Apalachicola Gathering October 2010

Let the Florida Humanities Council introduce you to the town of Apalachicola on the state’s “Forgotten Coast.”  Established in 1831, this community’s stunning Victorian architecture, charming downtown, and working waterfront reflect its rich history as one of Florida’s important ports for shipping cotton and lumber. In recent years Apalachicola has been home to a thriving seafood industry, producing 90 percent of the oysters consumed in Florida and ten percent of those eaten nationwide.
 
Join us at our Gathering in Apalachicola and absorb the flavor of the Florida town recently named one of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Highlights of the Gathering weekend include:

Pre-Gathering

Friday morning, October 29 - Limited to 22 participants
(Please note: The Pre-Gathering is an optional add-on to the Gathering weekend. There is an additional fee of $60 to participate in the Pre-Gathering. Lunch is provided.)
 
We’ll journey by boat up the Apalachicola River with guides from the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve (ANERR). Encompassing over 246,000 acres in Apalachicola Bay, the reserve is the second largest Reserve system of its kind in the nation. During our trip we will visit the site of the historic Fort Gadsden, also known as the “Negro Fort.”  The ruined fort was built by the British during the War of 1812 and left to their black allies when they departed in 1815.

The Gathering
 
Friday evening, October 29
After a welcome reception and dinner at the Gibson Inn, we’ll meet Dr. Andrew Frank, historian at Florida State University, who will discuss the themes and trends that have shaped this unique region of the state since the 18th century.

Saturday, October 30
First thing this morning we will join community guides for a historic tour of Apalachicola.  We will visit some of the town’s most architecturally significant homes and public sites. We will end our tour at the historic Chestnut Street Cemetery, established in 1831.  A fascinating glimpse into the mores and customs of the time, the cemetery’s epitaphs tell the history of the town through gravestone art that reflects the historic, religious, and burial traditions of the 19th century.
 
After the walking tour, we will savor the sweet side of Apalachicola when we meet beekeeper George Watkins, the leading producer of Tupelo honey in the area.  George will describe the process by which he harvests honey, and describe what makes the Apalachicola area such a sweet spot for Tupelo honey production.
 
For lunch we’ll visit Tommy Ward at the Thirteen Mile Oyster Company, operated by the Ward family for more than 70 years. After serving us a sumptuous buffet bar of fresh oysters and other seafood, Tommy will teach us how to read the waters, tong for oysters, and shuck the delicious bivalves. Then we’ll head back to town for a little R&R. 
 
We’ll begin the evening with a discussion of the environmental issues facing the river and estuary and then walk to dinner at the Owl Café, a local favorite.  After dinner we will visit the historic Dixie Theatre for an evening of music and stories that capture the spirit of the area with Florida folk musician Bob Patterson.

Sunday, October 31
This morning maritime anthropologist Michael Jepson, along with local residents and city officials will lead us in a reflective discussion to consider the environmental, economic, and cultural past and future of Apalachicola. We will examine such questions as: How does a town that has traditionally made its living from the sea transition into the new economic realities of the 21st century? In a time when tourism dominates and water wars, fuel costs, and environmental degradation threaten the very existence of a seafood industry, how will Apalachicola maintain its identity and preserve the sense of community that lures tourists in the first place?

Lodging
Participants must reserve and pay for their own accommodations.

There are several options for lodging in Apalachicola.  We suggest that you make your lodging reservations at the same time as your register for the Gathering. FHC does not recommend lodging establishments and there are several options in the area.

The Gibson Inn, a tin-roofed Victorian Inn with a wrap-around porch, is our un-official headquarters for the Gathering weekend.  Rates range from $104.00 for a room with two twin beds, to $234 for a King Suite.  Gibson Inn - (850) 653-2191 or www.gibsoninn.com.  A more extensive list of accommodations is available upon request.

Fee Schedule
All registration fees support the public programs and services of the Florida Humanities Council.

Pre-Gathering
Pre-Gathering activities are optional add-ons to the Gathering weekend.
River boat tour and visit to Fort Gadsden. Friday, October 29: $60

The Gathering
Fee includes Friday-evening reception and dinner, Saturday lunch and dinner, Sunday farewell breakfast; and all scholars, guides, and presenters. 
 
$400/person Current Florida Humanities Council members
$450/person Non-members (Fee includes one-year Florida Humanities Council Membership)

Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be received in writing (by e-mail, fax, or mail.) Cancellations received prior to September 1 will be subject to a $50 processing fee. Cancellations received between September 1 and October 1 are subject to a cancellation fee of 25% of total registration costs. No refunds will be given after October 1, 2010.

Registration
Space in The Gathering and the Pre-Gathering is limited. Registrations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Please click here to register.

Contact Information
For further information please contact Laurie Berlin at lberlin@flahum.org or at 727-873-2006.