Between Columbus and Jamestown: Spanish St. Augustine

Seminar Details
Deadline: March 2, 2010
Dates:	July 5-9 or July 12-16, 2010
Location:	Flagler College, St. Augustine
Lead Scholar:	James Cusick, Curator of the P.K. Yonge Library of Florida History at the University of Florida.

Description:

In their efforts to conquer and colonize North America, the Spanish brought to the "New World" different customs, values, and traditions from their colonial rivals, the British and the French. Unlike the Pilgrims of Plymouth Rock, who were fleeing religious persecution, Spanish colonists came to claim La Florida for the Spanish throne and to convert native peoples to Catholicism. The extensive network of missions they built is a testament to their conviction. Attitudes about race and the practice of slavery were also different, and nowhere is that more vividly demonstrated than at Fort Mose, America's first legally-sanctioned free black town, once located just outside of St. Augustine.

With St. Augustine as our point of reference, we will use a comparative approach to examine the colonial experiences that have shaped our country's history and heritage. This examination will propel us to ask provocative questions about how American history is written, interpreted, and disseminated.

Our weeklong investigation will be lead by preeminent historians, archaeologists and architectural historians. They will guide us in our examination of historical archives and archaeological artifacts and tour us through the wealth of national landmarks and preserved buildings that make up the city's historic quarter.

Presenters include:

Dr. Bonnie McEwan, Executive Director Mission San Luis de Apalachee

Dr. Jane Landers, Associate Professor of History at Vanderbilt University

Dr. Michael Gannon, Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus at the University of Florida

Carl Halbirt, City archeologist

Herschel Shepard, Professor Emeritus at the University of Florida's School of Architecture

Dr. Susan Parker, Executive Director, St. Augustine Historical Society

Dr. Jane Landers, Professor of History, Vanderbilt University

Dr. Kathleen Deagan, Distinguished Research Curator of Archaeology, Florida Museum of Natural History

Site Visits include:

The Mission of Nombre de Dios
Fort Mose
The Castillo de San Marcos
The Cathedral-Basilica of St. Augustine
The Gonzalez-Alvarez House
The Government House
The Spanish Quarter
Boat tour of the Matanzas Inlet

Lodging:

The workshops take place on the campus of Flagler College - a beautifully restored historic hotel that dates from the turn-of-the century. Lodging is available in one of the college’s newer Residence Halls, in single occupancy rooms with semi-private bath (two rooms share one bathroom.)  All rooms are wired for high-speed internet access. Dining arrangements have been secured on campus for workshop participants. Participants will also have campus access to a modern library and up-to-date computer facilities.