding historical novel and has remained in print since its first release in 1984. The book paints a vivid portrait of three generations of the MacIveys as they navigate the challenges of frontier life, facing wild animals, harsh weather and the ever-looming threat of external and internal greed.
This lecture offers a compelling opportunity for history enthusiasts and literary lovers alike to delve into Florida’s rugged past through the lens of one family’s journey, set against the backdrop of the state’s untamed wilderness. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the book or a newcomer to its pages, this presentation will leave you with a greater appreciation for Florida’s rich and complex history.
