Welcome to History Matters – September

As we turn the page into September and welcome the fall season here in Daytona Beach, the Halifax Historical Museum is also turning the page into an exciting new chapter. This month marks a fresh beginning—not just on the calendar, but within our leadership.

I am thrilled to officially welcome Kristine Franklin as our new Museum Director. With her passion for preservation and her background in libraries and archives, Kristine brings both heart and experience to our mission. You can read more about her vision and story in this month’s featured article under The Vault.

September is a time for reflection and renewal. We invite you to stop in, look around, and “deposit” your own stories into our community vault. Whether it’s a cherished memory, a photograph, or a fun fact from your past, we’re here to preserve and share them all.

Let’s welcome September—and Kristine—with open arms.

From the Vault

Halifax Historical Museum Appoints Kristine Franklin as Museum Director

Effective September 2, 2025

The Halifax Historical Society & Museum is delighted to announce the appointment of Kristine Franklin as our next Museum Director. A seasoned cultural and information-services leader, Kristine brings 25+ years of experience spanning public libraries, higher education, vendor-side product leadership, and community engagement. Her track record in collection development, grant writing, program design, and team leadership will help us expand access to local history and create programs that welcome audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Education

• M.L.S. in Library Science, Florida State University
• B.A. in English Literature, Florida State University
• A.A., Chipola Junior College

Career Highlights

• Volusia County Public Library — Assistant Regional Librarian; Branch Head
• West Florida Public Libraries — Branch Head & Division Manager
• Daytona Beach Community College — Adjunct Reference Librarian
• Book Systems — Atriuum Product Specialist
• Library & Information Network — Virtual Research Librarian
• Managed 7 direct-report managers and a total team of 82 staff
• Led complex, multi-stakeholder projects; implemented strategic planning and policy enforcement
• Secured and administered grants and collection-development initiatives

Why Kristine

Kristine is a mission-driven leader who knows how to translate community stories into engaging, high-participation programs. From after-school learning series to author talks and hands-on history experiences, she has a gift for designing events that are welcoming, intergenerational, and fun—exactly what a community museum needs. Her background in systems, policy, and team building ensures we can scale programs sustainably, steward our collections responsibly, and grow funding through grants and partnerships.

"Kristine’s blend of heart, operational excellence, and program creativity is exactly what the Halifax Historical Museum needs right now," said Lynne Hunter, President. "We’re excited for the new energy and community connections she will bring as we preserve and celebrate the stories of Daytona Beach and the Halifax area."

Please join us in welcoming Kristine Franklin to the Halifax Historical Museum family.

**Beach Street History Spotlight**

We’re taking a short break this month from our Beach Street business spotlight but stay tuned for our October feature as we dig into another iconic Daytona Beach business from the past. Have an idea? Let us know what you'd like us to pull out of the vault!

Teller Talk Tuesday: A First Day to Remember

Daytona Beach history took center stage again at the Halifax Historical Museum during our most recent Teller Talk Tuesday — and what a day it was!

Originally scheduled to feature Preston Root sharing stories and artifacts from the legendary Pump House Restaurant, the program took an unexpected turn when Preston was unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances. (We’re happy to say his program will be rescheduled soon, so stay tuned!)

What happened next was pure magic. Hyatt Brown graciously stepped in and captivated the audience with heartfelt stories about his love for and deep ties to Daytona Beach, and the beginnings of the Riverfront Esplanade.

“It was incredible — the kind of afternoon you couldn’t have planned better if you tried.”

The day also marked the first official day for our new Museum Director, Kristine Franklin. Baptism by fire or not, Kristine rose to the occasion with grace, energy, and leadership, making her debut one for the history books.

We are so grateful to Hyatt for saving the day, to Preston for his ongoing support (and future program!), and to all our members and guests who made this such a memorable afternoon.

Lynne Hunter opens the Teller Talk with attendees' memories of the Pump House East.

Hyatt Brown holds guests' attention with stories of Beach Street and the Esplanade.

Hyatt continues with updates on current and future development downtown.

Did You Know?

SONGBIRD HAD SEABREEZE HIGH SCHOOL TIES

 When Florence Catherine Currier was asked about her future plans for a page in the 1942 Seabreeze High School yearbook, she replied: "Music, singing, dramatics." At that young age, she already had big plans for a career in the entertainment business.

"Flo,"" as she was called by her classmates, went on to become a sensation in nightclubs from Paris to London to New York, a 50-time guest on the Ed Sullivan television show and a Broadway star in "Mame,"

Along the way, she adopted the stage name of Jane Morgan. She went on to become famous for her interpretation of the song "Fascination." Morgan died Aug, 4 at her home in Naples, Fla. She was 101.

Her high school photo was tracked down to a 1942 yearbook, where her list of accomplishments at the school was very lengthy, including both scholastic and musical achievements. Prophetically, the quote with her senior picture was: “She has the ability to make her dreams come true."

The yearbook had been donated to the Halifax Historical Society and the page with her photo on it contained a tribute she wrote to a friend.

Jane was selected for the senior superlative of most versatile. The young man featured with her: Fred Karl, a widely known lawyer and Florida Supreme Court justice.

Other notables in her graduating class: Dan Paul, who went on to become a prominent attorney, and Herbert M. Davidson Jr., later president and CEO of the Daytona Beach News-Journal.

Stay curious with our monthly ‘Did You Know?’ spotlight—where we share interesting and obscure facts about Daytona Beach’s rich history.



Do you know any unique or little-known facts about our area? We’d love to hear from you! We’re always looking for fun, fascinating stories to include in future newsletters.

Or better yet, come join us for Teller Talk Tuesday—held the first Tuesday of every month at the museum—where we gather to share our stories and memories of the Halifax area. Who knows? Your story might be featured in the next issue of *History Matters*!

Current Exhibit

Upcoming Exhibit

Our "Back to Cool" exhibit will start in October and run to the end of December 2025.



Upcoming Events

*Tickets on sale now — Limited Supply!

Catch the wave and grab yours before they’re wiped out.

Founded in 2016 by our member and volunteer Carol Ann Moritz, the Florida Vistas Book Club celebrates our state’s incredible history and authors. From the Panhandle to Key West, members have explored hurricanes and railroads, oranges and orchids, pioneers and pirates—and even welcomed authors like Victoria Christopher Murray and Kathy Kelly into our discussions.

The Book Club is part of your Museum Membership and meets on the third Thursday of each month from 2:00–3:30 pm at the Halifax Historical Museum. It’s a wonderful way to discover Florida’s stories and share them together.

📖 Upcoming Selections:

• September – Coconut Ink by Frank Eberling (with the playwright joining us!)
• October – Mary McLeod Bethune: Her Life and Legacy by Nancy Ann Krinyi Long (with the author in attendance)
• November – Cigar City (a complete history of the Tampa underworld by Scott M. Deitche 
• December – Cracker (Cracker Culture) by Dana St. Claire

Carol Ann has written a heartfelt account of the club’s journey and the remarkable authors and stories we’ve discovered along the way. We encourage you to check it out and consider joining us for a future meeting!

[Click here for the Story of the Florida Vistas Book Club]

Visit us soon for more engaging exhibits and events!

This publication is made possible in part with funding from the Cultural Council of Volusia County (volusia.org), Florida Humanities, State of Florida, City of Daytona Beach, and Halifax Historical Society membership.