Southern Fortunes

Founder's background, exhibit's purpose, and Mission

Southern Fortunes is founded by Jonathan Papanikolaou, a secondary level educator and graduate student whose capstone has culminated in the establishment of this platform and the creation of this online exhibit: "Millionaires' Row."

Born and raised in South Florida, Mr. Papanikolaou has always held an absolute fascination of historical architecture, knowing one day that it would manifest by way of academic studies and entrepreneurial pursuits. This fascination soon led to literal experience in the fields of architectural preservation, restoration, and advocation.

To read more about Mr. Papanikolaou, please click below.

Mr. Papanikolaou's Biography

MISSION

Southern Fortunes is a digital platform that promotes intriguing, historically inclined exhibits and advocates for historic preservation. The aim is to publicize local historical accounts of the American South and engage the surrounding communities and visitors through local history, the environment, and the arts.

PHILOSOPHY

According to Carl Becker, history at its lowest terms can be considered "the memory of things said and done." With this in mind, the philosophical thought regarding history and its treatment must bear in mind the following:

The study of material sources must be readily assessed and observed without leaning judgement or prejudice.

The endless succession of new interpretations creates a perpetual cycle of changing context, and as such, a historian must abide by the professional ethics and handle with care the objectivity that has been bestowed upon them as their profession involves the most precious duties of all time: the dissemination of knowledge.

PURPOSE

Southern Fortunes serves as a platform for online exhibits that showcase and highlight historical places, events, and periods in the American South.

"Millionaires' Row" exhibits Fort Myer's architectural history and legacy providing a tantalizing account of some of the most reputable and prestigious families, their handsome estates, and business ventures that contributed to the socio-economic growth and development of the City.

To find out more about Fort Myer's early history, please click below.

Historical Fort Myers