How to Write About Local History

Two of Gainesville’s local writers and experienced historians, Richard Gartee and Shamrock McShane, will discuss the ins and outs of writing about local history.

They will share with you:

• –  how they research a topic,
• –  what useful resources they use, and
• –  how to get readers interested in reading about local history.

Gartee’s most recent book is a history of a Gainesville treasure: The Hippodrome Theatre: First Fifty Years. 

A poet, author, and award-winning novelist, Gartee’s poems have been published in literary magazines, in chapbooks, and in his five poetry collections.

He is a full-time author and has written six novels, a biography, and seven college textbooks, with multiple editions.

McShane was a teacher for over thirty years and is a graduate of the University of Florida’s creative writing program, where he studied with Donald Justice, Harry Crews, and Padgett Powell.

He is the author of the novel, Rock Beauty, and Hall of Fools, a nonfiction novel about American public education. As a screenwriter, he collaborates with his son, director Mike McShane. His films include The Seven Sides of Shakespeare, The Votive Pit, You Are Not Frank Sinatra, and It’s All Good.