New Exhibit Challenges Belief First Thanksgiving Held in Jamestown

New exhibit challenges belief first Thanksgiving held in Jamestown

Florida Museum’s new ‘First Colony’ exhibit details St. Augustine’s Spanish roots

Aug. 14, 2015

Source: Julie Waters, 352-273-2073,

Contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054,

Photos available

GAINESVILLE, Fla. --- Visitors can discoverthelittle-known history of the nation’s first enduring European settlement at the Florida Museum of Natural History’s new featured exhibit, “First Colony: Our Spanish Origins,” opening Oct. 17.

Spaniards, free and enslaved Africans and Native Americans crafted America’s original “melting pot” in St. Augustine, Florida, in 1565, long before the founding of Jamestown. “First Colony” featuresthe site’s archeology, history and stories of people who lived there.

“‘First Colony’ challenges the long-standing belief that the English were the first to colonize America and establishes St. Augustine as our country’s oldest enduring European settlement,” said Florida Museum exhibit developer Julie Waters. “We’re excited to bring this story to the general public in a format that we hope will both enlighten and entertain as well as correct the long-held Anglo-American bias to our country's history.”

The exhibit reveals why some Spaniardsrisked the demanding journey to travel by ship to Florida. “First Colony” alsofeatures more than 400 artifacts and an in-depth discussion on how archaeologists uncoveredthe city’s story, complete with a multimedia excavation activity.

Visitors can discover the daily lives of the Spanish settlers and their relationships with the native Timucua people, including the First Thanksgiving. Other exhibit components allow guests to test their strength with a cannon ball lift, examine colonial currency and plot their family origins on a wallmap.

Aninteractive table provides insight into St. Augustine’s planning and design based on Spanish law,while 3-D software helps visitors visualize the first settlement as they fly through the town and hear stories of its residents.

Admissionis $6.50 for adults ($6 for Florida residents, seniors and college students); $4.50 for ages 3-17 and free to museum members and University of Florida students with a valid Gator 1 card.

The Florida Museum will display the exhibit through April 17, 2016.

For more information, visit

“First Colony: Our Spanish Origins” was produced by the Florida Museum of Natural History and University of Florida Historic St. Augustine Inc., and sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Historical Resources and the State of Florida.

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The Florida Museum of Natural History inspires people to value the biological richness and cultural heritage of our diverse world and make a positive difference in its future. The museum is located at 3215 Hull Road just east of Southwest 34th Street in the University of Florida Cultural Plaza in Gainesville. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Butterfly Rainforest admission is $10.50 for adults ($9 Fla. residents and seniors), $6 for ages 3-17 and free for museum members and UF students with a valid Gator 1 card. Prices subject to change. For more information, including directions, parking and ticket prices, visit or call 352-846-2000.

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