Living History Guide: Fort Mose Historic State Park & More
Do more than see history – Live it! Explore our guide below for a glimpse at every era of Florida’s Historic Coast’s colorful history, from Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth and Fort Mose Historic State Park to events in Colonial Quarter, St. Augustine.
(Be sure to check these destination websites during COVID 19)
Ongoing Experiences
Colonial Quarter, St. Augustine (Blacksmith and Leatherworking Demonstrations)
Experience centuries of St. Augustine history come to life as you watch 17th century blacksmiths rework metal into utensils, help leatherworkers craft by hand in an 18th century shop, and savor traditional pub fare or Spanish tapas – all within Colonial Quarter’s captivating 2 acres.
(904) 342-2857
Castillo de San Marcos (Weapons Demonstrations)
Watch Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at the Castillo as park rangers and reenactors in period dress give historical weapons demonstrations, as well as presentations on the life and experiences of the Spanish soldiers stationed in St. Augustine during the 1740s.
(904) 829-6506
Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
Watch history unravel before your eyes as you tour the Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park first explored by Juan Ponce de Leon in 1513 and settled by Pedro Menendez de Aviles in 1565. Visit a blacksmith, watch a cannon fire, and step into a Timucuan Village with professional reenactors leading the way.
(904) 829-3168
Militia Muster and Training at Fort Mose Historic State Park
Immerse yourself in the 18th century on the 1st Saturday morning of each month at Fort Mose Historic State Park, where members of the Fort Mose Militia conduct musket fire drills. Children of all ages may take part in children’s militia training, using wooden toy muskets and authentic uniform accessories.
(904) 823-2232
History on the Streets Saunter
Stroll down the historic streets of the past with authentically clad historical interpreters leading the way while sharing the rich and diverse history of St. Augustine. Historians speak with visitors and residents about history dating back to its founding in 1565.
(904) 823-2232
Annual Living History Events
Explore interactive living history events held historic destinations across St. Johns County, like Fort Mose Historic State Park and Colonial Quarter, St. Augustine’s must-see living history destination. 2020 dates will be listed as they become available.
February
Flight to Freedom
In celebration of Black History Month, walk from the Fort Mose Historical Society along the Freedom Trail, the first “Underground Railroad,” where hundreds of people fled to Spanish Florida from enslavement on British indigo and sugar plantations in 17th century South Carolina. Flight to Freedom honors and remembers all those who risked everything in search of freedom and opportunity to live their own lives.
(904) 832-2232
Festival de San Agustin
February 15 marks the birthday of Pedro Menendez de Aviles, founder of Saint Augustine. To commemorate the event, the Historic Florida Militia presents a week long celebration, Festival de San Agustin, filled with a parade, reenactments, cooking and weapons demonstrations and more.
March
Searle’s Sack of St. Augustine
Witness the recreation of a true pirate attack on Saint Augustine, one of only two true pirate attacks to have occurred in our nation’s oldest city.
(904) 832-2232
June
Drake’s Raid
Drake’s Raid features a 16th century style military encampment 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. See what camp life was like for families back then.
(904) 824-9823
Battle of Bloody Mose
Visit Fort Mose Historic State Park and immerse yourself in the history of the 1740 Spanish victory at the Battle of Bloody Mose. This 277th anniversary will feature military encampment and combined muster of reenactors, including two battle reenactments.
(904) 823-2232
September
The Founding of St. Augustine
Florida Living History, Inc., Mission Nombre de Dios and the Diocese of St. Augustine present this free annual and historical reenactment of Admiral Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles’ landing and founding of the city of St. Augustine in the year 1565.
(877) 352-4478
December
Colonial Night Watch
Join hundreds of re-enactors from St. Augustine’s colonial history for the Colonial Night Watch as they perform military drills at the Castillo De San Marcos during this free, all-day event. After an evening torchlight parade through St. George Street, join in singing classic Christmas carols to ring in the holiday season.
(877) 501-0391
Step back through time and experience 450 years of diverse culture with living history experiences and destinations like Fort Mose Historic State Park, Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth and the Colonial Quarter, St. Augustine’s living history must-see destination. Use our Living History Itinerary to dive into the rich past of our nation’s oldest city.
To download a PDF version of this guide, click here.