Storyteller Carrie Sue Ayvar will present “More Than Orange Blossoms: Feisty, Fabulous Females of Florida” on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at 7 p.m. at the Clewiston Museum. [Photo courtesy Clewiston Museum]

CLEWISTON — Storyteller Carrie Sue Ayvar will be in Clewiston to present “More Than Orange Blossoms: Feisty, Fabulous Females of Florida” on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at 7 p.m. at the Clewiston Museum. The program, which is free and open to the public, is being presented in partnership with the Florida Humanities’ Florida Talks program.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, this program will feature women that have not always been in the history books – the women who helped build, form, shape, and develop the state, and have inspired hope and possibility. Stories of strong, courageous women like Julia Tuttle, known as the Mother of Miami, or Mary McLeod Bethune, daughter of enslaved parents who went on to become an advisor to several U.S. presidents, and other brave women who influenced and impacted their communities.

How is it that an Arabic surnamed, Eastern European Jewish girl from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, tells multicultural stories in Spanish and English? Perhaps it is because she is a third generation award-winning storyteller who came of age in Mexico. Blending traditional, international and personal tales, bilingual storyteller Carrie Sue Ayvar (pronounced EYE BAR) takes her listeners on a journey into the imagination connecting people, languages and cultures through her stories that flow effortlessly between Spanish and English.

An internationally celebrated storyteller, teaching artist, and Chautauqua scholar, Carrie Sue Ayvar is the recipient of multiple awards for service, leadership, and her dedication to the art of storytelling and education. Her bilingual blend of traditional, historical, and personal tales connects the people, languages, and cultures of Florida.

Florida Talks is one of Florida Humanities’ longest-running public programs. The organization’s speakers’ bureau features more than 30 exceptional scholars, journalists, authors, and humanities experts and over 60 brand new and returning programs.

Florida Talks offers nonprofit organizations across the state an accessible way to host engaging speakers who present Florida’s history, heritage, and culture through historical and contemporary lenses.

“Florida Humanities is thrilled to share its redesigned Florida Talks program. As one of our long-standing public programs, Florida Talks shares history, heritage, and culture with communities large and small across the state. We hope attendees walk away with new perspectives and knowledge and are energized to continue learning about our unique state,” April Myerscough, Florida Humanities Public Programs Coordinator.

The Clewiston Museum is a private not-for-profit that relies on donations, grants, the support of its members, and fundraising events to remain in operation. It is located at 109 Central Avenue in Clewiston and the hours of operation are Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday hours are by appointment only. Contact the museum at 863-983-2870 or via email at clewistonmuseum@embarqmail.com.