At the Museum

Susan Suarez, President & CEO

I hope you and your families had a wonderful summer! Here, at the Museum, we are gearing up for a busy fall as we expand and present a new slate of special programming.

Museum expansion

Construction will get underway shortly as we create a new “North Wing.” The plan is to break into an adjacent suite and install new galleries, displays and other features. Naming opportunities are available – please contact me if you would like more information at Susan@hmcec. org or call 239-263-9200.

Movies That Matter series returns

The Human Rights Film Coalition of SWFL will present its annual series of outstanding documentaries for community viewing and discussion. This year, the series will be renamed “Movies That Matter SWFL-The Steve Brazina Memorial Film Series” honoring the late Steve Brazina who passed away earlier this year. Steve was instrumental in founding the series as well as selecting the films.

Each of the three films presented will include an expert panel discussion and audience Q&A. Please note, the discussion for the Oct. 19 event will take place via Zoom. You will need to watch the film on your own prior to the Zoom discussion (see below for details.) The Nov. 2 and Nov. 9 programs will return to the Paragon Theater – Pavilion location (833 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples, FL 34108, 239-596-0008.) These will each begin at 6 p.m. Please arrive at 5:45 p.m. for seating.

Tickets are required for each film (tickets required in advance for the “APART” and “Redlining” films.) Sponsorships are available. Buy your tickets at http://weblink.donorperfect.com/MTM SteveBrazinaFilmSeries.

“The Best of Enemies,” Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022, 4-5 p.m.

The film highlights the true story of the unlikely relationship between Ann Atwater, an outspoken civil rights activist, and C.P. Ellis, a local Ku Klux Klan leader. During the racially charged summer of 1971, Atwater and Ellis come together to co-chair a community summit on the desegregation of schools in Durham, N.C. The ensuing debate and battle soon lead to surprising revelations that changed both of their lives forever.

Discussion will take place via Zoom. Please watch the film on your own on Netflix or other streaming platforms prior to the discussion. Note: When searching for this film, be sure to include “The” in the title – “The Best of Enemies” – as there is different film called “Best of Enemies.” Ticket purchase ($5) is required to receive the Zoom link.

“APART,” Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022, 6 p.m.

This PBS documentary shares the stories of three unforgettable formerly incarcerated mothers who were jailed for drugrelated charges. Now labeled as “felons,” the film shows their struggles to overcome alienation and readjust to life with their families. The number of the women imprisoned in the U.S. since the “War on Drugs” began has risen dramatically and, sadly, the majority of these women are mothers. Shown at Paragon Theaters- Pavilion, Naples. Advance tickets ($10) are required.

“Redlining,” Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022, 6 p.m.

“Redlining: Mapping Inequality in Dayton and Springfield” tells the story of families impacted by the practice of “redlining” when they tried to buy a home. The term comes from maps introduced in the 1930s that showed “risk” areas in cities and suburban areas for federally backed mortgages and homeownership programs. “Risk” was determined almost entirely by race. Neighborhoods where no loans would be made were outlined in red, or literally “redlined.” Shown at Paragon Theaters-Pavilion, Naples. Advance tickets ($10) are required.

A Conversation with Filmmaker Ken Burns

Ken Burns’ new documentary, “The U.S. and The Holocaust,” will premiere this month on WGCU Public Media, our local PBS station, on three consecutive nights — Sunday through Tuesday, Sept. 18, 19 and 20 from 8 to 10 p.m. The film examines the rise of Hitler and Nazism in Germany within the context of global antisemitism and racism, the eugenics movement in the U.S. and race laws in the American South. It offers new insights into what leaders in the U.S. knew and what they chose to do with this knowledge. Viewers will see how individual actions impact many other lives, from the bravery of upstanders to the dangers posed by indifferent citizens.

On Oct. 27, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., the Museum and WGCU will host a special program at the Hilton Naples. Ken Burns and co producer Lynn Novick will join us virtually to discuss the creation of the film. Tickets are $50, with the proceeds benefiting the Museum and WGCU. Ticket price includes light hors d’oeuvres. A cash bar will be available. Seating is limited and tickets must be purchased in advance on the Museum’s website, www.HMCEC.org. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

We look forward to seeing you this fall at the Museum and our events!

Ken Burns

Lynn Novick