Tampa, Florida, United States •
$251 - $1,500
5.0 (2 reviews)
About
Why choose me? Because I do more than speak about history—I bring history to life. As an author, publisher, historian, entrepreneur, and founder of Ersula's History Shop and Rescuing History, Inc., I combine scholarship, storytelling, and real-world experience to create presentations that educate, inspire, and engage. My audiences do not simply listen to a lecture; they participate in an experience that connects the past to their own lives. For more than twenty years, I have shared history through speaking engagements, workshops, historical interpretation, and my portrayal of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. I have presented to students, educators, community organizations, churches, professional groups, and history enthusiasts, helping audiences discover the stories, people, and artifacts that shaped our communities. What makes my presentations unique is the use of authentic artifacts, photographs, ephemera, and personal stories that transform historical facts into memorable experiences. Whether discussing African American history, family history, preservation, entrepreneurship, publishing, or leadership, I help audiences see themselves in the story. My background spans both technology and history. After a successful career in computer systems development with a Fortune 500 company, I dedicated my work to preserving and sharing history through books, exhibits, educational programs, and community initiatives. This combination of business expertise and historical knowledge allows me to connect with a wide range of audiences. Organizations choose me because I offer more than information. I provide perspective. I inspire people to value their heritage, preserve their stories, and recognize the importance of their own legacy. When you invite me to speak, you are not simply hiring a presenter. You are bringing in a storyteller, educator, preservation advocate, and living bridge between the past and the future.
Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Comes to Life
Step back in time and meet one of America's most influential educators, civil rights leaders, and advocates for women and children. Through a captivating first-person historical portrayal, Ersula K. Odom brings the remarkable Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune to life, allowing audiences to experience history through the words and wisdom of the woman herself. Dressed in period costume and speaking as Dr. Bethune, Odom shares the inspiring journey of a daughter of formerly enslaved parents who rose to become an educator, presidential advisor, founder of Bethune-Cookman College, and one of the most powerful voices for equality in the twentieth century. Audiences will hear stories of perseverance, leadership, faith, education, and community building that remain relevant today. This interactive program combines history, storytelling, and inspiration, encouraging participants to reflect on their own ability to create positive change. Suitable for students, adults, civic organizations, libraries, museums, churches, and cultural events, the presentation can be tailored to specific audiences and educational goals
Are You Robbing The Future?
Keynote, Workshop, Training • 60 minutes to 8 hours
How Guilty Are You of Trashing History, Treasure, and Cultural Memory? Every day, priceless pieces of history disappear. Family photographs are tossed into dumpsters. Letters are lost. Scrapbooks are discarded. Heirlooms are donated without their stories. Community records vanish. The result is not just the loss of objects—it is the loss of memories, identities, and the stories that help future generations understand who they are. In this engaging and eye-opening presentation, historian, author, publisher, and founder of Rescuing History, Inc., Ersula K. Odom challenges audiences to examine their role in preserving—or destroying—the historical record. Through fascinating examples of rescued artifacts, forgotten treasures, and nearly lost stories, participants discover how ordinary items can become extraordinary historical resources. Audience members will be encouraged to ask themselves difficult questions: What have I thrown away? What stories am I failing to preserve? What responsibility do I have to future generations? Most importantly, what can I do today to ensure that my family's history and cultural memory survive? Part history lesson, part treasure hunt, and part call to action, this presentation inspires individuals, families, organizations, and communities to become stewards of their own history before it is too late. Program Length: 30–60 minutes (customizable) up to 8 hours Before you throw it away, ask yourself: Are you robbing the future?
Key Takeaways
Audience
Audience: Adults, families, genealogists, historical societies, libraries, museums, churches, schools, civic organizations, and community groups
Format
Duration
60 minutes to 8 hours
Delivery
Your perspective matters!
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