The Ringling Collaborates with Newtown Alive for a 3-Part Series of Programs
Sarasota, Florida- The John and Mable Ringling Museum and Newtown Alive are the hosts of a 3-part fall series of programs. This week, “Collecting Recollections” featured a live onstage interview with the 1960 Miss Booker High School.
An audience gathered at the historic Asolo Theater listened as Mrs. Odessa Butler described participating in a lunch counter sit-in at Liggett’s located in downtown Sarasota, the car caravans to Integrate Lido Beach, the weekend card parties in her family’s home and the neighborly village of Carver Courts where she grew up.
“The recount of past events in Mrs. Butler’s life were riveting, and powerful. She was charming, funny and captivating,” said interviewer Vickie Oldham, founder of Newtown Alive.
Museum staff videotaped the presentation and will soon make it available to the public.
The program was designed to capture the personal memories of individuals who have a connection to Sarasota and our community.
“Oral histories provide a platform on which all members of the community can feel more connected to local history,” said Laura Steefel-Moore, The Ringling’s Head of Education. “We are documenting important stories to pass down to generations of Sarasota residents,” she added.
The next program at 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 12 will highlight the the life and work of Sheila Sanders. At an early age, the Sarasota resident was dedicated to community service. The Booker Elementary School third-grader organized a boycott of Sarasota Federal Bank. As a teenager, she was a proactive NAACP member.
by The Ringling by The Ringling by The Ringling by The Ringling by The Ringling by The Ringling by The Ringling by The Ringling by The Ringling
Sheila Atkins will share her story Nov. 26. Ms. Atkins was born in Manatee County in 1952, but grew up in Newtown. Her mother Delma Hammond was a cook in the Caples Mansion where the little girl scampered when allowed. Her father, John Hammond was a butler. The Hammond family lived in the carriage house on the museum’s grounds situated along Sarasota Bay. Atkins attended high school during integration and has lived in Sarasota for over six decades. She and her husband, former Sarasota Mayor Fredd Atkins, are active members of the community.
More information and tickets are available at ringling.org or by calling 941-360-7399. The programs will take place in the Historic Asolo Theater and tickets are only $5. Museum members may attend at no charge.
