The Scenic Sumter Heritage Byway continues their highly successful guest lecture series with a recent presentation by Eric Burkes, owner of the Richloam General Store. This lecture series helps support the byway organization’s mission of advocacy and community appreciation of the region’s unique heritage and history. Mr. Burkes has been an active supporter of the byway organization for several years and his general store is located south of the byway along SR 50. As part of his presentation, Mr. Burkes discussed the history of the Richloam community and the post office and general store that he owns. He also discussed his current efforts to create a historic museum dedicated to preserving the history of Richloam and teaching the youth of the community about Florida’s agricultural history.
Mr. Burkes’ presentation is the latest in a series of lectures that have become a regular part of the byway organization’s monthly meetings. Other presenters have included Professor Alan Hodges who discussed his FDOT funded efforts to measure local economic impacts associated with a scenic highway’s designation, and Pam Jones, aide to Congressman Daniel Webster, discussing his efforts in Washington to support the region. More recent speakers have included Karen Cloud and her work at the Dade Battlefield Historic State Park, Arthur Hayes representing the Sumter County Historic Society, and Deborah Carr Hollingsworth who discussed her book Haunted Sumter County Florida.
The organization is always searching for guest speakers that help inform and educate the community on the region’s history and heritage.
Future meetings, guest speakers, and further information are posted on the Scenic Sumter Byway website and Facebook page as each event is planned. Visit http://sumterbyway.com/ for more about this byway.
Join this the Scenic Sumter organization or a byway closer to you to learn more about how you can help support, beautify and preserve our amazing byway regions!
