Since 2008, Ben has been employed as the executive director of the Florida Historical Society (FHS), the oldest existing cultural organization in the state. “This position allows me to do all of the things I love most while promoting the history and culture of Florida.” Ben also appreciates that his work provides many travel opportunities throughout the state, expanding his participation in various cultural events. “My entire career has been focused on community service work for not-for-profit organizations and educational institutions,” he explained.

At FHS, Ben serves as the producer and host of “Florida Frontiers: The Weekly Radio Magazine of the Florida Historical Society” and the public television series “Florida Frontiers.” Both are broadcast on National Public Radio (NPR) and Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) affiliates throughout the state. Additionally, Ben has produced plays for FHS, including “Ponce de Leon Landed HERE!!” and “Female Florida: Historic Women in Their Own Words.” He has also written five books on the history and culture of Florida and edited many others for the FHS Press.

Prior to joining FHS, Ben worked in the field of public broadcasting in Orlando for 13 years and spent much of that time as the creator, producer and host of the weekly radio magazine “The Arts Connection,” featured on NPR. For eight years, he was also a full-time professor of humanities at Brevard Community College (now Eastern Florida State College), where he served as the department chair, and was named the Barnes and Noble College Booksellers Endowed Faculty Chair of Academic Excellence and Distinguished Educator.

Brotemarkle has a Ph.D. in Humanities and History from the Union Institute and University, a Master of Liberal Studies degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities from Rollins College, and an Associate degree in Voice Performance from the Florida School of the Arts.  

He lives in Titusville with his wife Christina