Educational Programs
The Blanchard House Museum offers various educational events throughout the year. These events include lectures, talks, and classes. The classes are usually offered through the Lifelong Learning Institute at Florida SouthWestern State College – off Airport Road near I-75 and the Renaissance Academy of Florida Gulf Coast University at the Herald Court complex in downtown Punta Gorda. Information on scheduled events can be found on the museum’s calendar on this website.
School students – Need to write a report? Need a subject and some research material, the Blanchard House can help. To request assistance, just use the Contact Us page to contact the staff with your project details.
Homeschoolers - (Sep 2016) We are adding a Skype capability for you to experience the museum from home. Check back for our online courses and lectures. If you have a special request, please let us know via our "Contact Us" page.
The museum can also offer educational programs for homeschooling groups. To coordinate a visit or special tour, use the Contact Us page to contact the staff with your request.
DVD programs available to view at the museum:
WGCU’s Untold Stories of Southwest Florida. The following DVD videos are available to watch at the museum:
African Americans in SW Florida (25 minutes)
In order for African Americans to build a community they had to overcome slavery, segregation and prejudice. Because of local heroes in the early years, doors were opened for local African Americans to flourish. Now, a special group of people have untold stories to tell about endurance, motivation, determination and inspiration to teach us what life was like before the time of integration.
Punta Gorda: Florida Frontier Town (25 minutes)
Punta Gorda in Charlotte County has a wild and colorful past. Once the southernmost stop on the railroad, the frontier town attracted settlers, wealthy winter guests, desperados fleeing justice, opportunists, and others.
Punta Gorda (Part 1) (25 minutes)
Untold Stories of Punta Gorda. This episode will introduce the town, once called Trabue, that is nestled along the shores of the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor. Meet some of the town’s pioneer families and learn why fishing became the livelihood of this seaport community.
Silver King: The Birth of Big Game Fishing (55 minutes)
In 1885, a single, sensational catch at Sanibel Island’s Tarpon Bay made international news -- and revolutionized sport fishing. For the first time on record, a mighty, silver-sided tarpon was taken on a rod and reel, a feat that created a frenzy for the fierce-fighting fish -- and made southwest Florida the epicenter of a brand-new sport. The newly crowned Silver King of fish lured celebrities and presidents, and transformed Southwest Florida into the birthplace of big game fishing.
