Manatee Heritage Days to be held March 1-31

This year marks the 40th year for Manatee Heritage Days. As Bubbles Greer, one of the founders of Heritage Days wrote “The seed of a dream was planted in the hearts of two local women: To make the rich history of Manatee County come alive for all its citizens. To say the least, the beginning was a humble one, with representatives from several historical groups coming together and agreeing to join activities that would spotlight the points of interest in the county. A total budget of $25, the kind hearts of a few local businessmen, and the invaluable aid of the local press, along with planners too enthusiastic to know that such could not be done in four short weeks, all blended together for the birth of Heritage Week. The following year found other interested groups on board, and light begin to fill some of the long neglected corners in this vast county.” 

This year, as in past years, Manatee County’s historical organizations will come together to create Heritage Days. Historical sites and organizations throughout our county will celebrate our community’s heritage by providing opportunities for our area’s residents and visitors to experience the past. Reenactments, special exhibits, lectures, classes, walking tours, open houses and family programming will highlight the month’s events. 

​Originally a week in length, Heritage Days grew to nine days, and in 1995, Manatee Heritage Days expanded to a month long event. The activities are as varied as exhibits and parades. Events take place throughout Manatee County in many different communities. Through these events at area historical sites, participants will experience the pioneer lifestyle and learn how Manatee County has grown and developed.

​Manatee Heritage Days is supported and organized by the Manatee County Clerk of Circuit Court’s Department of Historical Resources, under the auspices of Angelina “Angel” Colonneso. 

​Following is a schedule for events. Most are free, though some require a reservation or admission fee. For specific information about an event, please call the number listed on the schedule. For more information about the Manatee Heritage Days, in general, call 941-741-4070. Join with us in this countywide celebration of our community’s past. 

2019 Participating Organizations:

 Anna Maria Island Historical Society

Around the Bend Nature Tours

DeSoto National Memorial

The Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum

Florida Maritime Museum

*Gamble Plantation State Historic Site

Manatee County Agricultural Museum

*Manatee County Historical Commission

*Manatee County Historical Records Library

Manatee Genealogical Society

*Manatee County Historical Society

Manatee County Library System

Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources

Myakka City Historical Society

Palmetto Historical Commission

Parrish Arts Council

Parrish Civic Association

Realize Bradenton

Reflections of Manatee

*United Daughters of the Confederacy

*Founding Member

Month Long Events

 De Soto National Memorial’s Living History program at Camp Uzita reveals Spanish and Native American life in 16th century Florida. Programs Thursdays-Sundays, 8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton. Demonstrations in historic clothing and armor at 10, 11, 1 and 2. This unique experience covers the 1539 expedition of Hernando DeSoto. FREE! Call (941) 792-0458 or visit www.nps.gov/deso.

 Marvelous Manatee: A History of Tourism in Manatee County Exhibit, Eaton Historical Room, Manatee County Central Library, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd., Bradenton, FL, Monday, 10:00 AM-8:00 PM; Tuesday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM; Wednesday, Noon-8:00 PM; Thursday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM; Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Saturday, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM. An Exhibit celebrating the changes that tourism has brought to Manatee County from the early 1900s to the present. FREE! Call (941) 748-5555 X6317 www.mymanatee.org/library. 

 Reoccurring Events

 Fridays, March 8, 15, 22, 29

 Music in the Park, Riverwalk Mosaic Amphitheater, 606 3rd Ave. W., Bradenton, FL, 6—8 PM. Outdoor Concerts at the Riverwalk Mosaic Amphitheater. Come enjoy local music while watching the sunset over the Manatee River. Bring a blanket or chair to sit on. Food and beverages will be available for purchase and proceeds benefit Realize Bradenton. Concert is FREE!. www.realizebradenton.com or call (941) 621-6471.

 Saturdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

 Historic Valentine Open House, Robinson Preserve: 1704 99th St NW, Bradenton, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM. Visit this 19th century house turned visitor’s center. Learn about the history of the Palma Sola area and see photographs of the historic Palmetto home on its river journey to the current location in Robinson Preserve. Explore natural history exhibits regarding the local flora and fauna and even catch a peek from our live tower camera. FREE! For more information, contact (941)742-5923 X6035.

