After graduating from Wilbur H. Lynch High School in 1961, Robert received a B.A. degree in History from Union College, a M.A. in American Studies from Union, and a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Social Science from Syracuse University. Dr. Snyder taught American Studies for 38 years in the State of Florida University System, specializing in Popular Culture, Film, and the American South and won several awards for excellence in teaching. Dr. Snyder was the author of Cotton Crisis, and Pioneer Commercial Photography: The Burgert Brothers of Tampa, Florida. Pioneer Commercial Photography, was the recipient of the Charlton W. Tebeau and D. B. McKay Awards, and a certificate of commendation from the Association of State and Local History. Dr. Snyder was a prolific scholar with many articles in state and local publications and was awarded the Willie D. Halsell Award from the Mississippi Historical Society. He worked as a Humanities consultant for the Ken Burns documentary film "Huey Long," which was nominated for an Academy Award. Dr. Snyder was an active member of the Florida Historical Society and served on the Board of Directors (1999-2018), and was elected President (2009-2012), before retiring in 2018

Snyder, Robert E., Ph.D., passed away peacefully at home on April 26, 2019, in Lutz, Florida after a valiant battle with cancer.