Celebrate Black History On Florida’s Historic Coast

Posted onAuthorChris Owen

  • Fort Mose Events: The “Flight to Freedom” reenactment and the celebration of the new 1738 fort replica.
  • Cultural Entertainment: The Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series featuring major recording artists.
  • Historical Tours: The “I Lived Here, As Well” tour at the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum.
  • Digital Resources: The availability of the Black History App for self-guided exploration and education.

Florida’s Historic Coast, which includes St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, and The Beaches, is set to celebrate Black History Month this February with a series of events highlighting the region’s African American heritage. A focal point of the celebrations is Fort Mose Historic State Park, the site of the first legally sanctioned free Black settlement in what is now the United States. Following the May 2025 opening of a long-awaited 1738 fort replica, the park will host the “Flight to Freedom” event from February 26-28. This immersive experience features historians and reenactors who recount the dangerous journeys of those seeking freedom on the original Underground Railroad.

In addition to historical reenactments, the park will host the Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series from February 6-15. This cultural festival features a lineup of Grammy Award-winning artists, including Gary Clark Jr., Ledisi, and Samara Joy. Cultural programming continues at the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum with the “I Lived Here, As Well: The Final Chapter Tour,” where interpreters portray the lives of Black residents from the house’s past.

The St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Department is also organizing specific educational events. The “History of Butler Beach Walk” on February 11 explores the legacy of Frank B. Butler, while “Rails, Roots & Freedom” on February 25 facilitates community discussions on local history. To navigate these sites, visitors can utilize a dedicated Black History App. This digital tool offers self-guided tours, profiles of significant figures like Frederick Douglass, and detailed information on landmarks such as the Lincolnville Historic District.