Tamarac residents invited to explore Florida’s past without leaving the city during Historical Society Speaker Series
Tamarac, Florida – Tamarac residents will have a chance this year to travel through Florida’s history without leaving the city, as the Tamarac Historical Society Speaker Series 2026 prepares to bring stories of courage, music, railroads and local legacy to the Tamarac Community Center.
The series begins May 20 at the Tamarac Community Center, located at 8601 W. Commercial Blvd., with a program designed to make the past feel close, colorful and alive.
Instead of presenting history as a list of dates, the lineup will introduce audiences to the people, places and turning points that helped shape Florida’s identity.
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The opening event will feature Carrie Sue Ayvar from 10 a.m. to noon with “Feisty, Fabulous Females of Florida.” Ayvar, an internationally celebrated storyteller and teaching artist, is known for blending education with performance.
Her love of history and storytelling grew from lessons passed down by her grandparents in Florida, and her first-person historical portrayals give audiences a chance to “meet” remarkable women who influenced their communities and the state’s broader history.
The journey continues July 29 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. with Chris Kahl and “A Musical Journey through Florida.” Kahl’s program combines live music with storytelling, using songs to guide listeners through Florida’s past.
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His presentation includes stories tied to Ponce de Leon’s 1513 voyage, Henry Flagler’s development of Florida’s East Coast Railway, the state’s unique ecosystems and other pieces of Florida folklore. The program will also feature original songs from his Florida-themed albums, Orange Blossom Memories and Sunshine Kid.
On September 16, the series will turn toward one of the most important transportation stories in state history. Seth Bramson will present “Henry Flagler and the Greatest Railroad Story Ever Told” from 10 a.m. to noon.
Bramson is described as Miami’s foremost local historian and America’s single most-published Florida history book author, with most of his books focused on South Florida’s Gold Coast. He is also a senior collector of Florida East Coast Railway, Florida transportation, Miami and Floridiana memorabilia.
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With three programs spread across the year, the Tamarac Historical Society Speaker Series offers residents a simple invitation: step into Florida’s past and see it through the voices, songs and stories that continue to echo today. Seats can be reserved by calling (954) 597-3629.
