Discover First America programs return

Historic City News has received word from Jennifer Zuberer, Communications and Resource Manager for the St Augustine 450th Commemoration, that the popular Discover First America! Program Adventure series returns to Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College beginning November 20th.

The free, five-part entertainment series explores facets of St. Augustine’s rich history and culture.

Each program in the series will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the auditorium located at 14 Granada Street in St Augustine; with the doors opening at 6:00 p.m. for seating, lobby displays, information and book signings.

Upcoming programs:

Mythbusters! Fact & Fiction in St. Augustine’s History

On Nov. 20, 2012, the myths of St. Augustine will be debunked. From seven-foot tall Timucuan Indians to buried pirate treasure, fictional accounts and historical embellishments of St. Augustine will be examined, exposed and laid to rest in a lively game show setting. The evening’s highlight will be a historical reenactment of the First Thanksgiving. Audience members will leave the program armed with history and facts. This event is sponsored by Tour St. Augustine.

Ancient City Musicale: 450 Years of Song & Dance

On Dec. 5, 2012, four centuries of music in St. Augustine will be presented through musical vignettes. The 16th century songs of Menéndez’s day, Gregorian chants, Andalucían bagpipers, Greek dancers, 18th century Revolutionary War tavern songs, Victorian ballads, Civil Rights Movement anthems, and St. Augustine’s finest contemporary musicians will be featured in this musical retrospective. This event is sponsored by Romanza.

Palace in Paradise: The Hotel Ponce de Leon Turns 125

On Jan. 9, 2013, the community will help celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Hotel Ponce de Leon, one of the nation’s 100 most important historic buildings and Standard Oil co-founder Henry Flagler’s palatial Gilded Age resort. The program will feature appearances from Henry Flagler himself and a cast of Victorian re-enactors who will portray the life of high society during the 19th century in St. Augustine at the Hotel Ponce de Leon, now Flagler College. This event is sponsored by Flagler College.

Juan Ponce de León Finds La Florida

On Jan. 23, 2013, theories and fascinating evidence of the landing of Ponce de León will be explored. Re-enactors will bring to life the historical landing of Ponce de León, when the Old World and New World cultures collided. This event is sponsored by the Fountain of Youth National Archaeological Park.

Revolt! Revolutionary War Trials & Tribulations in St. Augustine

On March 14, 2013, we will explore St. Augustine’s involvement in the Revolutionary War. During the Revolutionary War, St. Augustine was fraught with political strife and a burgeoning population when the tide of the War changed in favor of the Patriots. At the end of the War, the British campaign in America came to an end in St. Augustine. When the greatest attempt by the British to colonize the New World failed at New Smyrna, Fla., in 1777 settlers relocated to St. Augustine and its founder was put on trial. Experience the spectacular history of British Colonial St. Augustine through historical figures and a re-enacted trial. This event is sponsored by the Colonial Quarter.

St. Augustine 450th Commemoration passports will be given to all participants. Souvenir stampings in the passport will be provided at each program.

This Discover First America! Program Adventure announcement is provided courtesy of Historic City News. Programming is sponsored by the St. Augustine 450th Commemoration, Flagler College, Florida Power & Light Company, St. Johns County Tourist Development Council, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau, The St. Augustine Record, Augustine.com, SGS Art & Design and City Gate Productions.

For information about this and other commemoration programing, visit staugustine-450.com, link to us on facebook.com/450th and follow twitter.com/StAugustine450.