Janie Gould explores local history in free event at Emerson Center

VERO BEACH — Relying on a collection of 300 recorded interviews of Floridians speaking from their first-hand experiences, veteran radio journalist Janie Gould will stage a free program entitled “Global Events That Touched Florida: Great Depression Through the Cold War” at Vero Beach’s Emerson Center on Thursday, March 29, at 7 p.m.

With interview segments harvested from archived tapes of “Floridays,” Gould’s popular radio series that enjoyed a nine-year run on public radio station WQCS-FM, this special event will explore a wide range of topics, including the history of U-boat attacks, German POWs, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and much more.

“In ‘Floridays,'” Gould recalls, “I set out to find nuggets of Treasure Coast history told by the people who actually lived it. Along the way, I discovered the heritage, the hearts, and the humor of these people, our neighbors. It was my privilege to have met each of them and it remains my responsibility to help keep their stories alive.”

While Gould’s radio series concluded with her retirement five years ago, she remains active today. She has authored three books and joined the speakers’ roster for the Florida Humanities Council, allowing her to travel the state appearing before groups. Currently, she is a contributing editor for Indian River Magazine.

A former board Member of Vero Heritage which operates the Heritage Center in downtown Vero Beach, Gould is a fourth generation Florida native. After graduation from the University of Florida with a journalism degree, she started her career with the Palm Beach Post and later became editor of her alma mater’s alumni magazine. Next, she served the Ft. Pierce Tribune before moving into broadcast journalism.

Gould’s March 29th program begins at 7 p.m. and admission is free, although a goodwill offering is solicited. This event is the final program of 2017-18 Florida Humanities Series season. Plans are already underway to offer another season of these programs relating to Florida history, people, and culture.

This series is sponsored by the Florida Humanities Council (www.FloridaHumanities.org) with funds from the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs. Marine Bank and Trust Company provides additional funding.

Free admission is available on a first-come first-served basis. The Emerson Center is handicap accessible and is conveniently located at 1590 27th Avenue, on the SE corner of 16th Street and 27th Avenue in Vero Beach. For more information, contact the Emerson box office at 772-778-5249.