Purdue Historian Presents: Florida During World War II

FORCES historian Robert Kirchubel presents “Florida During World War II” on Thursday, February 11, when the St. Petersburg (Fla.) Museum of History welcomes Dr. Robert Kirchubel for an informative evening about Florida during World War II.

Known for its warm weather, white sandy beaches and swaying palm trees, Florida long represented rest and relaxation. At least until 1942. After America’s entry into World War II, the U.S. government transformed the tropical oasis into the largest military training ground in the United States. Hotels were converted into military barracks, airports filled with bombers and fighter planes, and beautiful Florida sandy shores were invaded with assault after assault of amphibious military trainees. Kirchubel’s presentation will explore how the Sunshine State was converted from a resort paradise to a key player on the U.S. home front during World War II.

You don’t have to leave the comfort of your home to enjoy this edition of the museum’s monthly “Happy Hour with the Historian.” The event takes place at 6:30 p.m. EST, and will be streamed live online via Zoom and costs $5 to attend, and is free to museum members. For information and registration, visit the event page on the museum’s website or contact Caitlin Grimes,
St. Petersburg Museum of History, 727-894-1052 ext. 205 or caitlin@spmoh.org .