In 1924, the City of Aviles invited representatives of the City of St. Augustine and some of Florida’s leading historical societies to the occasion when the remains of Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles were reinterred in the church of his childhood.
At a special presentation on Thursday, September 2nd, the Honorable Roman Alvarez Gonzalez, a widely respected scholar on the 1924 Delegation, will share his ideas on the important role the delegation played in the histories of St. Augustine as well as Aviles.
The delegation received a significant gift upon its departure; the Menendez outer coffin. The same artifact is one of the focal points of the Founder’s Day Ceremony and dedication of the Mission Nombre de Dios Museum on September 4th.
The key role played by John B. Stetson, Jr., then President of the Florida Historical Society, will be featured in Alvarez’ presentation. Stetson, whose father was the famous hat maker, was one of the delegation members 86 years ago.
This presentation will be held at 4:00 p.m. in the Flagler Room of Ponce de Leon Hall located at 74 King Street in St. Augustine and is free and open to the public. The event is made possible through the cooperative efforts of Flagler College and the City of St. Augustine.
Photo credits: © 2010 Historic City News staff photographer