Upcoming events in St. Augustine

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – The Discover First America! program series returns to Flagler College Auditorium, located at 14 Granada St., beginning Dec. 7, 2011. The free, five-part entertainment series explores facets of St. Augustine’s rich history and culture, including food, dance, colorful costumes, shipwrecks, pirates, discovery, archaeological sites, Revolutionary War, and the military presence in St. Augustine for more than four-and-a–half centuries. The program is presented in celebration of the four-year St. Augustine 450th Commemoration. Each series will begin at 7 p.m. with the doors opening at 6 p.m. for seating, lobby displays, demonstrations and book signings.

“We are thrilled to bring this series of events back to the community,” said Dana Ste. Claire, development director for the St. Augustine 450th Commemoration.  “The first series was standing-room only, and we are excited to continue presenting information on St. Augustine’s history and culture.”

The five programs will include:

Pirates & Privateers of St. Augustine

On Dec. 7, 2011, Pat Croce, owner of the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum and celebrity adventurer, and Sam Turner, maritime archaeologist, will present this program.  Croce will speak about the journeys of the pirates of St. Augustine from Francis Drake to Robert Searle.  Turner will tell about 1500s life in St. Augustine and the nation’s oldest port based on recent historical and archaeological research.  This event is sponsored by the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum and the First Light Maritime Society.

First Colony

On Jan. 10, 2012, Kathleen Deagan, internationally acclaimed archaeologist, will report on her latest finds at the Fountain of Youth National Archaeological Park, which is located on the area settled by Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles in 1565.  Carl Halbirt, city archaeologist, will tell of his new discoveries, including a possible early wooden fort.  Menendez re-enactor Chad Light and his cast will recreate the historic landing in 1565, which will include a full entourage of Spanish soldiers, Timucuan Indians and Catholic priests.  This event is sponsored by the Fountain of Youth National Archaeological Park.

The Madness of King George

On Jan. 25, 2012, Roger Smith will recount the last days of the British reign in America, which took place in St. Augustine at the Pena-Peck House.  Smith will also talk about the rich colonial maritime history of St. Augustine.  John Stavely, author, tour guide and re-enactor, will appear as Jesse Fish, the persuasive British broker.  A colonial fashion show will conclude the program.  This event is sponsored by the First Light Maritime Society (St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum and the Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program) with support from the St. Augustine Maritime Heritage Foundation.

St. Augustine Tapestry

On Feb. 7, 2012, the lifeways, foods, songs and dance of the multiple cultures of St. Augustine will be presented, including the Menorcan, Greek and African cultures.  These cultures are important threads of St. Augustine’s tapestry.  Also, the secret colonial recipes for rum and Menorcan clam chowder will be revealed.  This event is sponsored by the Casa Monica Hotel.

To Arms!  Four & a Half Centuries of Military History in St. Augustine

On Feb. 16, 2012, the military presence from the beginning of St. Augustine will be depicted.  For centuries, St. Augustine has been shaped by wars, battles and military campaigns.  From the soldiers of Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles and the Fort Mose Militia to the Revolutionary, Seminole and Civil Wars, and finally the modern-day National Guard, 450 years of military history will be covered in 100 minutes through soldier re-enactors and vignettes.  This event is sponsored by the St. Augustine 450th Military Commemoration Committee of the St. Johns County Veterans Council.

St. Augustine 450th Commemoration passports will be given to all participants.  Also, souvenir stampings in the passport will be provided.  The Discover First America! series is sponsored by the St. Augustine 450th Commemoration, Flagler College, St. Johns County Tourist Development Council, St. Augustine Record, Florida Power & Light Company, National Park Service/National Underground Railroad Network, Augustine.com, SGS Art & Design and Destination Planning.

About the St. Augustine 450th Commemoration

The St. Augustine 450th Commemoration is planned as a four-year celebration, beginning 2012 with the Bicentennial Anniversary of the Spanish Constitution; continuing 2013 with the 500th Anniversary of the landing of Juan Ponce de Leon, the discoverer of Florida and, by all official accounts, mainland America; continuing 2014 with the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act; and ending in 2015 with the 450th anniversary of the founding of St. Augustine by Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles in 1565 as the oldest, continuously occupied European settlement in the continental United States. Events during the commemoration will serve to build an understanding of and appreciation for the legacies of St. Augustine. These events will focus on signature themes that reflect the major chapters in St. Augustine’s and America’s history. For more information, call 904.825.1053 or visit www.staugustine-450.com.