Pigeon Key Foundation to host Seth Bramson
Nearly 100 years ago, Henry Flagler’s dream of linking the island of Key West to mainland Florida was realized when the first Florida East Coast Railway passenger train thundered into the southernmost city.
To commemorate the historic engineering marvel, the Pigeon Key Foundation will host celebrated historian, professor, and author Seth Bramson for a one night, limited seating engagement at the Marathon Community Theater (MM 48.5) on October 22, 2011 at 8 pm.
Bramson is an Adjunct Professor of History at Florida International University and Barry University in Miami Shores where he is also the institution’s Historian-in-Residence.
His upcoming Florida Keys presentation is titled, “The Florida East Coast Railway: For More Than 110 Years America’s Speedway to Sunshine.”
“This is the primer, History 101,” Bramson said. “It starts with Flagler’s birth in 1830 and concludes with the current operation of the most exciting railroad in America – the Florida East Coast Railway.”
A resident of South Florida for over 60 years, Bramson’s collection of Miami memorabilia and Floridiana is considered the largest private collection in America. He is also one of only two Company Historians for the Florida East Coast Railway and curator of the FEC’s museum archives.
His research has uncovered many “misstatements,” used by previous historians and authors including the US Government’s role in delayed response to the Labor Day Hurricane. The new book also discovers new characters such as Frank Rogers – the Chief Steward of the Overseas project who was responsible for the purchase and delivery of all the supplies and equipment.
Seating is limited and available by calling the Marathon Community Theater at (305) 743-0994.
The Foundation will host a Meet & Greet Cocktail Reception at Porky’s Bayside from 5 – 7 pm on Friday October 21. Meet the professor and enjoy appetizers courtesy of Porky’s.
