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 Cultural Tours

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2 A view of the Indian River Lagoon in Fort Pierce.

3 One of Fort Pierce's many festivals, on the site of the Saturday morning Farmer's market.

4 One of the sites we will visit on our walking tour: the historic PP Cobb building, a c. 1875 structure.


Photos courtesy of the City of Fort Pierce.

Fort Pierce

From the River to the Ranch: The Gathering in Fort Pierce
February 17-19, 2006

Schedule of Events

Pre-Gathering
Pre-Gathering, Friday, February 17, 2006

Arrive early and get a jump-start on your Gathering weekend!

An additional fee is charged for this activity.

During the Pre-Gathering we will:
A view of the Indian River Lagoon in Fort Pierce.Cruise upon the Indian River lagoon with Captain "Chop" Lege. Enjoy the beauty of this unique estuarine ecosystem and study it in further detail with a scholar from the Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit at the St. Lucie County Marine Center. Visit a local fish house to explore how some local residents make their living from the estuary. Discover the importance of the sea in Fort Pierce's history at the St. Lucie County Historical museum, and enjoy lunch at a local seafood restaurant.

The Gathering
During our weekend together we will:

The Gathering weekend begins with a 5:30 pm reception on Friday, October 13.

  • Exploration of the Adams Ranch, one of Florida's oldest cattle ranching operations
    We will tour the grounds and facilities with ranch President Mike Adams to learn about the intricacies of the cattle industry, consider early Florida culture while listening to a talk by Dana Ste. Claire, author of Cracker: Cracker Culture in Florida, enjoy the tales of Judge Nelson Bailey the "Florida Cracker Storyteller," and view a stunning photographic presentation by Carlton Ward, an eighth-generation Floridian from an old Florida ranching family (see Adams Ranch photo at top). A hearty barbecue and entertainment by Florida folk musician Frank Thomas will round out the adventure.
  • Architectural and historical walking tour of downtown Fort Pierce
    Following an early morning visit to a charming farmer's market two local historians will guide us through the storied streets of Fort Pierce. During our walk we will meet some of the area's most colorful historic figures, brought to life by Fort Pierce citizens.
  • Reception at the A.E Backus Gallery
    A.E "Bean" Backus, one of Florida's premier landscape painters drew his inspiration from the beautiful natural surroundings of the Fort Pierce area. He served as a guiding influence in the careers of the young African-American artists who came to be known as the Highwaymen. Gallery director Kathleen Frederick, a close friend of Backus' before his death in 1990, will discuss his life and work.
  • 5Study of the celebrated Highwaymen
    Following dinner art historian Dr. Kristin Congdon, will lead a panel discussion exploring the unique story of the Highwaymen, the mid 20th-century black painters who survived on their wits and their talent. We will enjoy discussion with the only female Highwayman, Mary Ann Carroll, as well as Zenobia Jefferson, the art teacher who taught many of the young artists.
  • Archeological presentation on the Spanish Treasure Fleet that sank off the east coast of Florida in the 1700s
    Join Dr. John de Bry, Director of the Center for Historical Archeology, as he speaks of the Spanish fleet that sunk off the Treasure Coast in 1715. Learn of the archeological riches that lay on the ocean's floor just off the shores of Fort Pierce.
  • Fish Fry on the banks of the Indian River lagoon
    Enjoy a famous Summerlin family fish fry while overlooking the city's beautiful waterline.