Galactic Encounter Day
Saturday, September 14- Sunday, September 15
Stormtroopers reclaim the History Center for the Empire! See the 501st Legion: Vader’s Fist march through Heritage Square on Saturday and then watch a Droid parade in Heritage Square on Sunday. Blast a stormtrooper; relax in the pilots’ lounge; and enjoy “Blue Milk,” “Wookie Cookies,” “Yoda Juice,” and “Bantha Brownies.” See Han Solo frozen in Carbonite, meet Darth Vader, and explore a Tusken Raider village. Don’t miss a photo opportunity with some of your favorite Star Wars characters. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. both days. Stormtroopers will march at 11 a.m. on Saturday and the Droid parade will be at noon on Sunday. Visit thehistorycenter.org for updates on special guest appearances! Regular admission prices for one day. Special two day price: $18 for adults; $14 for children ages 5-12, seniors, students, and military with ID. Free for Members and children ages 4 and under.
Lunch & Learn with De Soto National Memorial
A Quest for Riches and Glory: Hernando De Soto’s Legacy
Thursday, September 19, 2013
In May of 1539 Hernando De Soto landed on the west coast of “La Florida,” declaring himself governor of this relatively unexplored land. Learn about his transportation of the first herd of pigs to the new world, his search for gold, his interactions with the Native Americans, and his crossing of the Mississippi River, making him the first European to do so. De Soto National Memorial park in Bradenton, Fla., commemorates De Soto’s exploration of Florida. Noon-1 p.m. Free. Lunches available for pre-order from Jason’s Deli for $6 per person. Space is limited. Call (407) 836-7010 for reservations.
Retro Game Night—Halloween Horror Nights® Edition!
Friday, September 20
In celebration of the Halloween Horror Nights season in our A Year in the Life: Backstage to Onstage at Universal Orlando Resort exhibition, dress up as your favorite classic monster! Play Parcheesi, Pictionary, Chinese Checkers, Clue, Battleship, Candy Land, Mystery Date, Scrabble, Twister, video games, and back by popular demand, two Giant Jengas! Enjoy $2 hot dogs and pizza, free nostalgic treats, and the cash bar. 7 p.m.–midnight. Members free, non-members $5 cash at door. Ages 18 and up.
The Longest Ninety Miles: Cuban Migrations to South Florida since 1959
with Luis Martínez-Fernández, Ph.D.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Learn about the trauma of Cuban exile and the process of Cuban emigration to South Florida as Luis Martínez-Fernández explores the different migratory waves that have occurred since 1959. In a multi-media presentation, Dr. Martinez-Fernandez traces the history of Cuban emigration, attempts by exiles to re-create a Cuban community in Florida, the development of Cuban-American politics, and the evolution of the relationships among groups of Cuban exiles in the United States. Dr. Martínez-Fernández will also be showing Luis Salas’s documentary, “Lejos de la Isla”, which traces the trajectory of the Cuban exile experience. Born in Havana, Cuba, Dr. Martínez-Fernández grew up in Lima, Peru, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. A graduate of the University of Puerto Rico, he received his Ph.D. from Duke University. Currently a history professor at the University of Central Florida, he has written four books and often serves as an expert in the media on topics pertaining to Hispanic/Latino history and culture. 7-8:30 p.m. Members $10; non-members $20. Call (407) 836-7010 for reservations.
