The Osceola County Historical Society will present its final History Talks program of the season Saturday, April 24, with the topic of Florida’s Cow Hunters.

The guest speaker for the program will be author and journalist, Nancy Dale.

In the early 1800s, a brave and hardy breed of people forged their way through some of Florida’s most inhospitable environs by wagon and by foot in search of wild scrub cattle left behind by the Spaniards. They were called “cow hunters,” and as they established their lives and families in this new land, an entire culture began to emerge to become known as the “cracker culture,” the name derived from the sound of the cracking whips that the men used in cattle-herding.

The April 24 program will delve into the life and times of these pioneering cow hunters – and huntresses – who began not only a culture, but Florida’s cattle industry as well.

Dale, a native Miamian, is a broadcast journalist and nationally published writer of several books about early Florida and the subject of cow hunters including, “Wild Florida The Way It Was,” and “Would Do, Could Do And Made Do.” She also is an allied member of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association.

The program will begin promptly at 2 p.m., and will be followed with a book-signing. Admission is $10 ($5 for society members), and due to limited seating, advance reservations are suggested by calling 407-396-8644.

The Osceola County Historical Society and Pioneer Village is at 750 N. Bass Road, Kissimmee.