arts & entertainment

The Indian River State College (IRSC) Living History Series returns to locations in Martin County beginning February 16, 2023. These enlightening presentations focus on topics that range from the Department of Homeland Security’s mission objectives and the history of U.S.-Russia relations to the inside story of how Major League Baseball Spring Training came to Florida, and more.

Developed by IRSC Professor Robert Farley and continued by Professor David Yankwitt in cooperation with the Martin County Library System, presentations in this annual series are free-of-charge and open to students and the public.

The 2023 presentations include:

“U.S-Russia Relations” Thursday, February 16, 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Cummings Library, 2551 SW Matheson Ave., Palm City

Alex Shelby, IRSC Professor of History and author, presents U.S. and Russia relations and the current state of affairs. 

“The Department of Homeland Security” Friday, February 17, 10:00–11:15 a.m.
IRSC Chastain Campus, 2400 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart

Danny Ruiz, Supervisor of Investigations, will discuss the agency’s mission objectives both nationally and locally.

“Major League Baseball and Spring Training” Saturday, March 4, 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Cummings Library, 2551 SW Matheson Ave., Palm City

Robert Farley, retired IRSC Professor of History, presents the history of MLB and Spring Training and its impact on the Treasure Coast. 

“Supervisor of Elections” Tuesday, March 7, 1:00-2:15 p.m.
IRSC Chastain Campus, 2400 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart

Ms. Vicki Davis, Martin County Supervisor of Elections, presents the importance of voting and roles and responsibilities of the office.

“Pioneer Life” Friday, March 24, 10:30-11:45 a.m.
IRSC Chastain Campus, 2400 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart

Donna Adair, former educator and author, will lead a journey into America’s past with a real-life family of pioneers as they settle a series of frontiers in the 1800s. Covered wagons, log cabins, new lands, hard work and danger were the hallmarks of everyday life on the frontier. Life was filled with hardship yet rewarding in those pioneer decades long ago.

“Fog of War” Documentary Film Friday, March 24, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
IRSC Chastain Campus, 2400 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart

Filmmaker Errol Morris interviews Robert McNamara, Secretary of State for presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson, about his role during the Vietnam War.

For more information on the IRSC Living History Series, contact Professor Yankwitt at dyankwit@irsc.edu.