In March 2027, we will mark the 250th anniversary of the Minorcan’s arrival in St. Augustine with events in St. Augustine and New Smyrna. Join us as we honor their story, their sacrifice, and the living legacy that continues today.
Please consider supporting the planning and preparation for this event.
The Minorcan Experience 3501 N. Ponce De Leon Blvd., PMB 283 St. Augustine, FL 32084
The Journey to Freedom 250th Anniversary Commemoration is made possible through the collaboration of the following organizations:
250 Years. One Extraordinary Walk.
In the spring of 1777, approximately 600 survivors made a desperate, nine-day journey on foot from the failed New Smyrna colony to the gates of St. Augustine — and changed Florida history forever. This March, we mark 250 years since that act of courage with a commemoration worthy of the people who made it. Join us as we honor their story, their sacrifice, and the living legacy they left behind.
New Smyrna events will be held by the New Smyrna Museum of History. St. Augustine events will be held by the group listed on the Calendar of Events. Check back often as we add more events and details to the calendar in the coming months.
Heritage Day 2027, 9AM – 3P, 120 Sams Ave, New Smyrna Beach, Florida 32168, New Smyrna Museum of History, Official start of “Journey to Freedom, Florida’s Untold Minorcan Story” – Contact The New Smyrna Museum of History for additional information.
11AM – Site Visit to the Turnbull Main Canal, 357 Otter Blvd., New Smyrna Beach FL 32168 – Public presentation highlighting the importance of the canal system both when it was first constructed, and today. After the short 15 – 20 presentation, participants will walk approximately 1 Kilometer to view…Read More
11 AM – Pacetti House Museum, 5000 S. Atlantic Avenue, Ponce Inlet Florida 32127. Step into the story of Bartolo Pacetti, a descendant of the Turnbull Settlement who built the historic Pacetti House as a winter boarding house for visitors drawn to the area’s exceptional hunting and fishing. Discover how…Read More
12 Noon – Site Visit – Old Kings Road / Flagler County – This interaction will include a stop at Princess Place Preserve, 2500 Princess Place Road, Palm Coast Florida 32137. Discover the story of the Hernandez family, descendants of the Turnbull Settlement, in a special presentation by Preston Zepp of…Read More
11 AM – Saint Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine, 41 St. George Street, St. Augustine Florida 32084 Paracelsus and Memorial Service for the Colonists 12 Noon – Tour of the Tolomato Cemetery and Oldest Wooden School House followed by discussion of the contributions of the Greeks 1:30 PM- Tour of…Read More
2-4 PM AC Hotel, 90 Riberia St., St. Augustine Florida 32084 – Dr. Philip Rasico, “Reflections on the History, Language and Cultural Legacy of Florida’s Minorcans.” Hosted by Dr. Darien Andreu and The Minorcan Experience. 7PM – Ecumenical Vespers, Cathedral Basilica St. Augustine, 38 Cathedral Place, St. Augustine, Fl 32084…Read More
5PM to 9PM – Menorcan Market Festival with Menorcan Craft demonstrations, Menorcan and Greek Food tastings and speaking presentations. Ximenez-Fatio House Museum 20 Aviles St., St. Augustine FL 32084 – Contact The Ximenez-Fatio House Museum for additional information.
10AM – Panel Discussion on the St. Augustine Colonists and the Golden Book. Katy Lockard and Carl Hollister – 101 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine FL 32084 – Contact St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine for additional information. 11AM – 3PM – Minorcan Cultural Festival at Llambias House Garden,…Read More
Map of the Minorcan Quarter, click here to see full image. Credit to Patricia Griffin.
