September 17 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Journey through time during our History Talks program series! History Talks delves into the layered histories of Miami and greater South Florida. Hosted by HistoryMiami Museum’s Resident Historian, Dr. Paul S. George, and presented in conversation with a community stakeholder, this lecture series will explore the history of some of Miami’s boom era communities—Miami Shores, Coral Gables, Opa-locka, and Hialeah.
A History of Opa-locka with Dr. George in Conversation with Alex Van Mecl
Known for its iconic Moorish Revival architecture, the development of Opa-locka is said to have been inspired by The Arabian Nights. Reflect upon the history of this city as you explore one of the three Greater Miami communities conceptualized by aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss and cattleman James H. Bright.
Dr. George will be joined in conversation by community member and founder of the Opa-locka Preservation Association, Alex Van Mecl, who will discuss the work he has led in this community, including the Opa-locka Heritage Trail and the new Opa-locka History Museum.
Capacity is limited. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Members: $20, Non-Members: $30
Register Register for Full SeriesFeatured Speakers:
Alex Van Mecl
Alex Van Mecl is a senior project manager and passionate citizen preservationist born and raised in Fort Myers, Florida. He served the City of Opa-locka as vice chair of the Historic Environmental Preservation Board and is the creator of the Opa-locka Preservation Association, a.k.a. Discover Opa-locka (www.discoveropalocka.org). He is a member of the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, the Dade Heritage Trust, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions, and the Miami Springs Historical Society. Formerly, he lived in Los Angeles, California where he worked in the entertainment industry in various capacities, including as a network publicist at HBO/HBO Max. He lives with his husband and two dogs in a historic home in Opa-locka.
Paul S. George, Ph.D.
Resident Historian
For over three decades, HistoryMiami Museum’s Resident Historian Dr. Paul S. George has toured his way to local, national, and international acclaim with his continuing series of historic tours. Through walking, coach, and boat tour experiences, Dr. George has welcomed tour participants on a memorable journey of South Florida through its historic neighborhoods, landmarks, and sites. As a Miami native, author, and former college professor, Dr. George has gained fame for his uncanny ability to recall the most impressive details about the people and places that make South Florida so unique.
Additional Information
Please see below for additional information regarding the program. For further assistance, please contact Visitor Services at (305) 375-1492 or email programs@historymiami.org.
Photo Credit: Opa-locka Railroad Station, 1926. Miami News Collection, HistoryMiami Museum, 1989-011-11964.
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To request materials in accessible format, sign language interpreters, and/or any disability accommodation, please contact Darianne Hernandez, Visitor Services Manager, at accessibility@historymiami.org or call (305) 375-1651 at least two weeks in advance of your visit to initiate your request. TTY users may also call 711 (Florida Relay Service.)
Release
By entering the premises, you consent to interview(s), photography, audio recording, video recording and its/their release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction to be used for news, web casts, promotional purposes, telecasts, advertising, inclusion on web sites, or any other purpose by HistoryMiami Museum (HMM) and its affiliates and representatives. You release HistoryMiami Museum (HMM) its officers and employees, and each and all persons involved from any liability connected with the taking, recording, digitizing, or publication of interviews, photographs, computer images, video and/or or sound recordings. By entering the premises, you waive all rights you may have to any claims for payment or royalties in connection with any exhibition, streaming, webcasting, televising, or other publication of these materials, regardless of the purpose or sponsoring of such exhibiting, broadcasting, webcasting, or other publication irrespective of whether a fee for admission or sponsorship is charged. You also waive any right to inspect or approve any photo, video, or audio recording taken by HistoryMiami Museum (HMM) or the person or entity designated to do so by HistoryMiami Museum (HMM) You have been fully informed of your consent, waiver of liability, and release before entering the premise.
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Release
By entering the premises, you consent to interview(s), photography, audio recording, video recording and its/their release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction to be used for news, web casts, promotional purposes, telecasts, advertising, inclusion on web sites, or any other purpose by HistoryMiami Museum (HMM) and its affiliates and representatives. You release HistoryMiami Museum (HMM) its officers and employees, and each and all persons involved from any liability connected with the taking, recording, digitizing, or publication of interviews, photographs, computer images, video and/or or sound recordings. By entering the premises, you waive all rights you may have to any claims for payment or royalties in connection with any exhibition, streaming, webcasting, televising, or other publication of these materials, regardless of the purpose or sponsoring of such exhibiting, broadcasting, webcasting, or other publication irrespective of whether a fee for admission or sponsorship is charged. You also waive any right to inspect or approve any photo, video, or audio recording taken by HistoryMiami Museum (HMM) or the person or entity designated to do so by HistoryMiami Museum (HMM) You have been fully informed of your consent, waiver of liability, and release before entering the premise.