Public Invited to Participate in a Time Capsule, Mosiac for Escambia County’s 200th Anniversary

In commemoration of Florida’s Territorial Bicentennial and Escambia County’s 200th Anniversary, the 200th Anniversary Commission is seeking the community’s input on items to place in a time capsule on July 17, 2021 at the 10 a.m. event at the Historic Village, Museum Plaza in Pensacola. After the event, the time capsule will be stored safely with UWF Historic Trust and will be reopened in 25 years! Some items that mark our current times are masks, hand sanitizer, flash drives, challenge coins, etc. Please fill out this form by June 15 to participate. The Commission will review the submissions and will contact you with further drop-off instructions if you have the items in your possession.

The website for the mosaic is now live at https://1821sampler.com, and while we will continue to add additional information and insights — and, of course, more photos — please take a look around.

From the homepage “mosaic” view, click on a photo to get a quick view, then “Visit Full Entry” to see more information with your name, if you elected to include it. The full entry pages also have share buttons for Facebook, Twitter and email, and there’s a “list” view with sortable table columns. There are still plenty of people from 1821 who haven’t been represented yet, so please help spread the word by sharing your individual on social media.

Researchers with the West Florida Genealogical Society have identified more than 2,000 individuals who were here when Florida passed from Spain to the United States. These were more than just names; every person had a rich life and history. By honoring a member of the 1821 community, you are participating in this celebration of our rich and diverse Florida heritage.

To participate, simply fill out the form at pco.la/1821 and upload your photo to represent a member of the 1821 Pensacola community (use an uncluttered background, clearly showing face and shoulders, no hats please and names are optional).

They’re Still Here: The People of 1821 –  9 a.m. – 5 p.m., St. Michael’s Cemetery, 6 N. Alcaniz St.

Take advantage of an intricate tour of St. Michael’s Cemetery crafted by the University of West Florida Archaeology Institute and St. Michael’s Cemetery Foundation which explores aspects of Pensacola culture and history, encapsulated by individuals laid to rest in the cemetery during the 1800s. Visit the people of 1812 remotely through a virtual tour or use your smartphone to guide yourself as you walk the cemetery grounds.

Mayoki Ball  – 7:30 – 11 p.m., Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center, 913 S. I St.
Those 21 and up are invited to attend the Mayoki Ball welcoming the 2020-2021 Hornet Court. Tickets may be purchased at bit.ly/3uosjua or at the door.

Pensacola Archaeology Society Lecture Series – 7 – 8 p.m., Online/Virtual
Carrie A. Williams- Hannah, Cultural Resources Manager, Naval Air Station, Pensacola, will discuss the View from Fort Barrancas in 1821.

Bicentennial Cooking Class – 5 – 9 p.m., Jackson’s Steakhouse, 400 S. Palafox St.
Join Chef Irv Miller of Jackson’s Steakhouse as he leads a series of cooking classes on the third Wednesday of each month. Classes cover everything from shopping to preparation to presentation.

200th Anniversary Beach Cleanup – 9 – 11 a.m., Fort Pickens – Gulf Islands National Seashore, 1400 Fort Pickens Road.
This event will entail a litter removal cleanup at Fort Pickens in the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Volunteers will check in at the final loop of Fort Pickens Road and be given equipment to go out and pick up trash. Keep Pensacola Beautiful will haul this trash away at the end of the event.

23 Star Salute Cocktail
Food has always been an important component in all cultures. For the month of July, patrons will be able to order the 23 Star Salute Cocktail at local restaurants and bars. The cocktail is based on ingredients documented in the Floridian and Pensacola Gazettenewspaper ads of 1821. The recipe is available for make-at-home enthusiasts.

Seafood Preparations Cooking Class – 5:30 – 7 p.m., Angelena’s Ristorante Italiano, 101 E. Intendencia St.
Join Chef James Briscione for a cooking class which melds local Gulf Coast and Italian flavors. Featuring a range of dishes from chilled pastas to whole-baked fish this course is a wonderful celebration of Pensacola’s history. Tickets for this course are $65.

Pensacola Archaeology Society Lecture Series – 7 – 8 p.m., Online/Virtual
Dr. Brian Rucker, Professor of History, Pensacola State College, will present the Historical Context for Pensacola 1821.

West Florida Days Living History Weekend – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Historic Pensacola, 120 Church St.
Join reenactors dressed in period attire throughout the Historic Pensacola Village to learn about historic events such as the 1812 exchange of flags, the War of 1812 and First Seminole War. Battle reenactments will occur on Friday, July 16 and Saturday, July 17 in Fountain Park at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The Aux Arc will be open for tours at Seville Harbor Marina both Friday, July 16 and Saturday, July 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

At sunrise on July 17, the Santa Rosa Creek Tribe will offer a blessing of this important day in Florida’s history downtown in Museum Plaza. It is a gracious and poignant reminder that today, we gather in respect for all people and to honor those who came before us. All are welcome to attend; however, filming, recording and photography is not allowed. Later that morning, a formal program will take place in Museum Plaza (Historic Pensacola Village), exactly 200 years after the exchange of Spanish and American flags.

The UWF Symphonic Band will play the The Star Spangled Banner and provide a medley of Spanish, British, French and American music. For many in Pensacola that day it was the first hearing of our national anthem. Hispanic musicians will drift through the Village and, just as they did 200 years ago, performers of African descent will dance in the plazas. Spanish and English military reenactors will mingle with the audience and Historic Pensacola Village will be open to the public at no charge. Additional programs and performances taking place throughout the Village can be found above under the West Florida Days Living History Weekend event. Programing is structured to reflect our community’s rich and diverse heritage and the collective influences that make our community what it is today.