 Downtown Bradenton Farmer’s Market, Historic Main Street or 12th Street West, Bradenton, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. The Bradenton Farmer’s Market is a place where the community meets each week to enjoy fresh produce, local art, upbeat music, demonstrations by local chefs, and family activities. Parking is free on the weekends and dogs on leashes are always welcome. Note: Saturday, March 16, the market expands to include Mainly Art with local artists and craftspeople selling their handmade goods. FREE! Call (941) 621-6471 or visit www.bradentonfarmersmarket.com.

 Jiggs Landing Open House, 6106 63rd Street East, Bradenton, 9:00 AM –1:00 PM The historic Jiggs Landing Fish Camp cabin, a replica of cabins built by Jiggs Metcalf in the 1940s, will be open for visits. Docents from the Old Braden River Historical Society will talk about the history of Jiggs Landing, the Braden River and Evers Reservoir. FREE! Call 941-920-0884, or email sakana@infionline.net, https://www.facebook.com/OBRHS/

 Daily Events

 Friday, March 1

 Coastal Climate Walk-Florida’s First People, Emerson Point Preserve, 5801 17th Street West, Palmetto, 9:30 AM—Noon. Explore the local effects of climate change. Discover actions for the protection of our coastal resources and our home. Walk is short with lots of time interpreting the natural and cultural history. Wear walking shoes and dress for the weather. $25.00 per person. Registration required at www.AroundBend.com or (941) 794-8773.

 Saturday, March 2

 Anna Maria Island Historical Society Annual Heritage Day Festival, AMIHS Museum and Historical Park, 402 Pine Avenue, City of Anna Maria, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM. This annual event gives visitors an opportunity to watch local craftsmen demonstrating arts and crafts as practiced by early Island settlers. In addition, there will be a Settlers market with local produce, herbs and Settler’s Bread baked by local volunteers and a collectibles tent with items for sale. The museum, Belle Haven Cottage and the surrounding native plant garden will be open for tours. Music, food and games are also part of this annual event. FREE! (941) 778-0492

 ArtSlam! Historic Main Street or 12th Street West, Bradenton, 9:00 AM -4:00 PM. A celebration of youth and creativity. Watch as dozens of teams of students and creatives take art out of the classroom and studios and onto the streets. Engage in the creative process, experience temporary public art, and celebrate the creative youth in Manatee County. FREE! www.realizebradenton.com or call (941) 621-6471.

 Cast Net Making and Throwing Workshop, The Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th Street W., Cortez, 9:30 -11:30 AM. Starting at 9:00, join Jim Hattaway for a hands on cast net making demonstration. Afterwards, Nathan Meschelle, a local fisherman, will teach students how to properly hold, load, deploy, and retrieve a cast net. $38 preregistration is required at FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org/the-folk-school. Questions? call or visit the museum, (941) 708-6120 or email, FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org

Parrish Heritage Days Parade and Festival with Annual Chili Cook Off. Parade runs through Parrish starting at the big field just south of the Parrish United Methodist Church off 121st Avenue and ending at the Florida Railroad Museum, 12210 83rd Street East, Parrish. Floats, animals, bands and children’s groups. The Parade is FREE! Festival starts at 11:00 AM and runs until 4:00 PM on the grounds of the Florida Railroad Museum. There is a $10 charge ($8 in advance) to get into the family friendly festival (children 12 and under are free) where there will be rides, games, food and live music by several local and nationally known bands. To enter a team in the chili cook off (Prize is $500!), go to www.parrishchili.com.

Sunday, March 3

 Gamble Plantation Historic State Park Annual Open House, one and a half miles west of I-75 (exit #224) on US301, Ellenton, 10:00 AM – 3:00 P.M. Travel back to the Old South during the day through the many lifestyle demonstrations of that time period. The ladies of the United Daughters of the Confederacy will be wearing costumes reminiscent of the era of the 1840’s through 1870’s to add that special touch of authenticity to the day. The Gamble Mansion will be open to the public with FREE tours of the building. Additionally, the 4th Florida Volunteer Infantry will be dressed in military uniforms re-enacting a Confederate encampment. Music, crafts and more await attendees. FREE! (941) 723-4536. 

