Screening of "Behind Closed Doors: The Dark Legacy of the Johns Committee."

513 East University Avenue,Gainesville FL 32601

21 October, 2021

Description

Join us for the screening and discussion of the 2000 documentary "Behind Closed Doors: The Dark Legacy of the Johns Committee." The Matheson History Museum and Pride Community Center of North Central Florida invite you to join them on Thursday, October 21, at 7pm at the Matheson for the screening and discussion of the 2000 documentary Behind Closed Doors: The Dark Legacy of the Johns Committee. This program coincides with one of the Matheson’s current exhibitions - McCarthy Moment: The Johns Committee in Florida. For the safety of staff and attendees, capacity will be limited to 50 people and masks are required. Admission is free but registration is required. This award-winning documentary was produced by Allyson A. Beutke, a graduate of the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications. The film explores the dark legacy of the Florida Legislative Investigation Committee, better known as the Johns Committee, which was created by State Senator Charley Eugene Johns in 1956 to uncover subversive activity in Florida. From 1958-1959 the Johns Committee tried to weed out Communists and homosexuals from the University of Florida. Committee members threatened people with exposure and prison if they did not cooperate. This reign of terror led to dozens of professors and students leaving the university. Johns Committee Meeting - July 31, 1964; courtesy of the State Library and Archives of Florida The Matheson History Museum preserves and interprets the history of Alachua County, Florida, and its environs.