7 Questions With Author Ted Ehmann

 

Currently besides writing histories, Ted Ehmann conducts historical research on the prehistoric mound-building cultures that were in south Florida from 800 B.C. -1700 A.D.. In 2018 he founded and is now the president of the Charlotte Harbor Anthropological Society. The following year, he co-founded the Charlotte County Florida Historical Society. His more recent research has been on the history of phosphate mining in Florida . His book on phosphate mining history will  be published in 2021 and the history of Charlotte County, Florida in preparation of its centennial in 2021. He enjoys presenting his research and narratives to archaeological and history groups throughout Southwest Florida. Website https://tedehmannhistories.net/about-the-author

1. How and when did you get hooked on history?

     Strange as it may seem, I got hooked on history beginning with a preoccupation in prehistory. Quite uncommon I know.

2. What role does history play or has it played in your personal life?

The older I get, turn 72 in 11 days, the greater the role history plays.

  3. How does history play a part of your professional life/career?

     Currently researching, writing, publishing histories is my entire professional life owing to the major needs in the histories of Florida.

4. Why is studying/knowing history important?

The study of history is vitally linked to both identity, as well as beliefs.

5. What is your favorite period or aspect of history to learn about and why?

     It is now American history, all of it. Strange I hated it growing up.

6. Is there a common theme or thread that runs through your books?

     Yes, relevancy!. I will not write a history if it does not have relevancy today. Period.

7. Tell us about your most recent book. Are you currently working on a book?

     My most recently published book 1/11/21 is a complete history of Charlotte County FL, where I live. What drove the writing of this history were themes/cultural characteristics early in the county’s history 1870’s-1880s that are very much alive today. History does “repeat itself”.
     My most current book in production is the complete history of phosphate mining in Florida.
     Several in process. I am three-quarters through a history of Fort Ogden, FL