Benefit for the Myakka 1914 Schoolhouse, 32755 Singletary Road, Myakka City, 4:00 PM . Dress Performance of the Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzaner Stallions and Taste of Myakka, local crafts, demonstrations and historical exhibits. Tickets required, $20.00 for adult; $5.00 for child (ages 6-12) and available day of event only at the gate. Free Parking. Stadium seating or bring your own chair for seating around the arena (event and seating outdoors). For information, email myakkacityschool1914@yahoo.com or call the Myakka City Historical Society, (941) 322-1304 or (941) 322-1035.

Monday, March 4

Manatee Settlement Walking Tour, 1302 2nd Avenue East off 14th Street East Bradenton 34208, three blocks north of State Road 64, 3:00-6:00 PM. The tour will be a slow 2-3 hour walk through the hammock covered streets of East Bradenton. Visit the original homesites of pioneers and learn about the early settlers who made Manatee their home in the 1840-1860s. Come early and read the interpretive signs placed there. Handicap facilities are on site. The event is FREE! Donations to the non-profit are greatly appreciated and benefit the educational programs of Reflections of Manatee. For more information, call (941) 746-2035.

Tuesday, March 5

Painting With A Fish, The Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th Street W., Cortez, 9:30-11:30 AM. Would you like to learn how to Gyotaku? Join Kelly Hunt for a fun modern spin on Gyotaku (Direct Method Fish Rubbings). This unique class includes art instruction, supplies and your own creative fish print. $38 class fee. Register at FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org/the-folk-school. Questions? Call (941) 708-6120 or email FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org

 Wednesday, March 6

 Memoir Writing, The Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th Street W., Cortez, 10:00 -11:30 AM. A class for students who are just starting their memoir, who are finishing or anywhere in between. David Rice offers his most skillful advice on memoir writing. $23 class fee. Register at FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org/the-folk-school. Questions? Call (941) 708-6120 or email FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org

 Walking Tour of Fogartyville, narrated by local historians, leaves from Lewis Park, 3100 block of 1st Ave. W., Bradenton, 10:00 AM. This walk will be approximately 2 hours and will highlight some of the historic homes and historic sites in the town once called Fogartyville. Wear comfortable shoes. FREE! For more information, call, the Manatee County Historical Records Library, (941) 741-4070.

 Thursday, March 7

 Pine Cone Quilting Series, The Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th Street W., Cortez, 10:00 –Noon. In this three part class, students will learn basic elements of design and color, practice hand sewing, and develop a deeper appreciation for hand sewn full size quilts. *No sewing experience needed! Continues, Thursdays, March 14 and 21. $108 class fee. Register at FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org/the-folk-school. Questions? Call (941) 708-6120 or email FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org

 Coastal Climate Walk-Sea Level Rise, Ken Thompson Park, 1700 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236, 9:30 AM—Noon. Explore local effects of climate change. Discover actions for protection of our coastal resources and our home. Walk is short with lots of time interpreting the natural and cultural history. Wear walking shoes and dress for the weather. $25.00 per person. Registration required at www.AroundBend.com or (941) 794-8773.

Fireside Fables, Rye Preserve, 905 Rye Wilderness Trail, Parrish, 6:30—8:30 PM. Join us in celebration of Manatee Heritage Days for a family campfire and reading of Native American legends and pioneer fables. As the sun sets on Rye Preserve, we’ll roast marshmallows and discuss the life lessons hidden within traditional folklore. Program suitable for all ages. Please bring a camp chair if you have one. FREE! For more information contact, sarah.denison@mymanatee.org or 941-742-5923 X6044.

Saturday, March 9

 Palmetto Heritage Festival, Palmetto Historical Park & the Manatee County Agricultural Museum, 515 10th Ave. West, Palmetto, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Park and Museum Open House, Heritage Station Post Office will be open for business and a special one-day cancellation will be affixed to all outgoing mail. Activities include East and West Art Exhibition, music, food vendor, heritage craft demonstrations, multigenerational activities and building tours. No admission to event, but there is a charge for the Chicken & Yellow Rice Luncheon to be held at the Woman’s Club of Palmetto from 11:00 AM-2:00 PM. For information, call (941) 723-4991 or (941) 721-2034.

