The Commemoration - 450 Years
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The Commemoration of 450 Years

 

The year 2012 marks the beginning to the 4 year long celebration known as the 450th Commemoration.  The series of events commemorate significant moments in the history of Florida, the United States and Spain.

  • 2012 is the Bicentennial Anniversary of the Spanish Constitution.
  • 2013 is the Quincentennial (500th) Anniversary of Ponce de Leon’s discover of Florida.
  • 2014 marks 50 years since the ratification of the Civil Rights Act.
  • 2015 is the 450th Anniversary of Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles founding of the city of St. Augustine, the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the Continental United States.

The significance of these historical events has been recognized by the Federal Government with the passing of Congressional House Bill 146 which set up a strong Federal commission to work collaboratively with the local Steering Committee.  Ken Salazar, the secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, appointed the members at the inaugural meeting in July.  During the meeting it was also announced that St. Augustine would likely be visited by by Pope Benedict XVI, King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain and Queen Elizabeth II of England.

 

The Mission Statement of the 450th Commission

“For the 450th Commemoration of St. Augustine, the City will highlight the rich history of St. Augustine, celebrate our cultural diversity, and entertainingly achieve the goals of improving educational awareness of the significance of St. Augustine in the history of America and the world, enhancing tourism, improving economic development opportunities and improving the quality of life for the residents of St. Augustine during and after the Commemoration events.”

 

Goals of the 450th Commemoration

1) Create awareness of St. Augustine and the important role it played in the founding of America and in the world, and the full and accurate telling of its rich 450-year history through educational programs and other means of communication.

2) Improve the town, both long-term and short-term.

3) Elevate ourselves as a culturally diverse, interesting and dynamic historic city as a lasting legacy.

4) Create engaging programs that will draw national and international visitors to St. Augustine and St. Johns County.