State Library of FL

#HBD to the late Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. Born in 1875, the educator, philanthropist, and civil rights activist who started @bethunecookman would be 151 today! @FLMemory

For #ThrowbackThursday let’s reminisce about Florida’s beautiful beaches with these postcards from years past: 1939, 1957,1966, and 1974.

#OTD in 1835, William D. Bloxham was born. He was the state’s 13th and 17th governor. Bloxham faced the state’s economic woes both times as governor and managed to bring the state back from the brink of bankruptcy. @FLMemory

Hear Secretary of State @CordByrd read the Declaration of Independence tonight at 6 p.m. (EST) as part of 'Sharing the Spirit of America.' More here: dos.fl.gov/communications… #SharingtheSpiritofAmerica

#OTD in 1951, the first State Librarian and noted historian William Thomas Cash died. From 1927 unto his death, he expanded the library's collection from 1500 to 30000 volumes. Cash had also been a teacher, superintendent, state representative and a senator. @FLMemory

This #TourismTueday we’re heading to Green Cove Springs in Clay County. The city’s named after a hydrological spring adjacent to the St. Johns River. The river course curves here, and the area is sheltered by trees that are perennially green. @FLMemory

For our first #MapMonday of July, here’s a general map of the southern British colonies in America: North and South Carolina, Georgia, East and West Florida. The map was created by Bernard Romans around 1776. @FLMemory

#FYI Happy Monday! Today we’re still closed but we’ll be open starting tomorrow from 9am to 4:30pm. Stop by and see us and sign up for a library card!

#OTD in 1872 Calvin Coolidge the 30 president was born. Known for his taciturn personality and dry sense of humor that earned him the nickname "Silent Cal". Prior to becoming president, Coolidge also held the positions of Vice President, Governor, Lit. Governor & Mayor @FLMemory

As the holiday continues, check these four #BooksAbout the American Revolution from our collection. View them below and visit us to check them out.

Happy Independence America! Today is our country’s 250th birthday. Let’s celebrate with these past celebrations from around the state. @FLMemory @America250FL

#OTD in 1971, Doors frontman Jim Morrison dies in Paris. Born in Melbourne in 1943, the legendary singer attended classes at St. Petersburg Junior College and later Florida State University. #DYK that he appeared in a student recruitment film? Watch: youtu.be/7u5P0fyWLyc?si…

#FYI Happy Friday! Just a reminder the State Library is closed today through Monday the 6th for Independence Day. We’ll reopen on Tuesday July 7th and our hours are 9am to 4:30pm. Have a wonderful holiday weekend and stay safe! @FLMemory

On #ThrowbackThursday, we’re revisiting old Florida buildings. These places have stood the test of time. Dating back from the 12th century up to the 1700s, these are located in Miami Beach, St. Augustine, and Jacksonville. @FLMemory

For our first #BooksAbout... in which we showcase books from the library’s collection, here are four books about the sunshine state. View them below and visit us to check them out.

#DYK one of the ways the State Library makes Florida’s history and heritage accessible is by digitizing materials. We have our own collection on the Internet Archive platform which can be viewed here: archive.org/details/statel…

Secretary of State @CordByrd joined @GovRonDeSantis and @VISITFLORIDA President & CEO @BryanDGriffin to unveil a statue of Abraham Lincoln in the Villages as part of @America250FL. Secretary Byrd said, “It’s been an honor to travel the state, to unveil these statues, to remind us, how privileged and blessed we are, to live in the greatest, freest country in the world.” For more information about America250FL, visit america250fl.com

On #ToursimTuesday, we visit the “Sponge Capital of the World” Tarpon Springs. The city became a global sponge-harvesting hub thanks to Greek divers and now has one of the largest Greek American communities in the U.S. Enjoy the unique maritime and cultural heritage. @FLMemory

How well do you know your Florida history? You can find out with The Florida Memory Timeline Challenge – a brand-new interactive feature from Florida Memory! As we celebrate America250FL, @FLMemory and the State Archives of Florida invite you to test your knowledge of American Revolution History by sorting a series of cards featuring historical events, figures and documents in their correct chronological order. Of course, Florida has been writing its own unique chapter in American History long before 1776, and the Florida Memory Timeline Challenge covers all of Florida’s history, from its earliest inhabitants all the way through the 21st century. The challenge features over 200 events across numerous categories. Florida Memory Timeline Challenge: floridamemory.com/learn/classroo…

This photograph was taken on July 4, 1960, after The Atlantic Coast Line Railroad moved its headquarters to Jacksonville, making the city a major transportation hub in the Southeast. Today, Jacksonville is known as America’s Logistics Center with infrastructure including rail, air, and maritime. Discover more historic sites in and near Jacksonville at: america250fl.com/historic-and-h…. Photo credit: Atlantic Coast Line Railroad building - Jacksonville, Florida. 1960 (circa). State Archives of Florida, @FLMemory.