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2018 marks a momentous occasion - New Smyrna Beach is celebrating 250 years!
250 Years of Diverse History
New Smyrna Beach occupies a notable place in history as the second oldest city in Florida, site of the largest single attempt at British colonization in the new world.
First settled by Europeans in 1768, Dr. Andrew Turnbull, a Scottish physician, brought 1,400 indentured servants from Greece and Italy to East Florida. He established the colony of New Smyrna, named after the home town of his father-in-law. The majority of the colonists came from Menorca, one of the Meditteranean Balearic Islands of Spain, and were of Catalan culture and language. Although the colony produced relatively large amounts of processed indigo in its first few years of operation, it eventually collapsed after suffering major losses due to insect-borne diseases and Indian raids, and growing tensions caused by mistreatment of the colonists under Turnbull's overseers. About 600 survivors marched nearly 70 miles north on Old King's Road and relocated to St. Augustine, where they settled by 1777. Descendants today can trace their names to the list on the statue of Father Pedro Campos that stands in the courtyard of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine. New Smyrna has been under the rule of four "flags": the British, Spanish, United States, and the Confederate Jack.
Come experience this remarkable story of 18th century East Florida and join us for multiple events throughout the year that mark the anniversary.
250th Celebration Events
Ongoing
New Smyrna Beach Regional Library
Visit the New Smyrna Beach Regional Library to research your family history in our local Genealogy Collection.
Ongoing
New Smyrna Beach Regional Library
Visit our hallway of rotating local art by artists of the Artists’ Workshop, Inc.
IMAGES - January 26, 27 & 28, 2018
Riverside Park - New Smyrna Beach
CREATIVE EDUCATION AREA: 1/27 10 A.M. - 3 P.M.; 1/28 11 A.M. - 3 P.M.
FREE
CREATIVE EDUCATION AREA | Student Art Exhibit | Take-away art projects, demonstrations and face painting! Children can participate in hands-on art projects presented by the Atlantic Center for the Arts Volunteer League and area art teachers at the Creative Education Tent. The tent is located in Riverside Park, adjacent to the playground. The Student Art Exhibit, featuring the work of over 100 students in Southeast Volusia schools, is adjacent to the Creative Education Tent. This year, the works will be honoring New Smyrna Beach’s 250th Anniversary. #MYIMAGESWEEKEND
Through January 29, 2018
Atlantic Center for the Arts at New Smyrna Museum of History
A resident of New Smyrna Beach since 1958, the late Doris Leeper’s lifelong interest in the relationship of natural and built environments has created three testimonials to her vision – Canaveral National Seashore, the 2000-acre Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve, and the founding of Atlantic Center for the Arts in 1977, an artist community responsible for giving the city an international arts reputation. In 1999, she was inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame, the highest and most prestigious cultural honor that can be bestowed upon an individual in the State of Florida. Explore the life of this forthright and determined woman through an exhibition featuring personal letters, photographs, and memorabilia. 120 Sams Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays through April 21
New Smyrna Museum of History
10:30 a.m.
$10 / tour or 3 tours for $25
On Wednesdays, the walk will cover the Canal Street Historic District . On Fridays, the walk will cover Riverside Drive. Both tours will depart from the New Smyrna Museum of History. On Saturdays, the tour meets at the Riverview Hotel and covers the Flagler Avenue area.
March 22, 2018
Brannon Community Center
6:30 p.m.
$10
Speaker: Patrick Smith Topic: A Land Remembered The New Smyrna Museum of History could think of no better representation of pioneer life in Florida than A Land Remembered. Few books have captured the spirit and colorful history of Florida as has Patrick Smith’s beloved novel. You can see A Land Remembered and Smith’s other books come to life through a truly unique multimedia show his son Rick (Patrick Jr.) produced to explore his father’s colorful life as a writer, and how he came to write his books.
April 26, 2018
New Smyrna Beach Regional Library at New Smyrna Beach Brewing Co.
6 p.m.
Show off your knowledge of New Smyrna history or cheer on contestants while enjoying a tasty beverage from the New Smyrna Beach Brewery. Contestants in the bee may register on the day of the event at the New Smyrna Beach Brewery from 5 to 6 pm. Sip & Spell is for adults only.
May 3, 2018
New Smyrna Beach Regional Library Auditorium
2 p.m.
FREE
Tom Baskett, the public historian for Volusia County, will discuss the importance of Bethune Beach for the African-American community. Learn how Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and other investors purchased the oceanfront property to offer a place for African-Americans to enjoy the ocean.
May 5 - 26, 2018
ACA Downtown: Arts on Douglas, Feature Gallery
Opening reception: Saturday, May 5, 4 PM – 7 PM Artists Talk: Friday, May 18, 11 AM Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Friday 10 AM – 5 PM, Saturday 10 AM – 4 PM 123 Douglas Street, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
May 19, 2018
New Smyrna Beach Regional Library
2 - 2:45 p.m.
FREE
Learn how the co-founders grow the yaupon holly in Volusia County to make Yaupon Herbal Tea. Yaupon has been consumed in Florida for at least 10,000 years.
May 22, 2018
New Smyrna Beach Regional Library Auditorium
10:30 a.m.
This month the Self/Reflect Book Club will do a spotlight of local authors. A book list will be provided of local authors and the titles the library has in the collection. Members will read and discuss “Alligator Pool” by Joan Hartwig.
June 5 - August 3, 2018
Atlantic Center for the Arts
Tuesday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
$130 / session; $105 for ACA members
Weekly art camp ages 6-12. Scholarships are available for each session. Pre-registration is required. Painting, music, dance and more – kids love Summer Art Camp at Atlantic Center for the Arts! Modeled after Atlantic Center’s world-renowned artists-in-residence program, each one-week session features three classes that give kids an opportunity to explore ideas of art and culture through hands-on learning. This year, the theme will be honoring New Smyrna Beach’s 250th Anniversary.
June 7, 2018
New Smyrna Beach Regional Library Auditorium
2 p.m.
Retired children’s librarian Ruth McCormack will portray Maria Gracia Dura Bin, wife of Dr. Andrew Turnbull, who named the colony in honor of his wife’s birthplace. Discover how she faced the dangers of the new settlement and managed the affairs of the settlement when her husband was away. Sponsored by the Friends of the NSB Library.
June 11, 2018
New Smyrna Beach Regional Library Auditorium
11 a.m.
Taste the bounty of Florida cooking at our monthly food club. Bring your favorite regional Florida dish or purloo dish to share with others along with the recipe. Sponsored by the Friends of the NSB Library.
June 14, 2018
New Smyrna Beach Regional Library Auditorium
5 p.m.
FREE
Listen to an array of Scottish songs performed by the Bagpipe Coastal Florida Pipes Drums.
June 16, 2018
New Smyrna Museum of History
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
FREE, but some events may have a nominal cost
Various exhibits, living histories, and interactive areas outlining various aspects of local history will be on display. Examples include Native Americans, Minorcans, Andrew Turnbull, Greeks, Civil War, Canaveral National Seashore, lighthouse, Glencoe, fire department, World War II, Vietnam War, Daughters of the American Revolution, and more. A bus tour may be available at the cost of $5/person.
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