Plan now to attend the 10th Annual Pioneer Day on Saturday, February 12th, 10 am to 4 pm. We are back after taking last year off due to the pandemic. This yearly event is held at both Sams House/Pine Island Conservation Area and at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in north Merritt Island. Celebrating the early settlers of Merritt Island at these two historic sites will take you back in time through art, music, food, presentations, archaeology, and nature. Don’t miss the 11 am Pioneer Parade at Sams House/Pine Island in which those in period attire, including historic reenactors, stroll through the grounds to the beat of drum and fife. Family-friendly activities and events include Florida living history demonstrations, educational exhibits, speakers, guided historic cemetery tours, live music, crafts fair and farmer’s market vendors, guided trail hikes, children’s crafts and games, a petting farm, food trucks, and kettle corn. Free shuttle buses ferry attendees between the two sites which are a mile apart. Most of the parking is at St. Luke’s. A parking donation of $2 is suggested.

About Sams House at Pine Island:
The Sams House at Pine Island is a historical complex owned and operated by the Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands Program. The 1875 Sams Cabin onsite is the oldest standing home in Brevard County. A larger 1888 two-story home is also onsite. John Sams, a citrus-grower and the first Superintendent of Brevard County Schools, built both houses. Sams House is located at 6195 N. Tropical Trail, ½ mile west of SR 3 and 5 miles north of SR 528. For more information, call Sams House at (321) 449-4720.

About St. Luke’s Episcopal Church:
The historic chapel onsite was built in 1888 with the help of Sams, LaRoche, and Porcher families. Many early pioneers, including John Sams, are buried in the church’s cemetery. The church is located at 5555 N. Tropical Trail, just 1.1 miles south of Sams House at Pine Island. For information call (321) 452-5260 or visit our website at http://www.stlukesmi.org.