386-761-1821
Florida’s a huge state in a big nation and that also comes with a lot of interesting history to explore. However, you won’t have to travel far to find it. A short trip on Saturday, March 23, 2024 brings you to the National Historic Landmark Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum from 10 am to 3 pm where all will enjoy a day of historical remembrance and celebration of that unique Florida chronicle. Representatives from six other historical organizations and museums from across central Florida will join the lighthouse staff and offer outstanding speakers, hands-on workshops, challenging and inspiring presentations, and children’s take-home crafts to observe, highlight and commemorate the history of our rich and unique Floridian heritage. And, it’s all included with regular admission to the lighthouse.
HISTORICAL PRESENTATIONS AND EXHIBITIONS ENGAGE VISITORS
A historic Florida lighthouse, especially a National Historic Landmark like Ponce Inlet, located in one of the oldest settled and populated areas of the state, is the perfect place to convey our local Florida’s natural, cultural, transportation, tourism, recreation, and exploration stories to be told noteworthy historic organizations.
FEATURED SPEAKERS AND EXHIBITORS
Amid all the opportunities outlined below, will be some engaging and interesting forums. First speaker for the day will be Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Registrar and Assistant Curator Felipe DePaula, will discuss the fascinating , close to home, Florida Cracker Architecture. Widespread in Florida in the 19th century and still popular with many people in other parts of the South, Florida cracker refers to colonial-era pioneer settlers and their descendants who built in this simple but smart style, to deal with the climate. Specifically. In the warmer months in the South, there was no air-conditioning and new immigrants to Florida had to depend on nature to get relief from the heat. Homes of this style typically has metal roofs, raised floors, straight central hallways from front to the back doors. These homes were surrounded by wide porches, again typically wrapped around the entire home, to shade the windows and walls. Some even had clerestory windows which hopefully would improve ventilation.
Conducting informational workshops and displays will be the pleasure of a variety of museum and historical institutions from throughout Central Florida. DePaula’s research, interest and expertise in this style of architecture comes from the fact that he is deeply involved in the historical interpretation of the of The Pacetti Hotel, adjacent to the lighthouse, and to be open as a museum in the summer of 2024.
Our second and Key Note speaker will be Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Director of Operations Mike Bennett. Bennett will discuss the long-ago life and history of plantations along the Halifax River, the history of Second Seminole War, and the discovery by the Florida Militia’s “Mosquito Roarers” of a Seminole War Party attacking the Dunlawton Plantation. The resulting Battle of Dunlawton is forever remembered as pivotal in that war.
Port Orange Historic Railroad display during Florida Heritage Day 2023.
VOLUSIA ONCE RURAL AND FARMING
On the horticultural side, Florida Heritage Day at the Lighthouse will feature exhibitors from Port Orange’s Dunlawton The Sugar Mill Gardens, maintained by the Botanical Gardens of Volusia County. The gardens are famous for its trails, sugar mill ruins, and statues of dinosaurs left over from an early theme park.
Seminole County’s history is rich, and the Museum of Seminole County History will bring representatives to share with visitors its trove of Native American history, stories of its Seminole War forts and settlements, and the industrial and agricultural developments.
It is only fitting that Volusia County Library will join Florida History Day at the lighthouse. After all, history isn’t history unless it is written or documented, and you can be assured that any librarian in Volusia ‘s system will be able to share materials and answer your questions.
More locally, representatives from the Port Orange Historic Trust and the Port Orange Historic Railroad Depot will attend and will exhibit displays featuring their organizations and research.
Returning to the lighthouse this year will be the Ponce Inlet U.S Coast Guard Auxiliary who will be discussing boat safety, navigation, and the inlet itself.
Dunlawton Sugar Mill and Botanical Gardens display at Florida Heritage Day 2023
THE LIGHTHOUSE
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 spectacular view from the gallery is always a special treat. In addition, the station’s many historic buildings now museums, are devoted to the chronicle 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.
Florida’s historic account is as varied as its people. “Trying to give people a well-researched balance and a wide view, but also appealing to wide-ranging interests is our aim,“ said Zach Hopple, Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Programs Manager. “I’m confident we can safely say there is something for everyone on that day,” he concluded.
Admission to the special programs is included in the regular Ponce Inlet Lighthouse fees. The special programs are on tap from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. For more information, please contact the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse at 386-761-1821, Extension 18.
