CMI Newsletter / Volume II / July 2017

News & Updates

Hello Curtiss Mansion Friends:

We are so proud to be exposing the Curtiss Mansion to a whole new generation, whilst reminding another generation that we’re still here!

A 1-hour Historic Home Tour of the Mansion & Grounds is now taking place every Saturday morning at 10 am.

Membership and Docent Training is continuing to grow but we could still use more help. We are looking to have tours at least 3 days a week. We will soon be adding will be adding a Spanish Language and Kid Friendly version of the Curtiss Mansion Home Tour, along with proposed Bike Tours, Architectural Tours, and Aviation Tours.

But this will take a team. Hopefully, a team made up of passionate Miami Springers who are interested in Glenn Curtiss, his contributions to Aviation and, of course, admiration for his beautiful home, in which he lived the last 10 of his 52 accomplished years.

We are about to open a small gift shop. If you are a local artisan looking to showcase some of your items in our little endeavor behind the front desk, please let us know. It is a very small space but we are willing to rotate local items in and out along with our own merchandise.

Visit our website and contact us for more information!

Camp Invention was a huge success – see more info & pictures below.

The garden project by the old pond/waterfall area is primarily complete. Thank you to everyone who has donated their time and/or money to this lovely new garden feature, especially the ANCHOR CLUB from Miami Springs Senior High School.

The entire structure has been undergoing waterproofing and painting these last few weeks, primarily because of donor funds. Thank you to all who have contributed. We are now a Blue Star Museum, a Member of the Southeastern Museum Reciprocal Program, and a charity organization listed on Amazon Smile (check out our Blog for more information!).

Garden Speakers will resume in September. Feel free to make suggestions.

The “Latinos in America” Kiosk is near completion and will launch soon. Once the date and the exhibit are finalized, word will be sent out. This is an interactive video project that looks to pay tribute to the plight and courageous human spirit of those willing to risk their lives traveling from Cuba to Miami. We are looking for Cuban Artists and Musicians to help showcase the new kiosk. Please contact me if you have any leads in these areas. We will eventually produce our own footage of contributions to show on that same kiosk. A very nice feature, made possible by a grant from the Florida Humanities Council. We have entered a new phase which warrants some part-time staff. There is now a 3-person sales team and another three freelancers focusing on membership, docent training, social media, and both clerical and administrative assistance. We have also added a part-time caretaker who has made real strides on maintenance and improvements.

 

PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION
We appreciate your support, come see us soon!

Melinda Jester,
Executive Director
melinda@curtissmansion.org

 

EVERY SATURDAY
1-Hour Historical Home Tour of The Curtiss Mansion
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
500 Deer Run, Miami Springs, FL 33166
$5 per attendee, kids under 12 Free

 

The restored Curtiss Mansion in Miami Springs is the former Florida home of famed Aviator & Inventor, Glenn Hammond Curtiss. The Mansion was built in 1925 and the architecture is Pueblo Revival. Curtiss was known as the ‘Father of Naval Aviation’ and ‘The Fastest Man on Earth.’ He contributed over 500 inventions and 400 patents to the Aviation Industry. Curtiss was also instrumental in the 1920s land boom of Miami.

A contemporary of Merrick, Fairchild, and Rickenbacker; he founded Miami Springs, Hialeah, and Opa Locka. He donated the land for the Miami International Airport and the Opa Locka Airport, where he originally trained Naval Aviators.

These tours will be continuing on Saturdays.

We are also in the process of training docents for upcoming bike tours of his other buildings as well as architectural and garden tours. Please join us in helping make Glenn Curtiss a household name again and exposing this beautiful gem in Miami, now Fully Restored, Smithsonian Recognized & Historically Registered.

80 Very Happy & INVENTIVE Kids Participated in this Year’s
Camp Invention Program.
Many Thanks to Miami Springs Own, Thais Perez, for directing the weeklong camp along with 20 amazing group leader.

 

THANK YOU, THAIS, STAFF, AND PARTICIPANTS. YOU ALL DID A WONDERFUL JOB AND GAVE THESE KIDS AN UNFORGETTABLE EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE!

Special mention to Terry Alexander at All Angels for donating additional Table & Chair Rentals.

Friday, September 1, 2017
Evening Event – Time TBD
Aerial Miami Springs takes viewers on a flight through our city by exploring landmarks with a bird’s eye view, offering rare looks at some of our city’s best-loved landmarks from high in the sky. The film is narrated by Miami Springs’ pioneers and trailblazers and will include some inspiring stories of past generations. Proceeds from DVD pre-sales will go to the Curtiss Explorers and remaining DVD’s will be donated to local elementary, middle and high schools for educational purposes.
For further information or our events be sure to check our Calendar!

 

PLEASE Keep sending us your memories of The Curtiss Mansion and The Villas. There are four
currently on the website, from Bill Moore, Ken Wilde, Nikki Jester, and Whitney (Rowell) Hutton.