 So You Want To Build A Boat, The Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th Street W., Cortez, 10:00 AM—1:00 PM. In this lecture style class, Charles Caniff will help students get started in building a boat. Students will learn the best types of wood, tools, and more. $10 class fee. Register at FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org/the-folk-school. Questions? Call (941) 708-6120 or email FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org

 Manatee Village Historical Park Guided Walking Tours, 1404 Manatee Avenue East, (State Road 64) Bradenton, 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Guided tours of Manatee Village Historical Park focusing on the history of the buildings, their uses, and their unique architectural features. Tour will last approximately 45 minutes and will involve standing and walking. FREE, but reservations required. Find link at www.manateevillage.org/events or call (941) 749-7165.

 Music on the Porch, The Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th Street W., Cortez, 2:00 —4:00 PM. In celebration of the Cortez Grand Ole Opry and the rich musical heritage of Cortez, the Florida Maritime Museum hosts monthly FREE Music on the Porch events. Join local musicians as they partake in a jam session on the Burton Store porch. Questions? Call (941) 708-6120 or email FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org

 Tuesday, March 12

 Pasta Making, The Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th Street W., Cortez, 10:00 AM—12:30 PM. JoAnn Mancuso teaches students how to make pasta from scratch. You can take your creations home to share, or eat them as you go! $38 class fee. Register at FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org/the-folk-school. Questions? Call (941) 708-6120 or email FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org

 Wednesday, March 13

 Walking Tour of Downtown Bradenton, leaves from the Manatee County Historical Records Library at 10:00 AM. This walk, about 2 hours, will highlight historic buildings along Main Street and around the Manatee County Courthouse. Wear comfortable shoes. FREE! For more information, call, the Manatee County Historical Records Library, (941) 741-4070.

 Coil Pottery, Emerson Point Preserve, 5801 17th Street West, Palmetto, 2:00—4:00 PM. Do you enjoy getting muddy and crafty? Slip into an afternoon of clay creations using the coil pot and slab technique to create beautiful lanterns Explore different lantern styles, history of ceramics and create your very own, one of a kind functional art. Program suitable for adults, ages 16 and up. Program has a $20 fee, registration required. Contact coral.bass@mymanatee.org or call 941-742-5923 X6034.

Thursday, March 14

 FLORIDA FOSSILS, Rye Preserve, 905 Rye Wilderness Trail, Parrish, meet at the pavilion, 10:00 AM-Noon. Learn about Florida’s natural history through a variety of fossils found in Manatee County. Participants will also take a guided nature walk through the preserve. This program is suitable for participants 16 and older. FREE! Register by calling 941-742-5923 X6036, or email elena.burke@mymanatee.org

 Thursday, March 14

 Fishing for our Future Fundraiser: Dinner and Author Talk with Jack Davis Benefitting the Friends of the Florida Maritime Museum, Seafood Shack, 4110 127th St W. | Cortez, FL 34215, 6:00 – 8:30 PM. Join Jack E. Davis for his lively historical view of the Gulf of Mexico, drawn from his Pulitzer Prize-winning book The Gulf: The Making of an American Sea. At the center of his talk is how coastal residents have organized around nature, and how Gulf nature has been a force in human events. Enjoy a themed evening with the Florida Maritime Museum focused on fishing villages throughout Florida while overlooking Sarasota Bay. Tickets start at $45.00. All tickets include dinner and dessert*, author talk, book signing, and exclusive access to a silent auction. *Cash bar will also be available. ALL PROFITS from this fundraiser, up to $34,000, will be matched by a grant from the Manatee County Tourist Development Council. Visit www.FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org to purchase tickets.

 Friday, March 15

 Coastal Climate Walk-Coastal Resilience, Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, 9:30 AM—Noon. Explore local effects of climate change. Discover actions for protection of our coastal resources and our home. Walk is short with lots of time interpreting the natural and cultural history. Wear walking shoes and dress for the weather. $25.00 per person. Registration required at www.AroundBend.com or (941) 794-8773.

