UWF announces 2026-27 Gulf Coast Culture Series: Revolution & Rebellion

The University of West Florida’s College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities is proud to announce the lineup of fall events for this year’s Gulf Coast Culture Series: Revolution & Rebellion. The Gulf Coast Culture Series is an evolution of the longstanding Experience UWF Downtown Lecture Series. Launched in 2024, it expands beyond lectures to celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of the U.S. Gulf Coast Region through events linked by yearly themes.

This year’s Gulf Coast Culture Series theme, Revolution & Rebellion, explores revolution, resistance, conflict and social change in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Throughout the semester, events will feature a historical and archaeological panel, as well as a variety styled show. Each event will add new perspectives on the historical impact West Florida has had on the nation through scholarly debate and historical evidence.

“As the Gulf Coast Culture series enters its third year of programming, we will not only examine the historic role our area played in the nation’s founding but the different voices that freedom nurtures and allows,” said Dr. David M. Earle, dean of the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities. “Events this fall will range from a roundtable on our role in the revolution to a concert of music that emerges from historic times of strife. Together these events spotlight what makes Pensacola so historically and culturally rich.” 

The events planned for this fall include:

• Sept. 23, 2026 – “The Gulf at War: History and Archaeology of Revolutionary West Florida”: The University of West Florida College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities and UWF Archaeology Institute will launch the 2026-27 Gulf Coast Culture Series with “The Gulf at War: History and Archaeology of Revolutionary West Florida” at Voices of Pensacola in downtown Pensacola. The program will explore the often-overlooked role of the northern Gulf Coast during the American Revolution, when Spanish and British forces competed for control of West Florida. Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Dr. Jack E. Davis will provide the keynote and moderate a panel of regional experts in archaeology, history and historic preservation. Together, the speakers will examine the people, places and conflicts that shaped Revolutionary-era West Florida and discuss how archaeological discoveries – both on land and underwater – continue to provide new insights into the region’s history. The evening also includes a public reception, educational displays from regional archaeology and heritage organizations, a book signing with Davis, and an after-hours opportunity to visit the Pensacola Museum of History’s “Road to Revolution” exhibit. A reception will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the event at 6 p.m.
• Oct. 22, 2026 – “Songs of Revolution & Rebellion: A USO-Style Variety Show”: The University of West Florida College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities and the Dr. Grier Williams School of Music will present “Songs of Revolution & Rebellion: A USO-Style Variety Show,” at the Museum of Commerce in downtown Pensacola. Exploring revolution, rebellion, war, peace, patriotism and protest, the production brings together faculty, students and guest performers for a musical journey through pivotal periods of American history including songs, historical letters, narration and humor that trace changing ideas about freedom and service from the American Revolution and Civil War through the World Wars and beyond. Inspired by USO’s traditional entertainment, the show celebrates Pensacola’s deep military heritage and honors those who have served. A reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by the event at 6 p.m.

The Gulf Coast Culture Series underscores the college’s mission to enrich, educate and connect the community by celebrating the traditions, stories and creative expressions that make the Gulf Coast extraordinary. Through immersive programming, the series fosters curiosity, creativity, communication and compassion, bringing the liberal arts to life in new and impactful ways.

For more information on the Gulf Coast Culture Series, visit uwf.edu/GulfCoastCulture.