Dr. Michael Butler, Kenan Distinguished Professor of History and Chair of Humanities at Flagler College, will speak at the American Association of University Women Flagler County meeting on Saturday, February 7 at 10 a.m. at the Cypress Knoll Golf Club in celebration of Black History Month. The meeting is open to the public.
Dr. Butler’s presentation, titled “A Lesson From Reconstruction: The Political Consequences of Rewriting History,” will examine the end of the post-Civil War Reconstruction era, which he describes as a vital but often ignored period in American history.
The talk will address how the South regained political control of their region following Reconstruction and how a wave of voting restrictions, Jim Crow laws, and racial violence followed, targeting African Americans. Dr. Butler will explain how Southerners used historical falsehoods to justify their actions and how the nation ultimately embraced those falsehoods as fact.
Dr. Butler will outline what historians call the “Lost Cause” mythology and explain why such falsehoods still matter to anti-democratic forces in 2026.
Those wishing to attend must register by emailing aauwflagler1984@gmail.com. Seating for non-members is limited to 35 participants. A $5 facilities venue usage fee is required to attend the presentation only.
Lunch is available for $20. Those who wish to stay for the luncheon must also make a reservation at aauwflagler1984@gmail.com. The menu is available on the AAUW Flagler website at flaglercounty-fl.aauw.net. Payment may be made in advance by credit or debit card through the Zeffy link on the website, or upon arrival by check or cash.
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