 Knot Tying, The Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th Street W., Cortez, 10:00 AM—Noon. This workshop will provide students with the knowledge of how to construct 7-8 basic knots, along with names and their function that apply to everyday life. $8 class fee. Register at FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org/the-folk-school. Questions? Call (941) 708-6120 or email FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org

 Saturday, March 16

 MANATEE GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY is hosting a Winter Seminar on March 16, 2019, 8:00 AM- 4:00 PM at the Manatee Technical College, 6305 SR70 E., Bradenton, Florida. The featured speaker is Dr. Thomas W. Jones, an award-winning writer, board-certified genealogist, editor of the National Genealogical Society Quarterly, recipient of honors from genealogical organizations, and author of the textbook Mastering Genealogical Proof and Mastering Genealogical Documentation. Dr. Jones will present four sessions during the all-day event. The seminar includes complementary Continental breakfast and refreshments, pre-paid lunches, door prizes, and Q&A with Dr. Jones on genealogical issues. The fee is $45 for members and $55 for non-members. Full details of the seminar, schedule, and registration information are on the web site: https://mgsfl.org/; email: info@mgsfl.org.

Blacksmithing Survival Knife, The Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th Street W., Cortez, 9:00 AM—5:00 PM. Join Leslie Tharp and jump into the world of blacksmithing and learn basic hammering techniques while forging your own 3.5”-4” blade. Once your knife has been shaped out, we will go through the heat treating process to ensure it will hold an edge. $187 class fee. Register at FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org/the-folk-school. Questions? Call (941) 708-6120 or email FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org

 Pioneer Chef: Historical Cooking Techniques, Rye Preserve:, 905 Rye Wilderness Trail, Parrish, meet at the pavilion, 10:00 AM– 2:00 PM. Florida’s pioneers spent their days hunting, fishing and foraging. Explore the ingredients and cooking techniques of Florida’s early settlers. Learn how these pioneers prepped and preserved their food with hands-on demonstrations and tasty treats. Chef Aedan will share a variety of pioneer recipes and teach how to cook over an open campfire. Program suitable for all ages. FREE! Registration is required. Please register by emailing Aedan.stockdale@mymanatee.org.

 Meet & Greet Local Historical Fiction Author, Palmetto Historical Park, 515 10th Ave. West, Palmetto, 10:00 AM. Hear author Peggy Donoho, 5th generation Manatee County resident, discuss her great-great-grandparents, Miguel and Frederica Guerrero, an important family in the history of Terra Ceia Island. For information, email palmettohistoricalpark@manateeclerk.com or call (941) 723-4991.

 Tuesday, March 19

Salt Scrub, The Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th Street W., Cortez, 10:00 AM—Noon. Students will learn the many benefits of sea salt, while making salt scrub, bath bombs and more to take home! $38 class fee. Register at FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org/the-folk-school. Questions? Call (941) 708-6120 or email FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org

 Wednesday, March 20

 Memoir Writing, The Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th Street W., Cortez, 10:00 -11:30 AM. A class for students who are just starting their memoir, who are finishing or anywhere in between. David Rice offers his most skillful advice on memoir writing. $23 class fee. Register at FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org/the-folk-school. Questions? Call (941) 708-6120 or email FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org

 Manatee County Historical Society Annual Picnic, Location TBD, 11:30-2:00 PM. Bring your own lunch basket or call (941) 447-2154 to request a box lunch (cost for box lunch is $10). You do not have to be a member of the society to attend. 

 Thursday, March 21

 Rye Cemetery Preservation and Beautification, Rye Preserve, 905 Rye Wilderness Trail, Parrish, meet at the Pavilion, 8:30-11:00 AM. Volunteer to spruce up the Rye Pioneer Trail and historic burial grounds by removing litter and invasive plants. Then, clean the gravestones with a special solution to help them shine. Program suitable for participants age 6 and older. FREE! Register by calling 941) 742-5923 X6035 or email michelle.leahy@mymanatee.org

 Tour of AP Bell Fish House, The Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th Street W., Cortez, 11:00 AM–Noon. Join A.P. Bell owner, and 4th generation Cortezian, Karen Bell for a behind the scenes tour of the fish house. Discover how the fish are caught, what happens to them once they are brought back, and the day to day operations. $18 class fee. Register at FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org/the-folk-school. Questions? Call (941) 708-6120 or email FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org

 Friday, March 22

 Coastal Climate Walk-Early Restoration Efforts, Leffis Key, 2350 Gulf Drive South, Bradenton Beach, 9:30 AM—Noon. Explore local effects of climate change. Discover actions for protection of our coastal resources and our home. Walk is short with lots of time interpreting the natural and cultural history. Wear walking shoes and dress for the weather. $25.00 per person. Registration required at www.AroundBend.com or (941) 794-8773.

