FHS Press
The Florida Historical Society Press preserves Florida’s past through the publication of books on a wide variety of topics relating to our state’s diverse history and culture.
FHS Public History Forum
THE FLORIDA HISTORICAL SOCIETY PUBLIC HISTORY FORUM is held each May in a different location from Pensacola to Key West, and many places in between.
The FHS Public History Forum features:
- Panel discussions and presentations from invited professional historians, scholars in related disciplines, historic preservationists, community historians and accomplished history enthusiasts, authors, educators, and students of all ages including Florida History Day participants
- Tours of local historic sites, museums, and archives
- The Annual FHS Awards Luncheon
- A Banquet dinner featuring the Jillian Prescott Memorial Lecturer
Awards
Note, information listed on this page is subject to change. Contact the Society for clarification.
PLEASE NOTE:
ALL SUBMISSIONS SHOULD BE SENT TO:
FLORIDA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
ATT: (AWARD NAME)
435 BREVARD AVE.,
COCOA, FL 32922
SUBMISSION DEADLINE FOR ALL 2023 AWARDS IS MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2024
FLORIDA HISTORICAL SOCIETY AWARDS
The Florida Historical Society has an extensive honors program recognizing significant contributions to knowledge of our state. Many awards are endowed by generous donors and carry stipends. Awards are presented at a dinner or luncheon during the Florida Historical Society's Public History Forum each spring. The winner of each award (or a representative) must attend the presentation to receive a stipend, which is intended to defer cost of attending.
Please review each of the award categories carefully, as some submission guidelines have changed,
and new categories have been added.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Award categories and entry requirements are outlined below. All entries become the property of the Florida Historical Society and will not be returned.
Entries are evaluated by independent panels of judges appointed by the Society. Judges will carefully consider each entry based on factors including (but not limited to) quality of scholarship, factual accuracy, clarity of expression, original thinking, significance of topic and overall contribution to knowledge of Florida history. The judges' decisions are final.
Send all entries to the Florida Historical Society, 435 Brevard Avenue, Cocoa, FL 32922. Entrants are advised to adhere strictly to deadlines for each award category. The term "submit by..." means entries (or nominations) must be RECEIVED at the Florida Historical Society office by 5 p.m. on the date specified. Entries received later will not be considered. Entries must be clearly marked as to award category.
AWARD CATEGORIES
CHARLTON TEBEAU AWARD:
Named in honor of the late Charlton W. Tebeau, longtime University of Miami history professor and author of the acclaimed book "A History of Florida" among other important works. This category is open to authors or presses for a general-interest book on a Florida history topic published during the calendar year Jan. 1-Dec. 31 preceding the award. Co-authors also are considered. Submit six (6) copies. The winner receives a $200 stipend.
REMBERT PATRICK AWARD:
Named in honor of the late Rembert W. Patrick, longtime University of Florida history professor and author of the acclaimed book "Florida Under Five Flags" and other important works. This category is open to authors or presses for a scholarly book on a Florida history topic published during the calendar year Jan.1-Dec. 31 preceding the award. Co-authors also are considered. Submit six (6) copies. The winner receives a $200 stipend.
PATRICK D. SMITH AWARD:
Named in honor of author Patrick D. Smith, whose novel "A Land Remembered" and other Florida-related books have stimulated greater interest in the literature of our state. This category is open to authors and presses for a book of fiction on a Florida history topic published during the calendar year Jan.1-Dec. 31 preceding the award. Submit six (6) copies. The winner receives a $200 stipend.
HARRY T. AND HARRIETTE V. MOORE AWARD:
Named in honor of the late Harry and Harriette Moore,who were murdered in 1951 because of their civil rights and voter registration efforts throughout Florida. This category recognizes an outstanding book or monograph relating to Florida's ethnic groups, or dealing with a significant social issue from a historical perspective, published during the calendar year Jan. 1-Dec. 31 preceding the award. Submit six (6) copies of the nominated work. The winner receives a $200 stipend.
STETSON KENNEDY AWARD:
Dr. William R. Jones, Chair of Black Studies at FSU, has said, "Stetson Kennedy may well go down as our first investigative historian." A native of Jacksonville, (1916--2011), Stetson authored such works as Palmetto Country, Southern Exposure, The Klan Unmasked, Jim Crow Guide, After Appomattox, and We Charge Genocide. The foundation which bears his name and seeks to carry forward his legacy is sponsoring this award. This category is open to authors or presses for books which cast light on historic Florida events in a manner which is supportive of human rights, traditional cultures, or the natural environment published during the calendar year Jan. 1-Dec. 31 preceding the award. Preference will be given to "exposes" based upon investigative and primary source research. Co-authors also are considered. Submit six (6) copies. The winner receives a $200 stipend.
