Florida is celebrating 500 years since the arrival of Ponce de Leon and the history and cultural diversity in our state over 5 centuries!

We’re proud to be a participant in Viva Florida 500, and this event at the Crocker Church on Sunday afternoon, February 24, is part of the state-wide celebration!

How much do YOU know about the Civil War in Florida? You’ll know more after this event! Author Gene Jones is a fount of knowledge on the subject, and you can purchase his book at the event… or even better, in our Gift Shop (open M-S 10 to 2) before the event, so you can read it, quiz him, AND get his autograph on Sunday!

Bill Schustik says of his planned program that it’s not about war, but rather:

[I] focus on the folk who endured this war—their fears and triumphs, dreams and aspirations as reflected in songs like Tenting Tonight, All Quiet Along the Potomac, Goober Peas and The Vacant Chair. Some of these songs are romantic heirlooms: Lorena of the South and Aura Lee of the North. All are permeated with the laughter and tears and the omnipresent spirit of a truly great national treasure: Abraham Lincoln.

Join us in the Crocker Church for these two Sarasota treasures … and there’s FOOD too! What a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon!