There’s a historic weapons firing event at Fort Matanzas on the first Saturday every month. Catch the ferry service to Rattlesnake southern approach to St. Augustine. There is a living history event from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. when re-enactors will demonstrate Spanish muskets and cannons at the fort. Admission to the event is free. Fort Matanzas National Monument is located at the south end of Anastasia Island about 15 miles south of St. Augustine. Call 904.471.0116 for more information or visit the website.
Changing of the Guard – St Augustine, Florida
Experience colonial time in historic downtown St. Augustine as soldiers guarding the town are dismissed for the night. Their replacements arrive to take over guarding Government House. The commander of the new watch puts the replacements through a drill before they are allowed to take over the post. The retiring soldiers are ordered to clear their weapons. The blasts of musket fire assured St. Augustine that the changing of the guard had taken place and the town was safe for the night. This traditional military changing of the guard takes place at 7 p.m. in front of St. Augustine’s Government House in the Plaza de la Constitucion.
Government House Museum in Downtown St. Augustine at 7 p.m. Admission is Free
Call 904.825.1004 for more information.
Ancient Ships – Jacksonville, Florida
There are very few documents or pictures of ancient ships with the exception of illustrations on coins minted at that time. The Ancient Ship exhibit (July 1 – Sept 29, 2008) features depictions of ancient ships on coins from the Greek, Roman and Phoenician eras, along with detailed models of early modern ships and manuscripts related to famous sea battles.
In addition the exhibit shows three special famous early modern ships, the “U.S.S. Constitution” (See photo ), the “H.M.S. Victory” and a Spanish Galleon of the type used in the Invincible Armada of 1588.
Admission is Free.
Karpeles Manuscript Museum, 101 West 1st Street, Jacksonville, Florida 33206
(904) 356-2992
Interactive Rice Harvest – Charleston, SC
Its harvest time on Middleton Place plantation. Join a costumed interpreter at the rice field overlook as he describes and demonstrates how Carolina Gold rice was harvested on Low Country plantations. This interactive program will also enable participants to understand how the grain went from the field to the plate as they learn about the laborious task of processing the grain after harvest. Regular Admission. (843) 556-6020
09/13/2008
09/16/2008
09/25/2008
Blue vs. the Gray End of Summer Celebration – Savannah, Georgia
This event takes place at Fort Pulaski National Monument in Savannah, Georgia. Activities include cannon firings, skirmish drills, Civil War soldier talks, and guided fort tours. The highlight of the day will be an 1862-style baseball game between members of the 48th New York and the 8th Georgia Regiments.
Call 912-786-5787 www.nps.gov/fopu