 Painting With A Fish, The Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th Street W., Cortez, 9:30-11:30 AM. Would you like to learn how to Gyotaku? Join Kelly Hunt for a fun modern spin on Gyotaku (Direct Method Fish Rubbings). This unique class includes art instruction, supplies and your own creative fish print. $38 class fee. Register at FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org/the-folk-school. Questions? Call (941) 708-6120 or email FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org

 Saturday, March 23

 Coffee With the Staff, The Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th Street W., Cortez, 9:00-11:00 AM. The Florida Maritime Museum’s staff would like to enjoy good conversation and a cup of coffee with you! Stop by for an open discussion on the importance of preserving and sharing Florida’s fishing and maritime heritage. FREE! No registration required. Questions? Call (941) 708-6120 or email FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org

 Five Centuries of Florida History, Desoto National Memorial, 8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton, 10:00 AM -3:00 PM. A unique timeline event that covers 500 years of Florida history. Over 30 reenactors from all over Florida will portray men and women from the time of the conquistadors to present day. FREE! To learn more please call (941)792-0458 or visit us at www.nps.gov/deso or Facebook at De Soto National Memorial.

Families Flock Together: Fantastic Fossils, Emerson Point Preserve, 5801 17th Street West, Palmetto, meet at the Pavilion by the Ranger’s Station, 1:00 -3:00 PM. Participants and their families discover the prehistoric animals of Florida through hands-on activities and games. Program suitable for all ages. FREE! Register by calling (941) 742-5923 X6036 or email elena.burke@mymanatee.org

 Guided Walking Tour of the 1850 Manatee Burying Ground, Manatee Village Historical Park, 1404 Manatee Avenue East, (State Road 64) Bradenton, 2:30 PM. Tour of the 1850 Manatee Burying Grounds that will highlight the history of Manatee County and those interred at the cemetery (45 min approx.). The tour will start at the Gazebo in Manatee Village’s courtyard and continue across the street to the cemetery. Tour will involve a significant amount of walking and standing. FREE, but reservations required. Find link at www.manateevillage.org/events or call (941) 749-7165.

 Round Robin, The Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th Street W., Cortez, 1:00 – 4:00 PM. Similar to Music on the Porch, we have expanded to include an open-air acoustic jam that will be held round-robin style on the Burton Store porch. FREE Music on the Porch events. Questions? Call (941) 708-6120 or email FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org

 Reception at the Theodosia Curry Museum House, 1305 4th Ave East in Bradenton, 5:00 – 7:00 PM. Join members and volunteers of Reflections of Manatee at a reception dedicated to the Angola’s Freedom Seekers and Florida’s Underground Railroad exhibit funded by the Florida Humanities Council. See the visual displays dedicated to the Florida Underground Railroad and the Angola community as documented through archaeological research at the Manatee Mineral Spring. The event is free however donations are greatly appreciated. For more information contact: 941-746-2035 or 941-504-7130.

 Monday, March 25

 DeSoto Ranchero Fishing Clinic, Desoto National Memorial, 8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton, 9:00 AM –1:00 PM. Free fishing clinic that teaches visitors from age 7 and up about fishing along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Learn about fishing from the time of the Spanish Rancho to present day. FREE! To learn more please call (941)792-0458 or visit us at www.nps.gov/deso or Facebook at De Soto National Memorial.

 Tuesday, March 26

 Dyeing with Plant Based Dyes, The Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th Street W., Cortez, 10:00 –Noon. JoAnn Mancuso discusses the process of creating dyes from plants and teaches students different dyeing techniques. $38 class fee. Register at FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org/the-folk-school. Questions? Call (941) 708-6120 or email FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org