JAMES J. HORGAN AWARD:
Named in honor of the late James J. Horgan, longtime history professor at St. Leo College and a former Florida Historical Society board member. This category recognizes an outstanding book, monograph or special publication which promotes study of Florida history and heritage, intended for young readers, published during the calendar year Jan. 1-Dec. 31 preceding the award. Submit six (6) copies. The winner receives a $200 stipend.
SAMUEL PROCTOR AWARD:
Named in honor of the late Samuel Proctor, longtime University of Florida professor who founded an extensive oral history program and was for many years editor of the Florida Historical Quarterly. This award recognizes an outstanding oral history project whose content is substantially about Florida, done during the calendar year Jan. 1-Dec. 31 preceding the award. Interviews should meet the ethical guidelines and professional standards of the national Oral History Association. The project should have lasting value in fostering knowledge of Florida. The oral history interviews must be transcribed, with appropriate release forms. Entries can be in the form of a book or published article relying primary on oral history methods; an audio, video or multimedia presentation; a paper given at a conference; or the organization of a conference centered around oral history. Submit four (4) copies of the nominated project. The winner receives a $200 stipend.
ARTHUR W. THOMPSON AWARD:
Named in honor of the late Arthur W. Thompson, longtime University of Florida history professor and former editor of the Florida Historical Quarterly. This award recognizes the most outstanding article appearing in the Florida Historical Quarterly during the preceding publication year. There are no formal nominations for this award. A panel chosen by the editor of the Quarterly will determine the winner. The winner receives a $200 stipend.
HAMPTON DUNN DIGITAL MEDIA AWARD:
This award is named in honor of the late Hampton Dunn, a longtime journalist in newspapers and television, who pioneered efforts to preserve Florida history through photographs. Recognizing outstanding digital media projects expanding knowledge of Florida history. Including but not limited to radio and television programs, podcasts, websites, and other electronic media. Submit six (6) copies of the nominated material on flash drives, or send a link to the material. Include a letter or email explaining the program or project’s purpose, when and where it was broadcast, posted, or archived, and the organization responsible for the materials. The writer, director, producer, designer, or other principal creators should be identified. The winner receives a $200 stipend.
GOV. LeROY COLLINS AWARD:
Named in honor of the late Gov. LeRoy Collins, a distinguished Floridian connected with one of the state's pioneer families, who promoted significant improvements in public education at all levels. This award recognizes the most outstanding thesis or dissertation on Florida history produced by a postgraduate student in a master's or doctoral program at a college or university in the United States. Submit six (6) copies, plus a letter from the directing professor identifying the entrant's name, address and telephone number. Such identifying information must be removed from the entry itself. Entries must be typed, double-spaced and footnoted according to the Turabian Handbook or the Chicago Manual of Style. No other style guide is acceptable. This award carries a $200 stipend;
CAROLINE MAYS BREVARD AWARD:
Named in honor of the late Caroline Mays Brevard, longtime history professor at the Florida State College for Women (now Florida State University) and devoted member of the Florida Historical Society. This award recognizes the most outstanding essay or research paper on Florida history produced by an undergraduate student at a college or university in the United States. Submit six (6) copies, plus a letter from the directing professor identifying the entrant's name, address and telephone number. Such identifying information must be removed from the entry itself. Entries must be typed, double-spaced and footnoted according to the Turabian Handbook or the Chicago Manual of Style. No other style guide is acceptable. The winner receives a $200 stipend.
JOHN H. HANN AWARD:
Named in honor of the late John H. Hann, Florida historican and author of books on native peoples and their interaction with European colonists. The John H. Hann award recognizes new scholarship on the colonial era (pre-contact through 1821) in the fields of history or historical archaeology. The award will be given for articles or book chapters by new scholars. To be eligible for this award, applicants should be students enrolled in a graduate program (masters or Ph.D.) or should have received their graduate degree within three years of the current year. Please note, the award is for articles or chapters already published or in the final stages of publication at the time of submission. Works must be published in an academic and peer-reviewed venue. Unpublished papers, manuscripts, or thesis chapters are not eligible. The subject should be colonial Florida or the colonial southeastern borderlands. All works in these areas are welcome, but preference will be given to research that addresses the dynamic between and among native, Spanish, and African components of Florida history, as exemplified by Hann’s decades of scholarship. Submit six (6) copies. The award carries a $200 stipend.
