A Woman of Fire, Julia Tuttle and the Founding of Miami
About this Event
Miami Villagers, Miami’s first nonprofit historic preservation organization, invites you to a special reception and premiere on Thursday, November 19, 2026, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL.
The half-hour documentary brings to life the remarkable story of Julia Tuttle, the only woman to found a major American city. Her vision and determination were pivotal to the founding of Miami in 1896, more than two decades before women gained the right to vote. Her story is one of extraordinary foresight, perseverance and lasting influence on the city we know today.
Six-time Emmy Award-winning television anchor Laurie Jennings appears on camera to open and close the film, with renowned actor Robert Dawson as narrator. Historic photographs, voiceovers, original music and dynamic videography bring Julia’s story to life. Villager and preservation leader Becky Roper Matkov, writer of the award-winning public television documentary On This Land: The Charles Deering Estate, serves as scriptwriter and co-producer. Emmy Award-winning Jorge Gonzalez-Graupera serves as director and co-producer.
Presented during Miami Villagers’ 60th anniversary year, the premiere reflects the organization’s longstanding commitment to historic preservation, education, and sharing Miami’s history with the broader community. Join fellow preservation supporters, community leaders and friends for this special evening and the premiere of a film created to introduce Julia Tuttle’s extraordinary legacy to a new generation.
PREMIERE DETAILS
By Invitation Only
Thursday, November 19, 2026
6:30-7:30 Reception
7:45 Welcome & Remarks
8:00-8:30 Screening of Film
TICKETS
$25 each – Thru November 6, 2026
$35 each – November 7-19, 2026
Tickets are available on Eventbrite only.
BACKGROUND ABOUT JULIA TUTTLE
When Julia Sturtevant Tuttle, a young wife and mother of two from Cleveland, visited her parents in remote South Florida in 1875, she fell in love with the clear blue waters of Biscayne Bay and the exotic beauty of the land. Sixteen years later, as a young widow, she returned to the area to live on the 640-acres she had purchased at the mouth of the Miami River. She had a vision of a city that expanded far beyond her water-accessible-only homestead. She convinced Henry Flagler to bring his railroad to the Miami River, and worked tirelessly to build, promote and nurture the community. In 1896, she saw Miami incorporated as a city, dying just two years later, at 49. Newspaper headlines mourned her as “Miami’s most prominent citizen” with “wonderful will power, energy and business capacity.” In her seven years of living on the banks of the Miami River, Julia Tuttle transformed a region.
ABOUT MIAMI VILLAGERS
For 60 years, Miami Villagers have been a leading force in local historic preservation. The organization has awarded more than 300 grants to over 100 organizations, including the Douglas Entrance, Coral Gables Congregational Church, Miracle Theatre, Biltmore Hotel, Warner House, Gesu Church, Kampong, Vizcaya, Black Police Precinct, Merrick House, Miami River Inn, Dade County Courthouse, Scottish Rite Temple, Old Miami High, Pinewood Cemetery, Barnacle, and Doc Thomas House.
Through restoration, education, advocacy, and fundraising, Miami Villagers safeguard the cultural and architectural heritage that shapes the Miami-Dade communities. .
The Villagers, Inc. , Miami Villagers, is not responsible for any liability, damages or costs that may arise from participation in this event, from participating in activity involved and from any consequence involved in participation including travel to and from the event.
Agenda
🕑: 06:30 AM - 07:30 PM
Reception
Info: Reception
🕑: 07:30 PM - 08:30 PM
Welcome & Screening of Film
Info: Movie screening of A Woman of Fire, Julia Tuttle and the Founding of Miami
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 28.52 to USD 65.87
