A voice for untold stories
Vickie Oldham, M.F.A.
Preserving History. Inspiring
Communities. Moving Audiences.
Vickie Oldham is a recognized community scholar, cultural leader, preservationist, storyteller, and the President/CEO of the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition (SAACC). Her work is driven by a powerful mission: to preserve untold stories and transform them into experiences that educate, inspire, and connect communities. Oldham is the visionary behind three impactful, public history and preservation projects in Florida.
—bringing the rich history of Newtown, one of Sarasota’s oldest African American communities, to life.
as seen on:
Cultural Leader. Community Scholar. Historical Preservationist. Consultant. Speaker.
Vickie Oldham, M.F.A.
Vickie Oldham, has spent her career documenting erased, overlooked, and almost forgotten history. Through collaborative partnerships and the use of multi-media and marketing platforms, she turns the stories into experiences that are unforgettable. Her reputation was solidly built on helping communities uncover and share local African American history that was lost.
The founder of “Looking for Angola” and “Newtown Alive” is SAACC’s President/CEO. SAACC’s mission is to preserve, celebrate and share the cultural, artistic and historical heritage of African Americans in Sarasota and beyond. This work has reshaped how the region approaches cultural heritage tourism.
A Recognized Voice in Cultural Tourism
The Vision Behind Newtown Alive
The existance of an 1800s Black Seminole settlement in Manatee County was considered a “myth” by some. That’s until 3,000 artifacts were unearthed by archaeologists. Oldham organized the “Looking for Angola” team of scholars to dispel claims that the maroom community did not exist. Now Angola history is amplified and shared at the Bradenton Riverwalk along the Manatee River where evidence was found. Newtown Alive began with a question: How can history be saved when a community faces development pressure? Vickie’s response evolved into one of the most comprehensive grassroots preservation efforts in Florida — combining research, oral history, and public storytelling. The Black community of Newtown is one of Sarasota’s oldest neighborhoods.
What began as a historical preservation initiative has grown into a full cultural infrastructure.
The initiative includes:
- A published book and comprehensive research report.
- Markers placed in locations where history happened.
- Trolley Tours.
- Newtownalive.org and social media.
- Oral history recordings.
- A documentary short film.
- Traveling exhibition and talks.
- U.S. Civil Rights Trail designation.
As a result of this work, Newtown is now listed as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places and is the largest African American historic district in Florida. Vickie has demonstrated how history can become interactive, accessible, and transformational. More projects are in the works.
Consultant
Oldham brings a rare, proven track record in community-based historic preservation to any organization seeking to uncover, document, and share its untold history. As the consultant selected by the City of Sarasota to lead the Newtown Conservation Historic District project, she built Newtown Alive from the ground up—directing all Phases. A historically Black neighborhood’s story was transformed into a nationally recognized heritage tourism destination. The President and CEO of the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition (SAACC) extends that work toward a permanent cultural arts center and history museum.
Recognized as Sarasota’s Citizen of the Year, a National Trust for Historic Preservation Diversity Scholar, and Visit Sarasota County’s Voice of Tourism (partial list of awards), Oldham pairs journalistic rigor with deep community trust to turn overlooked histories into lasting public assets. She is now available to bring that same proven process to other municipalities, corporations, and organizations looking to research, preserve, and elevate the histories embedded in their own communities.
Why Audiences Connect With Vickie
More Than a Speaker
Vickie Oldham doesn’t just speak about history—she brings it to life.
Her presentations blend:
- Powerful storytelling
- Historical and cultural insight
- Community-centered leadership
- Real-world examples of impact
- Inspiration rooted in lived experience
- Thought-provoking conversations about legacy and identity
Whether speaking to educators, nonprofit and civic leaders, tourism professionals, corporate leaders, or residents, Vickie creates moments that stay with audiences long after the event ends. Attendees leave inspired not only by the stories heard—but by a deeper understanding about how culture, memory, and community shape the future.
Speaking Topics
Keynotes That Inspire Action
Preserving Untold Stories
Communities can safeguard history before it disappears—and why storytelling matters now more than ever.
The Power of Cultural Tourism
Exploring how heritage tourism sparks economic growth, community pride, and attracts new visitors.
Community as Legacy
Local voices and shared experiences shape the future of neighborhoods.
Leadership Through Storytelling
How to build connection, trust and lasting impact through authentic storytelling.
Transforming History Into Experience
Lessons learned. How three heritage projects were built: Looking for Angola, Newtown Alive and the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition.
Vickie leads multi-disciplinary teams to uncover hidden histories.
Newtown Alive —Oldham as founder began a comprehensive historic preservation initiative funded by the City of Sarasota. She led a team of scholars and researchers in documenting the African American community’s pioneers, places and significant events.
Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition (SAACC) — Oldham founded SAACC and serves as its President & CEO. She led fundraising efforts to renovate and open the 100-year-old Leonard Reid House. Arts, culture and history programs are presented in partnership with organizations and civic groups.
Looking for Angola —Oldham founded and directed the historical research project, bringing together archaeologists, historians, anthropologists and volunteers to uncover and preserve the story of Angola, a lost 19th century African American maroon community on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Book Vickie Oldham for Your Next Event
Whether speaking to audiences or consulting with leaders, Vickie delivers presentations that resonate. Bring a voice of history, culture, and impact to your stage.
It is something we carry forward.
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Now accepting engagements as a consultant, panelist, workshop participant, or for a special appearance.
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Vickie Oldham, President/CEO, Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition, Inc. (SAACC) and founder Newtown Alive and Looking for Angola.
Visit Sarasota County 2020 Voice of Tourism
P.O. Box 1523
Sarasota, FL 34230
“I am not interested in power for power’s sake, but I’m interested in power that is moral, that is right and that is good.”
– Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.