16th Century sailing vessels will soon be constructed at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park in St. Augustine, Florida in partnership with the St. Augustine Maritime Heritage Foundation supported by extensive research conducted by The Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program.

The 1565 Birthplace of St Augustine and Colonial European America at the Park site offers sweeping views of the water and a 15 acre historic location to build these vessels.
“We are very pleased to continue bringing 16th Century history to life here with this ship building project” says Park General Manager, John Fraser, “It’s a great addition to our daily programs and important historic site.”

The St. Augustine Maritime Heritage Foundation is dedicated to showcasing the important maritime history of St. Augustine, Florida and works extensively with Dr. Sam Turner at the Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program to ensure authenticity. Plans are to begin construction of a traditional 16th Century Landing Craft called a “Chalupa” prior to building a much larger ship known as a “Caravel”

“This will be a great partnership” states Maritime Heritage President Maury Keiser. “We want community involvement in this historic project leading up to the important 2013, 500th Anniversary of Spanish Explorer Ponce De Leon’s arrival in Florida and the 2015, 450th Anniversary of the Founding of St. Augustine at this site.”

For more information visit Maritime Heritage website soon available at www.staugmaritimeheritage.org or www.fountainofyouthflorida.com.

Pedro Menendez (photo by Jackie Hird)

Pedro Menendez 1565 Founder’s Weekend

September 9-11^th, 2011
This weekend commemorates the 1565 Founding of St. Augustine, Florida by Spanish Explorer Pedro Menendez de Aviles on the original colony site at the Fountain of Youth
Archaeological Park. This historic site is the Birthplace of St. Augustine and
Colonial European America. The English colony at Jamestown would not exist for
42 more years and the Pilgrims did not land until 55 years later.

This is where it all began.
Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park

Schedule of Events:
Friday, September 9, 2011:

7pm – An Evening with Pedro Menendez. Explore the life and times of the
Founder of St. Augustine and hear his epic tales of triumph and tragedy as
portrayed by Chad Light.
Saturday, September 10, 2011:

10-4p – Historic 16^th Century Encampment and Faire featuring 1565 reenactments, demonstrations and participation with the Historic Florida Militia.

9am – 2pm – Landing
reenactment, Mass and presentation by Dr. Michael Gannon at the Mission Nombre
de Dios historic site next door.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

10-4p – Historic 16^th Century Encampment and Faire featuring 1565 reenactments, demonstrations and participation with the Historic Florida Militia.
11-3pm Hourly – Distinguished Speaker’s series. Learn about the Archaeology, People and Events related to this important Historic Site and the founding of St. Augustine, Florida starting with Dr. Kathy Deagan at 11am.

Searles 1668 Encampment included reenactors from 8 states, including California! What a great event. Lots of canvas! Pike drills, cannons, muskets, blacksmithing, games. swords, cooking and fantastic clothing. If you want to step back in time, these reenactments do it in a big way.

Imagine driving in a time machine and picking up historic military passengers from Ponce de Leon to G.I. Joe. That is what it felt like during our Patriot’s Salute timeline at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park on Saturday. From 1513 to 1968 we had crossbows, cannons, muskets, wall guns, shotguns and machine guns demonstrating military skills through the ages. The DAR and USO were here. We had 1513, 1565, 1740, 1862, 1942 and 1968 reenactments. The Civil War surgeon showed us surgical tools from the time period! It was a fun day and a great tribute to soldiers and those that supported them. Can’t wait for next year!