Activities at Castillo and Ft Matanzas

Ranger Jesse Olbrich reported to local Historic City News reporters that the Historic Weapons Program demonstrations are scheduled regularly at both Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and Fort Matanzas National Monument — weather and personnel permitting.

Safety is a priority during these demonstrations; in accordance with the policies of the Division of Interpretation and Education for the National Park Service. Rangers, staff and volunteers must always follow the approved artillery demonstration checklist during their events.

Castillo:
Friday, Saturday & Sunday; 10:30, 11:30, 1:30, 2:30, & 3:30 (Cannon)
Other dates & times as personnel and conditions allow.

Fort Matanzas:
“First Saturday” Cannon Firings – April 6, May 11, June 1 (British Navy), July 6, August 3, September 7, October 5 (British Navy), November 2, December 14

Every month usually on the 1st Saturday, Fort Matanzas National Monument hosts a Living History Day. The theme is usually 1740s Spanish and cannon firings are scheduled all day. Medical displays in the officer’s quarters, weapon displays on the gundeck, and soldier’s personal items/skills in the guards quarters are all welcome to be portrayed throughout the day. Interpretive fishing (ie. 1740s style) can also take place at the seawall. These living history days take place every month throughout the year. Please make plans to attend.

Activities at Castillo

Saturdays
Drilling in the Courtyard

On Saturdays at Castillo de San Marcos National Monument we would like to start having regular drill sessions in our courtyard. These sessions would be open to any of our volunteers, whether they are new to our Manual of Arms and Close Order Drills or old pros looking to brush up on their skills. Whatever the case may be, grab your musket and come on out to the Castillo! Currently we are aiming for a 2 P.M. drill session every Saturday, but if there is support or interest, it can be expanded to other days or times.

Friday, March 22nd
1740 Siege Night

On Friday March 22nd, the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument will be hosting our annual 1740 Siege Night. It will be set up much the same as it was last year with short skits discussing different aspects of the siege in 1740. In order to effectively plan for the event we will need volunteers to let us know whether or not they can attend and help us out.

Saturday, March 23rd
Garrison Grand Muster

Join us Saturday March 23rd for a day of musket drill and different historical demonstrations in honor of the First Spanish Period here in St Augustine.

Saturday and Sunday, April 13th and 14th
CASA/FOMA Cannon School

Our 2013 Spring Cannon School will be held on April 13th and 14th this year. As always any of our current volunteers who need to attend the classes over the age of 16 may attend, but space is limited. There will be a $20 materials fee associated with this course. Any other volunteers who would like to help out with the training of these new recruits are welcome to come out Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday.