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The Museum of Contemporary Art in Jacksonville is hosting a special exhibit to celebrate their centennial anniversary. Until January 12th, visitors can enjoy A Century of Contemporary exhibit. It traces the museum’s history, starting with its founding by a group of female visionaries, to its period as an art guild, to its new name, new location, and the place it occupies today in Jacksonville’s art scene. Visit the MOCA website to learn more.
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It’s currently Pride Month. Pride began as a celebration and chance to remember the Stonewall Uprising of 1969. New York was persecuting gay people and frequently criminalizing their activities and presence.(1) It was illegal to simply exist as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Activists such as Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, and many other patrons of The Stonewall Inn fought back against a violent police raid. Their actions helped reignite the modern gay rights movement in the United States. Pride was a celebration of LGBTQ voices, culture, and activism.
And there is LGBTQ+ history to learn, explore, and celebrate everywhere, including rural communities. This might not fit in the mainstream cultural image of LGBT individuals. Most popular media features the community living in cities or on coasts; the home base for the cast of Netflix’s hit show Queer Eye is a very high-class apartment with an ambiguous city backdrop. Yet an estimated three million or more LGBT+ people call rural America home despite the surge of anti-LGBTQ legislation threatening to chase them out; as of today, there are at least 520 anti-LGBT bills in the U.S.
Even Want to learn more? Here are a few projects that explore LGBTQIA2S+ folks living in rural, small-town, or country communities.
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Fort Clinch, located on Amelia Island, became one of Florida’s first state parks in 1935 due to historic conservation efforts. Now, Fort Clinch State Park is a 1,400 acre park featuring diverse nature, a historic fort, and a variety of outdoor activities. Tomorrow, visitors can register to participate in a candlelight tour of the fort. The fort has quite the ambiance with its narrow underground passageways, spiral staircases, and furnished bunkhouse. It also offers a gorgeous view of the Atlantic coast and Cumberland Island. Learn more about reserving your spot HERE.
Additionally, the First Weekend Federal Garrison is occurring this weekend. During the Garrison, living historians dress and act as the Union soldiers who occupied the fort during its construction in 1864.
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Inside the Historic 1st National Bank and Multi-Use Facility is an art gallery featuring local artists. On the 2nd Saturday of each month, the gallery is open to public viewing FOR FREE from 11am to 3pm. Come check it out tomorrow! The Historic National Bank is located at 2873 Caledonia Street.
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There are two annual Scottish Highland Game events happening in the Florida Panhandle.
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Happy New Year’s Eve everyone! Be sure to celebrate responsibly and safely. Heading to a New Year’s party this evening? Check out some fun facts below to break the ice and wow your friends/family with your holiday knowledge.
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Panama City is hosting a Winter Wonder Wagon ride for all ages! Enjoy the beauty and picturesque holiday charm of Historic Downtown Panama City. Many of the small businesses have decorated their storefronts and the streets have been decorated with lights. Tomorrow, December 29th, is the LAST day to enjoy this charming experience. Tickets are required and are going fast. Click HERE to get your tickets now; each ticket is $5. Children 3 and under may ride, for free, on an adult’s lap. Please arrive at least 10 minutes early to check in; meet in front of the fountain at Gateway Park.
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From now until January 13th, take part in a special Lighthouse Illumination tour. On select dates, visit the St. Augustine lighthouse rotunda AND enjoy a special holiday light display along the grounds. Visitors can explore the Keeper’s house and grounds illuminated by holiday lights and decor before their trip up the 219 steps of the lighthouse. The trip to the top of the lighthouse will reveal a bird’s eye view of the city’s Night of Lights display. Additionally, there will be 20 decorated Christmas trees for visitors to view.
Visit their website to book your tour now! Reservations are required as dates fill up quickly; click HERE to visit the booking page now.
on Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate! Today is a celebration of family, friends, and tradition. 
Over the last decade, many individuals have turned away from the traditional celebration of ‘Thanksgiving’ to celebrate in other ways. People have begun to recognize that the story of a kind, collaborative Thanksgiving between the pilgrims on the Mayflower and the indigenous tribes was nothing more than a myth taught to elementary school children. In fact, the first ‘Thanksgiving’ was likely a celebratory dinner in 1637 following what’s now known as the Pequot Massacre. After killing over 700 men, women, and children of the Pequot Tribe, Governor John Winthrop of the Massachusetts Bay Colony declared the next day would be “a day of thanksgiving and celebration for subduing the Pequots.”
Understandably, many people choose to move away from celebrating a tradition rooted in murder, terror, and racism. Still, the celebration of friends, family, and thanks is not something to completely abandon. Many now celebrate the themes of the season via alternative holidays occurring during the same time.
on Just in time for the spooky season, here are two options for ghost experiences in the Florida Panhandle. Both offer unique views of an areas haunted, historic past.
In Apalachicola, join a ghostly night tour of the downtown area. It’s a 90-minute tour lead by an experienced guide who uses ghost-hunting equipments. Select tour participants will be allowed to work the EMF detectors! If the macabe is more your speed, sign up for the “Ghost Stories and Poe” tour which is lead by a ghostly “Edgar Allen Poe” character; he retells local lore and paranormal investigations. The Ghost Tours are available throughout October while the “Ghost Stories and Poe” tour is available only on Oct. 13, 14, 27 and 28. Visit the ghost tour website HERE to secure your spot or learn more.
Milton’s Ghost Walk, held annually on October 21-22, regularly attracts more than two thousand people! The city’s Halloween ghost walks explore Milton’s eerie past via community ‘ghosts.’ The tour leaves every 15 minutes starting at 6pm each evening. Come out to learn about the scary history of this small town. Be sure to bring a sweater as temperatures are expected to dip into the 60s or below. Learn more by visiting the event listing HERE.