Maria Velasquez discusses the women of the Spanish Main at De Soto National Memorial.
Stores written and performed by Elizabeth Neily
Maria Velásquez – Conquistadora
Kit Watkins -“One of the Boys”
Memaw Trouble – Gator Tales of Old Florida
Charlotte Fontaine Philippe – Countess of Citrus
Because women are often overlooked in most mainstream approaches to history, we are passionate about writing them back into our State’s history. We celebrate their diverse and historic accomplishments by telling their stories through first-person presentations.
Recognizing the achievements of women in all periods of Florida history has a huge impact on the development of self-respect and new opportunities for girls and young women.
With an emphasis on positive role models and the importance of women from all backgrounds, First Florida Frontiers’ goal is to foster an understanding of the critical link between knowing about historical women and making a positive difference in today’s world. To that end we have prepared stories of women who each in their own ways help us understand women’s roles in the making of our communities and our State. We are also preparing lesson plans which teachers and students can use in the classroom to delve more deeply into these women’s lives.