2025 PROGRAM SERIES: PALM HARBOR MUSEUM PRESENTS
THIS WEEK! PALM HARBOR MUSEUM PRESENTS
Author/Journalist MICHAEL GROSS with
MADMAN: THE INCREDIBLE TRUE STORY OF JOHN CALVIN "RASTUS" RUSSEL
AND THE HEINOUS CRIME AND MANHUNT THAT TERRIFIED CENTRAL FLORIDA IN 1949
A/V Lecture Presentation — Wed., November 5, 2025, 6:30 PM at Palm Harbor Library
Author/Journalist MICHAEL GROSS with
MADMAN: THE INCREDIBLE TRUE STORY OF JOHN CALVIN "RASTUS" RUSSEL
AND THE HEINOUS CRIME AND MANHUNT THAT TERRIFIED CENTRAL FLORIDA IN 1949
A/V Lecture Presentation — Wed., November 5, 2025, 6:30 PM at Palm Harbor Library
Join us this Wed., evening, Nov 5th at 6:30 PM at Palm Harbor Library as author-journalist Michael Gross discusses his acclaimed just-released publication, Madman: The Incredible True Story of John Calvin "Rastus" Russel and the Heinous Crime and Manhunt that Terrified Central Florida in 1949.
Following the program, Gross will be available for one-on-one conversation and a book signing, and his publication will be available for purchase.
All are welcome at no charge. Light refreshments will be available.
This riveting non-fiction history provides a thrilling description of Pinellas County's largest manhunt in its history for John Calvin "Rastus" Russel after his brutal murders in Crystal Beach in North Pinellas County — an event that turned average citizens into armed vigilantes in our region's otherwise quiet, close-knit rural community in 1949.
Gross will provide an audio-visual overview of the story and his experience writing this history.
This event takes place in the Community Room (to your right as you enter the library).
Free parking | Wheelchair accessible | No RSVP is necessary
This event is open to all at no charge. Donations are gratefully accepted.
Volunteers at Palm Harbor Museum are honored to have played a part in aiding the author's research.
Following the program, Gross will be available for one-on-one conversation and a book signing, and his publication will be available for purchase.
All are welcome at no charge. Light refreshments will be available.
This riveting non-fiction history provides a thrilling description of Pinellas County's largest manhunt in its history for John Calvin "Rastus" Russel after his brutal murders in Crystal Beach in North Pinellas County — an event that turned average citizens into armed vigilantes in our region's otherwise quiet, close-knit rural community in 1949.
Gross will provide an audio-visual overview of the story and his experience writing this history.
This event takes place in the Community Room (to your right as you enter the library).
Free parking | Wheelchair accessible | No RSVP is necessary
This event is open to all at no charge. Donations are gratefully accepted.
Volunteers at Palm Harbor Museum are honored to have played a part in aiding the author's research.
PALM HARBOR MUSEUM PRESENTS:
Author/Journalist Michael Gross with
Madman: The Incredible True Story of John Calvin "Rastus" Russel
and the Heinous Crime and Manhunt that Terrified Central Florida in 1949
A/V Lecture/Q&A Program
This Wed., Nov 5, 2025 at 6:30 PM at Palm Harbor Library
2330 Nebraska Ave, Palm Harbor, FL 34683
In the Community Room (first room to the right as you enter the library)
Light Refreshments served
Programs typically last one hour including Q&A
Meet the presenter following the program
Book signing will follow the program. Books available for purchase.
Plenty of Free Parking at both locations | Wheelchair Accessible at both locations
Walk-ins welcome at No charge. RSVP not requiredDonations are gratefully accepted.
Photos Courtesy of Michael Gross
Author/Journalist Michael Gross with
Madman: The Incredible True Story of John Calvin "Rastus" Russel
and the Heinous Crime and Manhunt that Terrified Central Florida in 1949
A/V Lecture/Q&A Program
This Wed., Nov 5, 2025 at 6:30 PM at Palm Harbor Library
2330 Nebraska Ave, Palm Harbor, FL 34683
In the Community Room (first room to the right as you enter the library)
Light Refreshments served
Programs typically last one hour including Q&A
Meet the presenter following the program
Book signing will follow the program. Books available for purchase.
Plenty of Free Parking at both locations | Wheelchair Accessible at both locations
Walk-ins welcome at No charge. RSVP not requiredDonations are gratefully accepted.
Photos Courtesy of Michael Gross
| Click to View/Download Flyer pdf for November 5, 2025 Palm Harbor Museum Presents |
2025 Palm Harbor Museum Presents Coming Programs
Programs are on the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 PM at the PALM HARBOR LIBRARY
- Wed., November 5, 2025, 6:30 PM | PALM HARBOR LIBRARY
- PALM HARBOR MUSEUM PRESENTS: Best-selling author/journalist, MICHAEL GROSS
Madman: The Incredible True Story of Calvin "Rastus" Russel and the Heinous Crime and Manhunt That Terrified Central Florida in 1949. Discover the fascinating and horrific story of Pinellas County’s biggest manhunt—when a 1,000-volunteer posse, local pilot, and the National Guard combed the Palm Harbor woods and searched aerially for killer John Calvin "Rastus” Russell, whose cold-blooded, brutal murders in Crystal Beach sent Pinellas County residents into a panic. No charge / donations accepted.
- Wed., December 3, 2025, 6:30 PM | PALM HARBOR LIBRARY
PALM HARBOR MUSEUM PRESENTS: Retired North County Assistant to the County Administrator NANCY McKIBBEN with Wall Springs Then and Today. This dive into Wall Springs history will tell the story of this one-time spa and swimming hole, now a 210-acre Pinellas County Park. For over six years, MicKibben served as Assistant to the County Administrator Representing Unincorporated North County Communities at Pinellas County Government for over six years until her recent retirement. The history and beauty of Wall Springs is among her favorite subjects, and you'll discover much about this extraordinary environmental spot through her presentation. No charge / donations accepted
Become a member of the Palm Harbor Museum and support the collection, preservation, and exhibition of the history of the Palm Harbor Region here.
DONATIONS AND MUSEUM MEMBERSHIPS support our programs and events.
Call (727) 724-3054 or donate online and become a member below.
DONATIONS AND MUSEUM MEMBERSHIPS support our programs and events.
Call (727) 724-3054 or donate online and become a member below.
WE WOULD LOVE YOU TO VISIT
PALM HARBOR MUSEUM
2043 Curlew Rd | Palm Harbor, FL | 34683 | (727) 724-3054 | [email protected]
Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10 AM to 2 PM | Free Admission (donations welcomed!) | closed on holidays
Docent-led or self-guided tours | We welcome groups! | Email to arrange other times for group visits
plenty of free parking on our museum grounds | corner of Belcher & Curlew Rds | enter parking lot from Curlew
PALM HARBOR MUSEUM
2043 Curlew Rd | Palm Harbor, FL | 34683 | (727) 724-3054 | [email protected]
Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10 AM to 2 PM | Free Admission (donations welcomed!) | closed on holidays
Docent-led or self-guided tours | We welcome groups! | Email to arrange other times for group visits
plenty of free parking on our museum grounds | corner of Belcher & Curlew Rds | enter parking lot from Curlew
