|
Eustis, FL
– For typical exhibits, the Eustis Historical Museum relies on artifacts, old
papers and recorded histories to tell the story of life of the people who lived
in Central Florida in years past. This Saturday, when they stage the annual
Living History Timeline, they’ll add re-enactors to the mix to breathe life into
the stories of early Lake County.
Ted Waterfall, the
museum’s curator, has booked historians who will relate the history of the last
500 years through demonstrations and stories. Beginning with Captain Nunez de
Tovar, a Conquistador who served with the DeSoto expedition of 1539, the event
will highlight important periods of Florida long history.
“Our Conquistador
will be riding a horse that is a direct descendant of horses the Spanish brought
with them to the new world,” says Waterfall. “In addition, we will have a
presentation on 16th Century trade routes, a weaving demonstration
from the 1830’s and a lesson with the spinning wheel.”
The museum has also
snagged another popular Florida re-enactor, Swamp Owl. This Seminole
storyteller, a character portrayed by Paul Morrison, who spent years in the Big
Cypress Swamp in the Everglades.
Along with his
horse, Smokee, Morrison has traveled the country as Swamp Owl, sharing the story
of the Seminole Tribe and their unique connection to the Florida land.
For museum members,
like President Timothy Totten, the event adds a unique twist to local history.
“We’re really good
at putting together displays with pictures and text, but being able to get a
re-enactor, like the gentleman who will portray an |
Photo Courtesy of Paul Morrison, aka “Swamp Owl” |
|
1880’s Eustis
businessman or the soldier of the 42nd Regiment of Foot, to give a
live demonstration of how they lived makes this history come to life and become
more accessible for our visitors,” says Totten.
The soldier of the
42nd Regiment of Foot, a British soldier during the Revolutionary
War, will relate stories of the days when British forces were stationed in St.
Augustine.
The Living History
Timeline will be held on Saturday, January 14th from 9am – 4pm on the
grounds of the Eustis Historical Museum at 536 North Bay Street. Demonstrations
will be held throughout the day, with the final round beginning at 2pm. There
is no charge for the event, but donations are welcomed. For more information or
directions, please call the Eustis Historical Museum at (352) 483-0046.
# # #
The Eustis Historical Museum and Preservation Society, located at 536 North Bay
Street, is a 501c3 tax-exempt organization that relies on memberships, grants,
donations, fundraisers and assistance from the City of Eustis to maintain the
museum and local historical artifacts for future generations. |
