386-761-1821
Before Florida was admitted to statehood in 1845 and finally flew the twenty-seven stars and thirteen stripes on July 4th of that year, five different National flags or princely banners represented it as a colony or possession. As a Confederate State in rebellion, Florida flew four more flags, until national reunification was achieved in 1865. To highlight the history of those flags and our proud and present national standard, the National Historic Landmark Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum invites all on Saturday, June 17, 2023, from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm to enjoy a day of historical celebration of those unique emblems.
The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse staff and its docents will offer challenging and inspiring presentations, and fun hands-on workshops exploring the use of flags as communication devices and signals. Each child under seven will receive a take-home craft to commemorate the concept of the day. A special presentation at 1 pm that afternoon will feature Lighthouse Lead Docent John Mann discussing presenting the history of the many flags which flew over Florida. At 11 am that morning The Volusia County Young Marines will be performing a Color Guard presentation.
All day long, keeper-docents in United States Lighthouse Service uniforms will answer questions and conduct orientation tours at the lighthouse station. Climbing Florida’s tallest lighthouse tower with its breathtaking view from the gallery after conquering the 203 steps is always a special treat. In addition, the station’s many historic buildings now museums, are devoted to the narrative of the American lighthouse service and the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse story. Each building houses interesting exhibits and artifacts, and are now museums devoted to the chronicle of the American lighthouse service and the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse story. Each building houses interesting exhibits and artifacts, and a nationally acclaimed Lens Museum features an unparalleled collection of rare Fresnel Lenses, one of the largest collections among maritime museums in the world.
Admission to the special programs is included in the regular Ponce Inlet Lighthouse fees. For more information, please contact the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse at 386-761-1821, Extension 18.
