Thursday, August 15, 2024, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Travel back to the Gilded Age and join author Rick Kilby as he explores the Victorian-era resorts at Florida’s springs where America’s elite ventured to “take the waters.” The rapid growth in tourism infrastructure that began during the late 1800s lasted well into the 20th century, as these now-lost resorts helped boost the economy of modern Florida. Through a wealth of fascinating images, Kilby will show how Florida’s natural wonders were developed and promoted as restorative destinations for an emerging upper class in search of better health and exotic experiences in a wild paradise.

About the Speaker
Orlando-based writer and graphic designer Rick Kilby is the author of Florida’s Healing Waters: Gilded Age Mineral Springs, Seaside Resorts, and Health Spas (University Press of Florida, 2020), which received the silver medal for Florida nonfiction from the Florida Book Awards and the Florida Historical Society’s Stetson Kennedy Award. His first book, Finding the Fountain of Youth: Ponce de León and Florida’s Magical Waters  (University Press of Florida, 2013), won a Florida Book Award in the Visual Arts category.

This talk is free as part of Third Thursday.