CLEARWATER - Chapel-By-The Sea's "Non-Trivial Pursuits" winter/spring adult education series will continue on Monday, February 26, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m., with "William Bartram: Puc Puggy's Travels in Florida." In 1775, while the first acts of revolution were taking place in the north, naturalist William Bartram set out to the British colony of Florida. After a four-year exploration of Florida, the Carolinas, and Georgia, Bartram published an account of his adventures. Though initially ridiculed as little more than a collection of tall tales wrapped in an overly romantic writing style, Bartram's Travels is now considered a classic, praised for its vivid descriptions of Native American culture and of a land largely untouched by European hands. The Seminole Indians called him "Puc Puggy," meaning "Flower Hunter." You may have heard his book mentioned numerous times in the movie Cold Mountain.
This presentation, made possible by the Florida Humanities Council, is delivered by actor/playwright J.D. Sutton as he brings William Bartram to life, sharing tales of his adventures - his encounters with Seminoles and battles with alligators - and his awe at the beauty of Florida. Sutton was the impressive presenter of Chapel-By-The-Sea's "Thomas Jefferson" program two years ago.
Chapel-By-The-Sea Community Church is located at 54 Bay Esplanade on Clearwater Beach. There is no charge for the program. Please call 446-0430 to make reservations or for further information.