CF Stearns Speaker Series to Explore Florida’s Role in the American Revolution

Renowned historian David Head will present on Florida’s often-overlooked role in the War of Independence at the College of Central Florida Stearns Speaker Series on Monday, Oct. 19.

“Britain’s Loyal Colonies Lost: The American Revolution in Florida” will be held from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at the Stearns Learning Resources Center on the Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road. This free event is open to community members.

Head’s lecture will examine the conflict and the role Florida played during the American Revolution. While 13 of Britain’s American colonies declared independence in 1776, East and West Florida remained loyal to King George III. The colonies soon became caught between American and Spanish forces as the war spread into the region.

Head is a senior lecturer of history at the University of Central Florida. A native of Western New York, he earned his Ph.D. in history from the University of Buffalo and has published five books, including “A Crisis of Peace: George Washington, the Newburgh Conspiracy, and the Fate of the American Revolution,” a finalist for the 2020 George Washington Book Prize.

His most recent book, “A Republic of Scoundrels: The Schemers, Intriguers, and Adventurers Who Created a New American Nation,” explores the people and intrigue surrounding the creation of the United States. Head also writes regularly for public audiences on topics ranging from the Golden Age of Piracy in Florida to George Washington’s love advice.

“The annual speaker series brings distinguished Americans to the CF Ocala Campus, providing an opportunity for both the college community and citizens from Marion County and the surrounding areas to learn from and meet these individuals,” said Cliff Stearns, who established the Friends of Cliff Stearns Endowed Chair through a gift to the CF Foundation in December 2020. The series aims to bring national and regional speakers on history, political science and technology to CF to benefit both students and the community.

Registration is encouraged at CF.edu/Stearns.