Lecture: Snowbirds

Each year the Collier County population swells by an estimated 20%–this year that will be almost 75,000 additional people–in peak season. Since the times of the ancient Greeks and Romans those who could afford to have traveled seasonally to the seaside for pleasure and healthful benefits. We’ll take a look at the origins of the snowbird phenomenon in Florida and how this annual migration touches our community today.

About the Speaker: Amanda Townsend

Amanda Oswald Townsend has served her community in Collier County government for 18 years. She was the Director of the Domestic Animal Services Division and the Operations and Veteran Services Division before assuming the leadership role at the Museums two and half years ago. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from New College of Florida and a Master of Arts in American Studies from the University of Alabama. Her professional and academic interests are in place studies and material culture, with a focus on Florida and the Twentieth Century.