Mainstreet Daily News
UF master lecturer Dr. Steve Noll will be presenting his newest book at the Matheson History Museum on Saturday.
The free event will take place at 4 p.m. and features Noll’s latest publication, “Writing for the Public Good,” that focuses on a selection of more than 100 important opinion pieces from David R. Colburn (1942-2019) and Sen. Bob Graham, two of the most influential public figures in contemporary Florida.
Noll, who worked with both Colburn and Graham in developing the book, addresses a variety of topics in his book spanning over 30 years that continue to be relevant today with the essays that show Florida’s key role in modern American life and politics illustrating the power of civic engagement and tackling issues facing the nation.
The book presents essays charting the history of modern Florida and reflects the state’s rise into a Sunbelt powerhouse and often is at the center of national conversations.
The talk will look at Noll’s process in assembling the book, including readings from selected op-ed pieces written by both authors, along with a time for questions and discussion about the importance of the work in today’s polarized political discourse.
For people attending in-person, the event capacity will be limited to 75 people and masks are required. Admission is free but registration is required by clicking here. Matheson History Museum is located at 513 E University Ave. in Gainesville.
Matheson will present a virtual option via Zoom that is available by clicking here.
According to the Matheson press release, Noll taught special education in the Alachua County School District for 28 years before moving to UF full time in 2004. He has written extensively on general Florida history and specialized subjects ranging from Florida environmental policy, the ill-fated Cross Florida Barge Canal, and the disability rights movement of the 1970s. In 2013, the Princeton Review named Noll one of the 300 best professors in America.