CAROLINE P. ROSSETTER OUTSTANDING WOMAN IN FLORIDA HISTORY:
Named in honor of the late Caroline P. Rossetter, a very successful Florida businesswoman who took over her father’s Standard Oil Agency in 1921 at the age of 23 and ran it successfully for 62 years. She was a dedicated supporter of the Florida Historical Society. This category is open to women who have given exemplary service (amateur or professional) to the study and promotion of Florida history, and whose service can be documented. Nominations must be made by an individual or organization other than the nominee, and must include a nominating letter, examples of the contributions made by the nominee, plus endorsements by at least three other persons. Nominations will be evaluated by a panel chosen by the Florida Historical Society board of directors. The board may, at its discretion, recognize a person whose activities are so well known as to override the nomination process (nominations in the year the board exercises this prerogative will be carried over to the next year).
DOROTHY DODD OUTSTANDING ARCHIVIST AWARD:
Named in honor of the late Dorothy Dodd, a former Florida State Librarian and longtime supporter of the Florida Historical Society. This category is open to an archivist at a public, private, or university library, or other archival facility, who has given exemplary service (amateur or professional) to the study and promotion of Florida history, and whose service can be documented. Nominations must be made by an individual or organization other than the nominee, and must include a nominating letter, examples of the contributions made by the nominee, plus endorsements by at least three other persons. Nominations will be evaluated by a panel chosen by the Florida Historical Society board of directors. The board may, at its discretion, recognize a person whose activities are so well known as to override the nomination process (nominations in the year the board exercises this prerogative will be carried over to the next year).
MICHAEL V. GANNON LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:
Named in honor of the renowned Florida historian, author, and University of Florida Professor of History, Michael V. Gannon. This category is open to persons who have given more than two decades of service (amateur or professional) to the study and promotion of Florida history, and whose service can be documented. Nominations must be made by an individual or organization other than the nominee, and must include a nominating letter, examples of the contributions made by the nominee, plus endorsements by at least three other persons. Nominations will be evaluated by a panel chosen by the Florida Historical Society board of directors. The board may, at its discretion, recognize a person whose activities are so well known as to override the nomination process (nominations in the year the board exercises this prerogative will be carried over to the next year).
GOLDEN QUILL AWARDS:
These awards, in two sub-categories, recognize outstanding contributions by print media to the understanding of Florida history.
Outstanding Florida History Article -- For a one-time in-depth article or special section focusing on Florida history, or the history of some part of our state, published during the calendar year Jan. 1- Dec. 31 preceding the award. Submit six (6 ) tear-sheets or clearly dated copies.
Outstanding Florida History Series -- For a continuing series of articles (5 or more) focusing on Florida history published during the calendar year Jan. 1-Dec. 31 preceding the award. Submit tear-sheets of all articles, or clearly dated copies.
Entries will be judged on factual accuracy, clarity of expression and overall historical merit. Winners receive a $200 stipend.
DAVID C. BROTEMARKLE AWARD
Named in honor of the late David C. Brotemarkle, teacher at several Florida colleges and universities, patron of and participant in the arts, and supporter of the Florida Historical Society. A retired USAF Lt. Col. and pilot, Brotemarkle was also a successful businessman and family historian. This award recognizes creative expressions of Florida history other than books. This includes, but is not limited to, original songs, theatrical presentations, paintings, photographs, or exhibits relating to Florida history created and made available to the public during the calendar year Jan. 1-Dec. 31 preceding the award. Submit six (6) copies of media appropriate for evaluation (digital images or prints of paintings or photographs, recordings of music or theatrical productions, etc.) and a brief written description of the work. The winner receives a $200 stipend.
JILLIAN PRESCOTT MEMORIAL LECTURESHIP:
This lectureship is endowed by FHS board member Richard Prescott of Fort Myers in honor of his late wife. The lecturer, chosen annually by the Society's officers and executive director, is required to present a 45-60 minute lecture on an agreed-upon historical topic at the Florida Historical Society's annual meeting. The Jillian Prescott lecturer receives a stipend. Individual applications are not accepted. Nominations for this lectureship may be sent to the executive director.
