Program Details

Henry Flagler's Dream: The Railroad that Went to Sea Delray Beach

Instructor
Robert Feeney
W514D

Course Description

Ever wonder what it would be like to take a train journey over the sea? Henry Flagler’s railroad did just that. Feeney, dressed as a train conductor circa the 1915-era, will take you on a trip through the history of Florida railroads, including the destruction of Flagler’s dream by the Great Hurricane of 1935. He will also show original artifacts from the golden age of train travel and present anecdotes regarding early rail travel in Florida.

About the Instructor

  • Robert Feeney holds a master’s degree in history from Florida Atlantic University. His research focus is on material culture (historical artifacts) and the history of technology. In his world travels, he has conducted research at Oxford University’s famous Bodleian Library, the Imperial War Museum, the Royal Armouries at Leeds, and the National World War One Museum. He has led tours of the Normandy landing beaches and surrounding areas. He is also an experienced archaeologist and avocational paleontologist. He is a member of the famed Explorer’s Club of New York, the Florida Anthropological Society, the Society for the History of Technology, and the Institute for the History of Pharmacy. He has worked as a historical consultant on programming for BBCAmerica, the History Channel, and for numerous book authors.