The P.K. Yonge Library – Your Journey into Florida History
From the prehistory revealed by archaeology, through 300 years of colonial history, and across Florida’s journey in the 19th and 20th centuries – we collect and preserve our state’s fascinating heritage. Whether it’s for research, classes, or public programs, talk to us about your interests and visit us online and at the University of Florida!
What’s New
By ma Gabrielle Bernasol
A Student’s View of the Collections
Our student assistant, who has been working closely with our collections for two years, talks about some of her favorite finds, from books on early Florida to stereoviews and photographs to hand-made books.
By Rachel Laue
Catching a Murderer in 1885
A first-hand account of a murder and manhunt through the swamps of nineteenth-century Florida. From the correspondence of Pliny Reasoner, learn about the Sarasota Assassination Society, a gang of men in Manatee County who terrorized their community in the 1880s, killing more than seven men before finally being brought to justice.
Florida LGBTQ+ Collection
The Yonge Library is assembling newsletters and periodicals from the 1970s and 1980s focused on LGBTQ+ rights and issues in Florida. We are looking to expand this collection, if you have runs of publications that were published here in Florida. Time period – second half of the twentieth century.
By Lee Hoffman
The Great Speckled Bird and Florida
Our spring semester intern gives us an overview of the 1972 run of The Great Speckled Bird, the classic alternative press newspaper out of Atlanta. The Bird was a major voice of protest, counter-culture, and opposition to the Viet Nam War.
getting started, getting help
Lost Communities of Florida
See some of the places that have disappeared from Florida, recovered in images and texts. Curated by Bridget Bihm-Manual and Hank Young. Exhibit Opening by Zoom, with Josh Goodman, Archives Historian, State Archives of Florida, January 25, 2022.
Get Reference or Research Help
We’re happy to answer emails or consult with you online! You can reach James Cusick, curator, at jgcusick@ufl.edu and Bridget Bihm-Manual, collection coordinator, at bmbm@ufl.edu – or thru the contact information at the link below.
Visit Our Digital Collections
Many of our manuscripts, letters, and diaries are now online, along with graphic arts collections like our citrus labels. See the artwork of Emma Chandler, John Rogers Vinton, and others.
Find Florida History on the Web
We have created a guide for you that features lots of organizations and online websites dedicated to Florida’s history. Whether you are doing thesis research, writing a term paper, or pursuing a personal interest, start here!