Jupiter Lighthouse Brings Florida History to Virtual Classroom

JUPITER, FL – April 23, 2020 - The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum, in collaboration with author Harvey Oyer, III, has produced two original videos to support online learning for Florida fourth graders and families. In the videos, Oyer expands on two of his five award-winning books that are frequently read in Palm Beach County and other school districts when learning about Florida History.

“I am delighted to be a part of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum’s creative and thoughtful initiative to partner with Palm Beach, Martin, Miami-Dade and Collier County schools to bring The Adventures of Charlie Pierce to students around Florida,” stated Oyer. “Our state’s children are currently stuck indoors but that doesn’t mean that they cannot go on exciting adventures and learn about Florida’s unique history and natural world. These videos will allow our children to continue their learning and their own exciting adventures through reading.”

Traditionally, fourth-grade students in Palm Beach County schools enjoyed lively visits by Oyer, where he shared stories about what life was like for his ancestors living as pioneers on the historical grounds of the Jupiter Lighthouse and along the shores of Lake Worth almost 148 years ago. And teachers looked forward to bringing the “The Adventures of Charlie Pierce” series to life with student field trip visits to the iconic heritage site to experience it all first-hand - with explorative exhibits, tours, and a climb to the top of the Jupiter Lighthouse!

When schools transitioned to a ‘distance-learning’ mode, Harvey Oyer and the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum wanted to help teachers ignite the imagination of their students and keep these authentic stories alive. The videos they created, “The Last Egret” and “The American Jungle,” are based on books by the same name and feature the author illuminating the fascinating lives of the family of his great-grandmother Lillie and her brother, Charlie Pierce.

Just in time for the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, author Oyer vividly describes the “The Last Egret” adventure where Charlie and his friends run away to hunt wading birds in the Everglades for their plumes. Ultimately, a later tragedy inspires the beginning of the American environmental movement and the legal protection of Florida birds, watersheds, and other national lands.

“Through these wonderful and adventurous books - and especially through Harvey’s inspired storytelling - children learn that every individual is a part of history,” remarks Jamie Stuve, President & CEO of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum. “And Charlie Pierce is the perfect role model for these challenging times – he learns very quickly how to adapt, learn from mistakes, and protect the people, animals, and lands that he loves.”

“The American Jungle” video – about Charlie’s exciting life at the Lighthouse and his enduring friendship with Seminole Tiger Bowlegs -provides a new resource for elementary teachers and a compelling glimpse into south Florida’s early pioneer history.

Videos and additional resources are available to schools, teachers, home schoolers and the public at:
https://www.jupiterlighthouse.org/plan/school-field-trips/

About the author:
Harvey E. Oyer III is the author of the best-selling children's book series The Adventures of Charlie Pierce. His books are widely used in public and private schools throughout Florida to teach Florida history. Harvey is a fifth generation native Floridian. His great-great grandparents were some of the earliest pioneer settlers in South Florida. His family has lived in South Florida for 148 years.  Harvey's books have won numerous awards and he was named the 2013 Florida Distinguished Author.

About the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum:
(Temporarily Closed) Call or visit our website for more information.www.jupiterlighthouse.org. Operated by the Loxahatchee River Historical Society a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and managing partner in the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area, National Conservation Lands. Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum, 500 Captain Armour’s Way, Jupiter, FL, 33469 PH: 561-747-8380 www.jupiterlighthouse.org