Ancient Cultures, Inventors & Baseball Legends: Florida Road Trip explores Fort Myers
From ancient civilizations to spring training legends, Fort Myers’ past unfolds on the next episode of Florida Road Trip.
Before next week’s broadcast premiere, viewers can get a first look at the episode during a free community screening hosted by WGCU and the IMAG History & Science Center. Join Florida Road Trip’s Executive Producer Heather Bailey at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, at the IMAG History & Science Center in Fort Myers for this special event.
The episode will then air on television at 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, on WGCU. Hosted by Emmy® Award-winning journalist Scott Fais, this Gulf Coast journey travels through time, from the engineering genius of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford to the innovation of the Calusa people, who shaped the region long before European settlers arrived.
The episode features immersive museums, archaeological insights and cultural landmarks that define Fort Myers as a hub of science and history.
Featured interviews include:
• Nancy Kilmartin and Breanne Busch-Simpson, Board Members, Southwest Florida Historical Society
• Carlos Adames, Senior Director of Operations, IMAG History & Science Center
• Breanna Alexander and Holly Shaffer, Edison & Ford Winter Estates
• Glenn Miller, Past President, Southwest Florida Historical Society
• Adam Knight, Museum Manager, The Mound House
Episode highlights include:
• A look inside the Edison & Ford Winter Estates, including Edison’s botanical research lab and his inventions
• A deep dive into the Calusa civilization and shell mound archaeology at The Mound House
• Historic Fort Myers’ role in spring training, from Babe Ruth to Roberto Clemente
• Interactive exhibits blending science and history at the IMAG History & Science Center
• Stories of Fort Myers’ early residents’ entrepreneurship and resilience along Florida’s Gulf Coast
This episode is part of the new 2025 season of Florida Road Trip, a WUCF original series that explores the people, places and stories that define Florida’s identity. Now airing across the state, the series began in 2017 and continues to connect viewers with the culture and history in their own backyards.
Stream the episode for free the day after broadcast on wucf.org or binge early with WUCF Passport.
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About WUCF
WUCF serves as the region’s trusted source for educational programming, arts, culture and local storytelling. As Central Florida’s only PBS affiliate and home for jazz, WUCF offers free, accessible content that enriches lives, fosters curiosity and strengthens the community. Guided by the mission “We Change Lives,” WUCF is committed to connecting, inspiring and empowering audiences across all platforms. Explore WUCF’s impact and programming.