Rollins College was founded by New England Congregationalists in 1885 and is recognized as the first coeducational institution of higher learning in Florida. Built upon classical values, the Rollins College founders sought to introduce a liberal arts education to the Florida frontier.

Throughout the college's history, Rollins has become synonymous with intimate classroom settings and collaboration, in turn cultivating strong relationships between its faculty and students. Known for its rigorous academics and athletics, renowned artistic programs, and mission for diversity and inclusion, Rollins College boasts the vast benefits of a small, private collegiate institution.

Claire Strom has served as the Rapetti-Trunzo Chair of History at Rollins College since 2008. Her focus on the history of public health and local history is coupled with extensive field research and scholarship in the subject. Rachel Walton is a librarian and archivist by profession and a primary source researcher by training. Under their leadership, student coauthors and history majors Peyton Connor, Reagan Cooney, Helen Hutchinson, and Liam T. King contribute to the student-centered perspective illuminated within the text. All images and sources of this book are credited to the Rollins College Archives.