Jacksonville's Museum of Science & History has unveiled a compelling new exhibit celebrating the 450th anniversary of historic Fort Caroline."The French in Florida" gallery is open on the MOSH's third floor. It's a complement to a larger exhibit, "Uncovering the Past: New Archaeological Discoveries of Northeast Florida."
"We're featuring 42 digital reproductions of the French attempt to establish a settlement in Florida," said MOSH Deputy Director Christy Leonard. "And you'll also learn about their interactions with the Timucua Indians."
On May 1, 1562, near what is now Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, an event of global significance occurred: The first French colonial expeditions of exploration sailed in the mouth of what is today called the St. Johns River.
French Huguenot Captain Jean Ribault named the river “The River of May” in honor of the day the French arrived. The explorers disembarked, and for the first time two cultures – the French and the native Timucua Indians – met and exchanged gifts. Captain Ribault claimed the land for France, calling it “New France.”
In 1564, French Huguenot Captain René Goulaine de Laudonnière returned to the south side of the river in ships with the intent of establishing a colony of people in this new “Land of Charles IX,” the 14-year-old king of France.
The French built a settlement and traded with the Timucua Indians in the hope of creating a place for French colonists to pursue freedom and prosperity. The Timucua and the ancestors lived off the land and sea in hammocks and salt marshes where abundant fish, oysters, ospreys, and other wildlife flourished.
Leonard says University of North Florida archeologist Dr. Keith Ashley will discuss this area's rich history when he speaks at the museum on May 29 as part of "MOSH After Dark: Uncovering the Past."
For tickets and information visit TheMOSH.org.
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