By Barbara Palmgren
Sharing West Florida’s Role in America’s 250th Anniversary
We hear plenty about the original 13 colonies and the famous names of the American Revolution. We hear much less about West Florida—until now.
On June 30, more than 80 people gathered at the Historic Trust in Pensacola to hear author Mike Bunn discuss his book Fourteenth Colony: The Forgotten Story of the Gulf South during America’s Revolutionary Era. Despite a rainy evening, guests traveled from across the region, including Okaloosa County, to attend.
Bunn explained how West Florida remained loyal to Britain during the Revolution. Acquired from Spain in 1763, West and East Florida were among Britain’s newest colonies and lacked the long-standing grievances that fueled rebellion in the original colonies. Though invited to the Second Continental Congress, West Florida did not participate.
One of the most fascinating parts of the presentation was viewing original maps showing settlements, trade routes and the challenges of building communities in this region. Deer-hide trading with Native American tribes was a major economic driver in the colony.
The enthusiastic applause at the end made it clear that attendees appreciated learning about this often-overlooked chapter of local history. As residents of the former West Florida, we truly are connected to an important part of America’s story.
Revolutionary Learning at Summer Camp
This year’s Heritage Museum summer camps celebrated America’s 250th birthday with Revolutionary War-themed activities that brought history to life.
During the July 6-10 camp for grades K-5, students dressed in colonial clothing, marched in military drills, made drums and sang songs such as “Yankee Doodle.” The experience helped campers imagine life as children during the Revolutionary War.
The July 13-17 Amazing Adventures Camp for grades 3-7 featured art, music, animals, science and history. Campers created art projects with Genevieve Smith, played music with dulcimer performer Ellen Sheppard, met a variety of animals and reptiles, and explored science experiments led by Dr. John Fay.
The week concluded with a hands-on history lesson led by Dr. Marie Hallion inside the museum’s Celebrate America 250! The Revolution exhibit. Campers followed maps, learned about Paul Revere’s ride, Lexington and Concord, the Boston Tea Party and the original 13 colonies, while also discovering the role of East and West Florida in America’s story.
Special thanks go to Deb Edgar and her volunteers for week one and to Dr. Marie Hallion and Connie Wolfe for organizing week two. Their dedication created memorable experiences for local students.
A Community Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday
On July 4, communities across Northwest Florida celebrated the 250th anniversary of the United States with festivals, educational programs, fireworks and drone shows.
At the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida, visitors enjoyed free admission, lectures, reenactments and vendors throughout the day. At 1 p.m., a ribbon-cutting ceremony officially celebrated the museum’s Celebrate America 250! The Revolution exhibit.
Valparaiso Mayor Dan Henkel presided over the ceremony, joined by Okaloosa County School Board member Parker Destin. Both had previously portrayed signers of the Declaration of Independence during a June gala in Fort Walton Beach—Henkel as Benjamin Harrison and Destin as George Washington.
Following the ceremony, visitors explored the exhibit, enjoyed refreshments and attended additional presentations. Many also signed the museum’s commemorative Declaration of Independence, a keepsake document that remains available for signatures in the coming months.
The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida is located at 115 Westview Ave. in Valparaiso and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Happy birthday, America. It is an honor to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary here in the Florida Panhandle.
Sons of the American Revolution Visit Heritage Museum
The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida welcomed members of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) during its special America 250 celebration events in early July.
SAR and DAR members are lineage organizations dedicated to preserving history and promoting patriotism. Membership is open to those who can document direct descent from a Revolutionary War patriot.
The museum’s celebration included a colonial tea on July 2, a July 3 program on the role of women during the Revolutionary War and a community celebration and ribbon-cutting on July 4.
SAR members visited during the July 3 History Sandwiched In program and also toured the museum’s Celebrate America 250! The Revolution exhibit, which explores the people, places and events leading to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Among those participating was Graham W. Fountain, chair of the Okaloosa County America 250 Commission and president of the Emerald Coast SAR chapter. He joined fellow members Don Pardue, Dana Cawthon, Niceville Mayor Dan Henkel and Les Matheson in commemorating this historic anniversary.
Visitors are encouraged to tour the exhibit, sign the museum’s commemorative document and become part of this important year in American history. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso.
