Curator's Choice
Like history? Love museums? From ancient relics to modern marvels, each episode of this show features a new museum and a sampling of some amazing artifacts housed there. What makes Curator's Choice truly special is our exclusive interviews with the unsung heroes of museums—the curators themselves. These guardians of history will share insights, anecdotes, and the often untold stories that breathe life into the artifacts they protect.
Through this podcast, our mission is to dispel the notion of museums as static, old, and dull spaces. Instead, we aim to reveal them as vibrant repositories brimming with mystery and wonder, one artifact at a time.
New episodes are released every two weeks, and you can tune in anywhere you get your podcasts!
Curator's Choice
Episode 61: Indian River Citrus Museum
Ever wondered what makes Indian River citrus the sweetest in the world? Join us as we explore the Indian River Citrus Museum. With Heather Stapleton as our guide, we unravel the historical significance and modern cultivation practices that make the fruit so remarkable. From Queen Isabella's explorers bringing sour orange seeds to Henry Flagler's transformative railroad, you'll gain fascinating insights into the vibrant history of Florida's citrus industry.
🍊 Savoring the Sweet Legacy of Florida's Citrus 🌴
Join us as we uncover the unique characteristics that differentiate Florida citrus from its Californian counterparts. Heather explains how the state's climate, sandy soils, and high water table contribute to the unparalleled juiciness and sweetness of Indian River citrus. Learn about the concept of BRIX measurement and how it quantifies the sweetness of citrus juice, making Florida's fruit a standout.
🍋 A Fruitful Community 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
The Heritage Center and Indian River Citrus Museum aren't just about fruit—they're about community. Heather shares heartwarming stories, like her nostalgic calamondin-inspired cupcake competition that brought joy to locals. Discover how the museum has evolved from a community building to a cherished event space while preserving Vero Beach's cultural heritage. Whether it's hosting festive holiday parties or offering a slice of home to visiting college baseball teams, this space continues to foster a strong sense of community.
đź”— Episode Links:
Indian River Citrus Museum:
https://www.veroheritage.org/citrus-museum/
Indian River Citrus Museum’s Oral Histories: “Stories from the Grove”
https://www.veroheritage.org/-stories-from-the-groves/
Florida Cowboy’s article:
https://www.flamingomag.com/2021/10/18/how-these-ranchers-are-carrying-on-the-little-known-legacy-of-florida-cowboys/
Curator's Choice - A podcast for history nerds and museum lovers