During the September annual meeting of the Florida Association of Museums our very own Past Historical Society President John Peel was awarded their prestigious Outstanding Trustee Award. As I began the nomination process with Irene Beckham several months ago it became readily apparent that John would be most deserving of this award and we are proud that FAM agreed with us.

 

John began his time with the museum as a volunteer in 2010. His experience with over 50 non-profit agencies and boards led to his quickly taking a leadership role at the Historical Society. He was appointed to complete an unfinished term as Board president and he took it from there. After researching what needed to be done, and then prioritizing goals, John was able to bring committees together, thus assuring that members had a role and input as he moved the Society forward.

 

Just a few of John's many accomplishments include: restarting the quarterly printed newsletter and then leading the transition to a monthly electronic newsletter that you now read. This change has led to our being able to get you more information, in a timelier manner, at a cheaper price to the society. John reinvigorated the annual membership renewal process and helped membership revenue more than triple. John has been driver in the creation of our largest annual fundraiser, Night at the Museum. This event has continually been a fun one for the community as well as raising valuable funds for our operations. John has also helped bring the museum up to date on technology which has helped back office duties function more smoothly.

 

John has held many roles in the Historical Society including Treasurer, President, and served for several years on our Endowment Trust committee. While no longer officially on the Board of Directors, John continues to lend his support whenever asked and serves as a readily available resource. But most of all we are proud to call him a friend.

 

Congratulations John! You deserved this award.

Join us for this year's Night at the Museum! This event was a huge success last year and this year promises to be even bigger and better. The theme for this year is going to be "College Game Night".  There will be plenty of great food, drinks, live entertainment and a live auction. Make your plans to be at the museum on Friday night, October 14 from 6-9 pm. 

Tickets are available at the museum and will cost $35. To order through our website, click "get tickets" below and choose the family membership - please put a note on purchase that it is for the Night at the Museum.

BUY TICKETS

Due to our Night at the Museum fundraiser the Museum will be closed on Friday, October 14 and Saturday, October 15. We will reopen for regular hours on Tuesday, October 18. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your support.

We are proud to present Ms. HenryEtta Wilson, who will be discussing the local Jane Sheldon Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. This organization has played an important role in our community through the years and continues to be an active and vital group. We hope you can join us and learn more about what these wonderful ladies have done, and continue to do, for our community. You can also learn the requirements for becoming a member of the DAR. For more information on the chapter, please click here. This event is free and open to the public.

Kristen Kneifl, Chief of Resource Management for Canaveral National Seashore will be on hand to discuss natural and cultural resource management in the park. Kristen is a graduate of University of Nebraska and has lived and worked in Florida since 2001, conducting biological research and working in land management for various agencies. She has been in her current position with Canaveral National Seashore for two years.

Join author Dr. Ann Browning Masters as she reads from and discusses her book Floridanos, Menorcans, Cattle-Whip Crackers: Poetry of St. Augustine.

 

Learn about mullet-netting, datil pepper-growing, pilau-eating, rum-running times in Saint Augustine and Northeast Florida from after the Civil War through the Civil Rights Movement.  Bold, humorous, sometimes heart-tugging, this is the tale of deep España's convergence and melding with the Deep South.  Discover a story of Old Florida, published by the Florida Historical Society Press in 2015.

 

Ann Browning Masters is a 12th generation Floridian.  She is a Floridana, a descendant of the Spanish settlers who came to Florida during the First Spanish Period, and a Menorcan, a descendant of the Mediterranean's who settled in St. Augustine during Florida's British Period.  In 2015, Dr. Masters was knighted by the St. Augustine Easter Festival for her dedication in promoting St. Augustine's Spanish heritage.     

 

She first shared oral traditions from Floridanos, Menorcans, and the "Crackers" who entered Florida during Territorial days at the 1996 Florida Folk Festival. In addition to sharing stories of common people who became part of the cultural roots of St. Augustine, she was interviewed and recorded for the Florida State Historical Archives. A retired faculty member of St. Johns River State College, she continues to read from her writings on Floridanos and Menorcans in the Eckerd College Road Scholar program.

 

The event is free and open to the public. Books will be available for purchase.