James Bond displays will open at Waldo museums on August 3

Press release from Matt Sherman

WALDO, Fla. – Waldo, Gainesville, and Ocala have a surprising connection to Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond. Two museums in Waldo will highlight this Florida link with new displays on Saturday, August 3.

Ian Fleming (1908-1964) was not only the creator of James Bond but also an accomplished spymaster, journalist, publisher, collector, and gamesman. As one of the 20th century’s top novelists, Fleming sold millions of books in multiple languages, drawing on his firsthand experiences as the second-in-command for Britain’s Naval Intelligence Division during World War II. Fleming’s love of racing nearly cost him his life when, as a student in Kitzbühel, Austria, his car was struck by a train. This terrifying yet thrilling experience inspired the frequent appearance of trains and monorails in his books and the Bond films. His travels on the Seaboard Silver Star through North Central Florida also provided material for his novel “Live and Let Die,” featuring action aboard passenger trains between Jacksonville and St. Petersburg.

“Florida Bond fans are thrilled to learn that ‘Mr. Big,’ the villain of ‘Live and Let Die,’ had his henchmen coordinate an attack on James Bond between Waldo and Ocala,” said Matt Sherman, author of “James Bond’s Cuisine” and “Playing Games With James Bond” and recognized by multiple media outlets as one of the world’s top Bondologists. “I’m glad the public will soon be able to explore the trains of James Bond from 30 of the Bond books and films through the Waldo Area Historical Society Museums,” Sherman added.

On Saturday, August 3, two new museum displays will be unveiled: “Ian Fleming: Railfan” at the Waldo Historical Railroad Museum at 2:30 p.m. and “James Bond On The Tracks” at the Waldo Area Historical Museum at City Square at 3:00 p.m. Visitors can ask questions, share their fan experiences, and take photos. Sherman will discuss the many Florida connections to the James Bond series and present unique props from the Bond films for the public to enjoy.

Waldo Area Historical Museum
Located at Waldo City Square
14450 NE 148th Avenue
Waldo, Florida 32694

Waldo Historical Railroad Museum
Located at Veteran’s Memorial Park
14660 5 Blvd.
Waldo, Florida 32694

The post James Bond displays will open at Waldo museums on August 3 appeared first on Alachua Chronicle .