March's Brown Bag Uncovers the Island's Spanish History!

Brown Bag Lunch

Wednesday, March 6th at noon

First arriving on the shores of Florida in 1513, Spain and its colonists were a near-constant presence on Amelia Island for over 300 years. Their time here on the Isla de Santa Maria was defined by the rise of religious missions, of local diversity, and of Amelia Island’s second of eight flags. March’s Brown Bag Lunch will focus on this compelling Spanish history and will be presented by longtime docent Kathy Adams. This will be the third event in our year-long speaker series celebrating Fernandina’s 200^th anniversary, so join us on Wednesday, March 6^th, to learn more about this fascinating history!

Attendance is free and open to the public and attendants may bring their lunch. Seating is limited on a first come, first served basis. This program is wheelchair accessible.

Watch this program remotely at https://www.twitch.tv/ameliaislandmuseumhistory

For more information contact Jarrett at 904-261-7378 x.102 or [email protected]

St. Patrick's Victorian Tea

Sunday, March 17th at 12noon

Wear your best green and save a spot for a special St. Patrick's Victorian Tea with us!

Our Victorian Teas let you enjoy tea with your guests and a costumed presenter who will guide you through the rituals of a refined high tea! Tea and light snacks are provided.

For more information or to make a reservation, contact Thea Seagraves at [email protected] OR at 904.261.7378. x.105

If you're interested in the St Patrick's tea specifically, be sure to reserve your spot BEFORE noon on Friday, March 15th.

Join Us for the Opening of Our New Exhibit!

Make Your Voice Heard! Fernandina’s Fight for Voting Rights

Exhibit Opening

Friday, March 15, at 6pm

Join the Amelia Island Museum of History on the evening of Friday, March 15th for the opening of the museum's newest temporary exhibit— Make Your Voice Heard! Fernandina’s Fight for Voting Rights. This exhibit takes a look at Fernandina’s unique role in the fight for equal voting rights after the Civil War and highlights some of the extraordinary Fernandinans who protested, campaigned, and rallied to make their voices heard. This exhibit was researched and developed by a team of Fernandina Beach High School students. Joining us for a special presentation will be Dr. Robert Cassanello from the University of Central Florida, who will speak about his research into Black voting and advocacy in Northeast Florida. Attendees will have the opportunity to be the first visitors to see this new exhibit, so please join us on March 15th!

Attendance is free for members and a suggested donation of $5 for nonmembers. Seating is limited on a first come, first served basis. This program is wheelchair accessible. 

Watch this program remotely at https://www.twitch.tv/ameliaislandmuseumhistory

For more information contact Jarrett at 904-261-7378 x.102 or [email protected]

Share Your Vision for the Future of Nassau County!

Enter to Win a Gift Card!

Take the quick 5 question survey to share your hopes for the future of Nassau County! And be sure to spread the word and share the survey with your friends and family!

The County is kicking off the Nassau Florida Vision 2050 to define the future of our community. This collaborative, 18-month process will bring together community leaders, residents, businesses, and many other stakeholders to help shape the vision! Spread the word and share the survey with your friends and family!

To learn more about the project, future Bicentennial events, and ways to get involved, please visit www.nassaufl2050.com!

Click Here for the Survey!

Celebrate Fernandina's 200th Anniversary at the Museum!

Come celebrate Fernandina’s 200^th anniversary with the Amelia Island Museum of History! We have events planned throughout the year to explore the people and history that defined the last 200 years.

Our monthly Brown Bag Lunch series will explore the island’s eight flags and beyond, taking visitors on a chronological journey through the different groups who have called Amelia Island home. On the first Wednesday of every month at noon, visitors will receive the next chapter in the island’s history, presented by our knowledgeable and entertaining docents!

Throughout the year, we will be celebrating unique aspects of Fernandina’s history through our changing exhibits. Opening on March 15^th, “Make Your Voice Heard!” will explore Fernandina’s extraordinary role in the fight for Black and female voting rights. Opening on June 21^st, “Voices of Amelia Island” will shine a spotlight on the musicians and songs that soundtrack our island’s history. Opening September 20^th, “Voices from West Nassau” will highlight Fernandina’s connection to west Nassau County, following the construction and impact of the Florida Railroad. Opening December 20^th, “5 Voices, 5 Centuries” will bring to life 5 historical figures from the past 500 years of life on Amelia Island.

We will also be holding numerous special events throughout the year, like “Songs of the Sea”, presented by the Amelia Island Opera on April 5^th and 6^th. Also returning is our popular “Graveside Chronicles”, in partnership with the Amelia Island Genealogical Society, on October 12^th! Visit our website or stop by the museum for more information about our 2024 events!

Amelia Island Opera presents: Songs of the Sea featuring the Galway Girls

Friday, April 5, 2024 | 5PM

Saturday, April 6, 2024 | 5PM

As the city of Fernandina Beach gears up to commemorate its upcoming bicentennial on January 1, 2025, the Amelia Island Opera is thrilled to be part of the festivities with Songs of the Sea.

Anchored in history and melodies, this concert will delve into the heart of Fernandina's vibrant pirate history! Set sail with members of the Galway Girls, a multi-instrumental band known for their harmonies and memorable arrangements as they perform enthralling renditions of pirate songs, sea shanties, and even a sprinkling of opera! Sharing the stage is local historian, Dr. Jonathan Bryant, who will spin tales of captivating pirate lore, bringing to life the legends that have shaped this coastal community.

Be part of Fernandina Beach’s bicentennial celebration and join us at the Amelia Island Museum of History for Songs of the Sea!

Click Here to Purchase Tickets!

Learn About Shrimping History and Support the Museum!

For more information or to book a tour, click here!

Veteran's History at the Museum

VETERANS!

WE NEED YOU FOR THE VETERANS ORAL HISTORY PROJECT

The Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress collects, preserves and makes accessible the firsthand recollections of U.S. military veterans. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Jarrett Hill at [email protected] or 261.7378, x. 102

Pub Crawl

A wealth of historical information about downtown Fernandina and a good time for all!

Make a reservation to tour a few of our small town’s most popular, notorious or otherwise historic pubs and bars. This 2.5 hour tour covers about eight blocks of our historic district with stops at three to four of Fernandina’s historic pubs to enjoy a specialty drink and tales of years gone by. Along the journey your tour guide will regale you with colorful tales about the town and the people who lived there. It’s history with a kick!

This tour is held at 5 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. 

A minimum of 4 people is required to run the tour, with a maximum of 8 people per group. Must be 21 years of age or older. ID is required. The cost is $40 per person.

To reserve your spot, contact Thea Seagraves at [email protected] or call 904-261-7378 x 105.

Membership Corner

Annual Membership Drive

It’s time to renew memberships for 2024. Thank you to all of our current members for your support in 2023!  Money received from members through dues plays a big part in offsetting our operational expenses and allows us to offer a diverse calendar of exhibits and programming to our community.  If you are a member, please consider renewing your membership for the coming year.  If you are not a current member we’d love to have you back.  Memberships can be renewed by mail or online by navigating to our Membership Page (https://ameliamuseum.org/membership/). We look forward to seeing you around the museum!

Come See Our Newest Temporary Exhibit!

Focus your attention - or your camera lens on the museum’s newest temporary exhibit! Steve Leimberg: The Bird Man of Amelia explores the artwork and community contributions of legendary local photographer Stephen Leimberg, whose photographs have become defining images of life on Amelia Island. This exhibit will be on display from December 15, 2023 until March 6, 2024!