 Historic House Tour, 1112 Riverside Drive, Palmetto, 2:00 PM. Participate in a guided tour of the Alkire home on the Palmetto riverfront. Built in 1899 by Julius Lamb, Palmetto’s founder, it was later purchased in the 1920s by John Pope Harllee of the “tomato Harllees.” Beautifully restored by the current home owners, their gracious tour allows you a look inside one of Palmetto’s most beautiful historic homes. Navigating stairways is necessary to see the entire home. Wear comfortable shoes. FREE! Reservations are required, there are only 30 spaces available. First come, First served. Parking instructions will be provided when making a reservation. Make tour reservations on Eventbrite at https://tinyurl.com/phpaghistorichouse

 Wednesday, March 27

 Edible Plant Walk, The Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th Street W., Cortez, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM. Julie Miller, Florida Master Gardner, will walk students around the Florida Maritime Museum property and discuss edible plants. $20 class fee. Register at FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org/the-folk-school. Questions? Call (941) 708-6120 or email FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org

 Walking Tour of Palmetto, leaves from the Palmetto Historical Park, 10th Avenue and 6th Street West, Palmetto, 2:00 PM. This walk, about 2 hours, will highlight some of the historic buildings along the riverfront in Palmetto and includes a tour of the Palmetto Riverfront Bed and Breakfast. The Bed and Breakfast was a Sears and Roebuck house, built by town founder’s son, J.A. Lamb. Wear comfortable shoes. FREE! Reservations are required, there are only 30 spaces available. First come, First served. https://tinyurl.com/palmettowalkingtour

 Ag at Night, Eat Your Fruits and Veggies, 7:00 – 9:00 PM. Cultivate your knowledge of the work that goes into growing fruits and veggies in Manatee County. Learn more about produce crate labels and even design your own! Trick your taste buds with a Florida Orange Juice blind taste test and much more! Ag at Night is a unique experience for adults only (18+). This NEW 4 part programming series focuses on fun topics related to agriculture, historically and today. Guests will experience hands on activities, food and drink tastings, demonstrations, and more! Tickets are $8 for members, $10 in advance, or $15 at the door. Pre-registration is recommended as there are a limited amount of tickets. Tickets must be purchased for each date of the series. For more information contact the Manatee County Agricultural Museum via email agriculturalmuseum@manateeclerk.com or phone 941-721-2034. Purchase tickets here https://tinyurl.com/AGfruitsveggies

 Thursday, March 28

DeSoto Ranchero Fishing Clinic, Desoto National Memorial, 8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton, 9:00 AM –1:00 PM. Free fishing clinic that teaches visitors from age 7 and up about fishing along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Learn about fishing from the time of the Spanish Rancho to present day. FREE! To learn more please call (941)792-0458 or visit us at www.nps.gov/deso or Facebook at De Soto National Memorial.

 Painting Cortez: Cortez Net Camp, The Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th Street W., Cortez, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM. Celebrate the commercial fishing village of Cortez through art! Join the Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum in an offsite journey to the dock down by A.P. Bell fish house to paint the historic net camp. $38 class fee. Register at FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org/the-folk-school. Questions? Call (941) 708-6120 or email FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org

 Friday, March 29

 Coastal Climate Walk-Mangrove Mitigation, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton, 9:30 AM—Noon. Explore local effects of climate change. Discover actions for protection of our coastal resources and our home. Walk is short with lots of time interpreting the natural and cultural history. Wear walking shoes and dress for the weather. $25.00 per person. Registration required at www.AroundBend.com or (941) 794-8773.

 Saturday, March 30

Underground Railroad Display and Educational Program, Reflections of Manatee, 1305 4th Ave East in Bradenton, 10:00 AM—Noon. Join Reflections of Manatee for an educational event of speakers focusing on the Underground Railroad in Florida. Meet staff of the National Park Service’s division of the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom and hear the exciting news of Florida’s newest listing, here in Manatee County-Bradenton. Displays, created for the program, will highlight this history. The event is free, donations are greatly appreciated. For more information contact: 941-746-2035 or 941-504-7130. The event is free however donations are greatly appreciated.

 Cooking Demonstration: Seafood 101, The Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th Street W., Cortez, 10:00 – 11:30 AM. Something smells fishy, but it won’t be your cooking! Join Chef Warren for dozens of hints, tips, and tricks on how to prepare seafood. Students will sample the entrée at the end of class. $17 class fee. Register at FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org/the-folk-school. Questions? Call (941) 708-6120 or email FMMInfo@manateeclerk.org.