"War in Paradise, World War II in Florida" at Marco Island Historical Museum

After Pearl Harbor, German U-Boats successfully sank 24 ships off the Florida coast. Florida's strategic location and pleasant climate made it an ideal location for military bases.

Hotels were converted to barracks and the number of military bases, hospitals, and airfields increased from 8 to 172 by 1943.

Florida quickly became one of the most active states during the war and was forever changed by the experience.

Speaker, Eliot Kleinberg spent more than four decades as a reporter, including more than 33 years at The Palm Beach Post. In addition to covering local news, he wrote extensively about Florida and its history. He produced two history columns and more than a dozen books about the state. He also runs a blog on bad writing and how to fix it called "Something Went Horribly Wrong".

The program entry fee for non-members of the Marco Island Historical Society (MIHS) is $10.00 payable at the door, members are admitted free as a benefit of MIHS membership.

We will also have free entry for active-duty military members and veterans.