Media Contact:
Andrew Witt

(904) 808-7330

History Comes to Life on Florida’s Historic Coast

Visitors to Experience Interactive Events and Activities that will Educate and Entertain

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. –Families will make history come to life during their vacation to Northeast Florida and experiencingHistoric Coast Culture. Who can brush off history as boring when there are cannons firing or an archeological dig happening right in the heart of a historic district reminiscent of the colonial days? Florida’s Historic Coast is brimming with affordable, regularly-scheduled re-enactments, celebrations, tours, historical maritime attractions and interactive activities that put you right in the middle of 450 years of history. In September 2015, the city is commemorating its 450th anniversary with special events and celebrations.

Celebrate 450! kicks-off Sept. 4, 2015, with a Music & Street Festival. The music festival, runs through Sept. 6 and includes regional and local bands in concerts and historical and cultural performances on multiple downtown stages. Saturday’s festival concludes with a majestic fireworks display. The EMMA Concert Association presents a signature Spanish Music and Dance performance on Sept. 6 as well. The festivities continue on Sept. 8, the official anniversary of the city, with a re-enactment of the Menéndez Landing, procession, commemorative mass and street festival. Sept. 9-12 is the St. Augustine Spanish Wine Festival.

At Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archeological Park, visitors stroll through a replica Timucuan Village. Recently added was a historicallycorrect anoti, a large Timucuan family house. Living history interpreters show visitors what day-to-day life was like in the village, how the Timucua hunted, fished, made fine pottery and shell tools. Archeologists are often onsite as well, and visitors may come across an archeological dig in process. You never know what is going to be uncovered.

Historic Weapons Demonstrations are held Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at Castillo de San Marcos, the historic district’s signature attraction. Park ranger re-enactors in period dress give historical weapons demonstrations, as well as presentations on the life and experiences of the Spanish soldiers stationed in St. Augustine in the 1740s. Beginning in April 2015, the Castillo de San Marcos, designated a National Park Monument by the National Park Service (NPS), is recognizing the National Park Service Centennial. Fourteen miles south another designated National Park Monument, Fort Matanzas, will also recognize the centennial. Special events will be announced in honor the anniversary.

Throughout the summer and year-round families will find living history events, including Drakes Raid, June 6, 2015. The event features a 16th century style military encampment at the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park with drills, demonstrations and living history interpretation during the day. As the sun sets in the historic district, the reenactment of the sacking and burning of the town commences. The Saint Augustine Garrison are the group of re-enactors who portray the life and times of the Spanish soldiers and their families in the 1740s. Families visiting today can see what camp life was like for families then.

June 20-21, 2015, The Battle of Bloody Mose is commemorated. The battle led to the British lifting their siege and ending their attack against St. Augustine in 1740. The event opens with the presentation of the colors, as well as a cannon and musket salute. The battle is re-enacted, andvisitors will interact with re-enactors portraying the everyday lives of the Spanish, British, African and Native Americans that were present in the 1740s. Activities include demonstrations of 18th century colonial and military life, children’s activities, various exhibits, plus craft and food vendors. Throughout the year people can visit the original location of Fort Mose, the site of the first legally-sanctioned, free black community in the United States.

Replica Spanish ship, theEl Galeón,is docked at the St. Augustine Municipal Marina in the city’s historic district during 2015.Tours are offered daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The ship is a replica of the vessels that traveled the coasts of Florida between the 16th and 18th centuries, transporting men, goods, culture and ideas, creating ties between America and Europe.Children 5 and younger are offered free admission.

Take a step back in time to an era of grandeur and elegance at Flagler College – once the Hotel Ponce De Leon, opened in 1888. The hotel is a landmark in American architecture with Spanish Renaissance architecture and lavish decoration, which in its heyday attracted the wealthy and the elite, from presidents to movie stars. Legacy Tours of Flagler College highlight the architectural heritage of the former Hotel Ponce de Leon and depart daily from the majestic Rotunda on the Flagler College campus at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tours are only $1 for children under the age of 12 and $10 for adults.

This summer and beyond is a great time for families to experience the Historic Coast’s culture and heritage, and many other attractions, like the St. Augustine Lighthouse, pirate’s museum, unspoiled beaches, free summer concert series and much more. Affordable accommodations are available, from camping to upscale hotels and historic inns.

Learn more about living history activities and other cultural happenings in the greater St. Augustine area, by visiting

For story ideas and additional information for the media, visit

Additional press contact: Jennifer Bryant, (904) 699-8878,

About St. Johns Cultural Council
The St. Johns Cultural Council is a 501© (3) not-for-profit agency. Under agreement with the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners, the SJCC provides arts, culture and heritage tourism destination marketing services to the county’s Tourist Development Council (TDC). Funding for marketing services comes from a portion of the county’s bed tax. For more information, call (904) 808-7330 or visit

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