Youth Ambassadors tour historic Fort Mose
John Hutton, Youth Ambassador
Nease High School, IB Class of 2015
Special to Historic City News
On August 11th, the Youth Ambassadors visited Fort Mose State Park which is the site of the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in what is now the United States. Fort Mose was established in 1738 by the Spanish governor of Florida as a safe haven to runaway slaves. This was done to undermine the British economy which was dependent on slave labor.
The Fort Mose site was purchased by the state of Florida in 1989. It is designated a National Historic Landmark by the United States Department of the Interior as a site of national significance in commemorating the history of the United States.
The Youth Ambassadors were given a tour of the museum and grounds of this historic site by Peter Scalco, the resident park manager. Fort Mose Historic State Park shares a unique side to St. Augustine’s history and I urge you to visit this exciting location.
The Young Voices in the Old City, cast of Youth Ambassadors, is currently looking for an African-American teen boy to portray a runaway slave at Ft. Mose. Anyone interested in information about this role can call Nancy Birchall at 904-794-2883.
The Youth Ambassadors program allows a group of 40 middle and high school students to learn about the history of St. Augustine in preparation for the 450th Anniversary by participating in the 450th initiative and gaining a deeper understanding of the historical significance of the city. The Youth Ambassadors hope to teach visitors and residents through volunteering and participation in community events. The Ambassadors have been participating in this unique program since 2011 and hope to continue to serve the community with their knowledge and time.
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