GEORGE LELAND “SPEEDY” HARRELL VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD:
Named in honor of George Leland “Speedy” Harrell, longtime dedicated volunteer of the Florida Historical Society, author of four books on local history, and founder of the Mosquito Beaters. This award recognizes an outstanding volunteer in a local historical society, library, museum or other Florida history-related program or organization. Nominees must be proposed by the governing body of the volunteer's program or organization. The volunteer's record of service should be of such significance that it it easily demonstrated. The organization's presiding officer should submit a letter specifying the number, kind, and range of activities participated in by the volunteer. A photograph, mailing address and telephone number for the volunteer should be included. Submit nominations by the stated deadline. Winners receive a $200 stipend.
MARINUS LATOUR PRESIDENTIAL CITATION:
Named in honor of Marinus Latour, a former president and longtime supporter of the Florida Historical Society. This award recognizes outstanding service promoting or expanding knowledge of Florida history that is not acknowledged by another award category. Nominations are accepted, but this award is given at the discretion of the president of the Florida Historical Society.
2022 FHS Public History Forum
Thanks to all who helped make
The Florida Historical Society 2022 Public History Forum
and
The 33rd Annual Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Society Conference
a huge success!
PDFfile:
2021 FHS PUBLIC HISTORY FORUM (VIRTUAL)
Dates:
Thursday, 20 May 2021 - 12:00am to Saturday, 22 May 2021 - 11:45pm
View our 2021 annual Awards Presentation, and the Panel Discussions
Click Links to view:
With many Distinguished Panelists including: Dr. James M. Denham, Dr. Cher Knight, Dr. Canter Brown, Jr., Dr. Susan Parker, Dr. Julian Chambliss, and Dr. Rick Foglesong
THE FLORIDA HISTORICAL SOCIETY VIRTUAL PUBLIC HISTORY FORUM IS BEING PRESENTED AT NO EXPENSE TO THE PUBLIC AS A COMMUNITY SERVICE. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE THIS KIND OF FREE EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH CONTINUE, PLEASE CONSIDER MAKING A DONATION TO FHS FOR THIS PURPOSE.
THURSDAY, MAY 20, ACCESSIBLE STARTING AT 9:00 AM
SESSION 1: TERRITORIAL FLORIDA IN 1821
Moderator: James Michael Denham
Panelist: James G. Cusick
Panelist: Canter Brown, Jr
Panelist: Susan Parker
Panelist: Jason Herbert
SESSION 2: EMANCIPATION DAY IN FLORIDA
Moderator: Ben Brotemarkle
Panelist: Althemese Barnes
Panelist: Jarvis Rosier
Panelist: Bob Holladay
Panelist: William “Bill” Gary
FRIDAY, MAY 21, ACCESSIBLE STARTING AT 9:00 AM
SESSION 3: FLORIDA LAND BOOM OF THE 1920s
Moderator: Alan Bliss
Panelist: Julian Chambliss
Panelist: Raymond Vickers
Panelist: Gary Mormino
Panelist: Luke Kasbarian
SESSION 4: FIFTY YEARS OF WALT DISNEY WORLD: FLORIDA B.D. (BEFORE DISNEY) AND A.D. (AFTER DISNEY)
Moderator: Ben Brotemarkle
Panelist: Rick Foglesong
Panelist: Cher Knight
Panelist: James C. Clark
Panelist: Francina Boykin
SATURDAY MAY 22, ACCESSIBLE STARTING AT 9:00 AM
SESSION 5: FLORIDA HISTORICAL SOCIETY ANNUAL AWARDS PRESENTATION
SATURDAY MAY 22, ACCESSIBLE STARTING AT 2:00 PM
SESSION 6: PULITZER PRIZE WINNING AUTHOR GILBERT KING
The Jillian Prescott Memorial Lecture, 
GILBERT KING
Pulitzer Prize winning author of the books Devil in the Grove: Thurgood Marshall, the Groveland Boys, and the Dawn of a New America, and Beneath a Ruthless Sun: A True Story of Violence, Race, and Justice Lost and Found. King has also written about race and criminal justice for the New York Times, the Washington Post, and The Atlantic. He attended the University of South Florida and currently lives in Brooklyn, New York. Presented Saturday, May 22, at 2:00 pm
PDFfile:
FHS thanks our Sponsors:
2023 Public History Forum
The 2023 Florida Historical Society Public History Forum
and
The Florida State Genealogical Society Conference
2023 Forum Schedule
|
WEDNESDAY 5/17 |
|
6:00 PM |
FHS Board of Director’s Meeting: (Private event)
|
THURSDAY 5/18 |
|
8:00 am-9:00 am
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Coffee and Conversation
|
9:00 am-9:30 amWelcome! |
Ben Brotemarkle, FHS Executive Director
|
9:30 am-10:15 am
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“The History and Historic Places of Lakeland”
|
10:15 am-10:30 am |
BREAK |
10:30 am-11:30 am
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“The El Destino Papers: A Collaboration Between FHS and FSGS to Preserve and Make Accessible Unique Florida Plantation Documents”Facilitator/Participant:
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11:30 am-11:45 am |
BREAK |
11:45 am-12:45 am
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“Florida Pioneer Descendant, Pat Hines Mitchell in Conversation”Facilitator:
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12:45 pm-1:00 pm |
BREAK |
1:00 pm-2:15 pm
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FHS/FSGS Awards Luncheon |
2:15 pm-2:30 pm |
BREAK |
2:30 pm-4:30 pm
|
Board motorcoach at SpringHill Suites entrance for our afternoon & evening tours.Walking Tour of Historic Frank Lloyd Wright buildings at Florida Southern College |
4:30 pm-6:00 pm
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Tour of the Lakeland History and Culture Center |
6:00 pm-7:30 pm
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Polk Museum of Art Tour and Reception
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8:00 pm-9:00 pm
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“Songs of the Sunshine State”Performed live by
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9:30 pm |
Return to SpringHill Suites |
FRIDAY 5/19 |
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8:00 am-9:00 am
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FHS Book Store open until 2:00pm
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9:00 am-10:00 amPresentation |
“The Intersection of History and Genealogy”
|
10:00 am-10:15 am |
BREAK |
10:15 am-11:15 amPanel Discussion |
“Archival Preservation Best Practices: From Fixing Well-Intentioned Mistakes to Digital Scans and Beyond”
|
11:15 am-11:30 am |
BREAK |
11:30 am-1:00 pmPanel Discussion |
“Cutting Edge Genealogy and Historical Research: DNA Testing and New Technologies”
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1:00 pm |
Lunch on your own |
2:30 pm-5:30 pm
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Bus leaves from SpringHill Suites entrance for the
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6:00 pm-7:00 pm
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Pre-Banquet Reception
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7:00 pm-9:00 pm
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Banquet Dinner
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SATURDAY 5/20 |
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8:00 am-9:00 am
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FHS Book Store open until 1:00pm
|
9:00 am-9:15 am
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Recognition of Emancipation Day in Florida
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9:15 am-10:15 am
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Florida History Day Student Showcase
|
10:15 am-10:30 am |
BREAK |
10:30 am-11:30 amPanel Discussion |
“Modern Florida History: Music, Mayhem, and the New Millennium”
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11:30 am-11:45 am |
BREAK |
11:45 am-12:45 pm
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“No Longer Unknown: Recovering Lost Identities in St. Augustine National Cemetery”
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12:45 pm-1:00 pm |
BREAK |
1:00 PM-2:00 PM
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Sarah D. and L. Kirk McKay, Jr. Archives Tour (arrive on your own)
|
|
***Schedule is subject to change***
Vendors and Exhibitors include:
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PDFfile:
2023 Public History Forum Hotel
Conference Hotel
511 West Lime Street, Lakeland, FL 33815
1-888-236-2427
Our hotel, Springhill Suites, is near capacity, and our $139 room block is full.
Current rates start at $211/night and can be booked directly with the hotel.
Other hotels in the area:
About the hotel:
Welcome to the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Lakeland FL hotel, located near Lakeland Airport, Bryant Stadium, Florida Southern College and Southeastern University in Lakeland Florida. Enjoy spacious suites that are designed to blend how guests work and relax. Once your day is complete, enjoy a craft cocktail or local beer in our full-service bar featuring an evening menu with innovative food offerings. Stylish surroundings and enhanced offerings will leave you feeling uplifted and at ease when you travel to our downtown Lakeland hotel.
Hotel Amenities:
- All-Suite Hotel
- Free WiFi
- Free Parking
- Outdoor Pool
- Fitness Center
- Restaurant on Site
Registration Public History Forum
Online registration has closed.
For late registration, please contact:
Chris Brotemarkle 321-690-1971 x205
membership@myfloridahistory.org
Please be sure to include your name, email and phone number where we can contact you.
Thanks!
2024 Public History Forum
Registration is open!
Join us in Tallahassee for three days of:
*fascinating presentations*
*tours of archives, museums and historic sites*
*annual awards luncheon, receptions and banquet with keynote speaker*
