Biography
Scot French is Director of Public History and an Associate Professor of Digital and Public History at the University of Central Florida. He received his Ph.D. in History from the University of Virginia, where he directed the Virginia Center for Digital History before joining UCF.
Scot's current research/book project focuses on 19th century town-building and community life in Maitland and neighboring Eatonville and Winter Park. He shares his work widely through talks, articles, exhibits, and walking tours. For his community-engaged work as a public historian, Scot has been honored by Winter Park Magazine as one of the area’s “Most Influential People.”
Prior to his election as a City Council member, Scot served on the Maitland Public Library Board of Trustees for 10 years. He has been closely involved with planning for the city’s new Library and is looking forward to groundbreaking in 2026.
Scot has called Maitland home since 2012. He and his family live in a lovingly restored mid-century modern A-Frame in the Manor Road neighborhood, a short walk from Lake Lily. He enjoys hiking, biking, kayaking, and photography.