Press Release
By Amelia Island Museum of History
11/3/25
| Weekly Updates |
| This Week’s Brown Bag Lunch |
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| Meet Our Speaker John LoCastro |
 | John LoCastro’s early interest in history, especially maritime history, led him into the field of museum exhibit design. In the early 1980s, he worked at the Museum of Florida History in Tallahassee, creating traveling, temporary, and permanent exhibits. In 1991, he became partner and creative director of Synergy Design Group, a Tallahassee-based firm specializing in interpretive design. With over four decades of experience in exhibit design, John has collaborated with a diverse range of clients, architects, archaeologists, curators, and fabricators to create unique and engaging visitor experiences for museums and natural history sites throughout the southeastern U.S., as well as the George Washington House in Barbados. |
| Join exhibit designer John LoCastro for this November’s Brown Bag Lunch at the Fernandina Beach Library for a behind-the-scenes look at The Maple Leaf exhibit! *** Date: Wednesday, November 5 Time: 12:00 PM (doors open at 11:30AM) Location: Nassau County Public Library – Fernandina Beach Branch, 25 N. 4th StreetCost: Free Seating is first-come, first-served. We recommend arriving early to secure downtown parking and a seat. This program is fully wheelchair accessible. Can’t join in person? Watch live at: https://www.twitch.tv/ameliaislandmuseumhistory To learn more, contact Isabelle at [email protected] or call 904-261-7378 x102 |
| Only One Month Left! |
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| Experience the Maple Leaf: An American Civil War Shipwreck exhibit before it closes in the Museum’s Lecture Hall. |
| Closing Celebration |
| A Silent Auction and Farewell Celebration! Join us on Sunday, December 7, from 1–4 p.m. for a special community event celebrating the closing of our two exhibits — The Maple Leaf: An American Civil War Shipwreck and its companion art exhibit. Enjoy an afternoon of art, history, and live music by Sean McCarthy, Grammy Award–winning musician Tammy Rogers, and Thomm Jutz, performing selections from their new album inspired by Fernandina’s history. |
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| …This will also be your last chance to bid on two stunning original works: “David Jones’ Locker” by Denise Murphy“Mysteries of the Deep” by Sandy Castiaux All proceeds support the Amelia Island Museum of History. Don’t miss this special event, on Sunday, December 7! |
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| It’s Membership Drive Season! |
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| It’s that time of year again—our annual membership drive is underway! A heartfelt thank you to all of our current members for your continued support. Your commitment helps sustain our mission and makes everything we do possible.As we look ahead to 2026, we’re calling on our members and patrons to renew or join in supporting us for another exciting year. Membership dues play a vital role in offsetting operational expenses and allow us to offer a diverse calendar of exhibits, programs, and events for our community to enjoy.Please consider renewing your membership or becoming a new member today. You can easily renew online at ameliamuseum.org/membership (under the Support Menu).Together, we keep history and culture thriving—thank you for being part of our story! |
| Holiday Home Tour |
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| Tour five beautifully decorated homes and support the Museum during one of our most cherished annual traditions!***Date: Friday, December 5 & Saturday, December 6Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PMTickets: https://ameliamuseum.org/hht-purchase-ticket/Cost: $35 until December 4th, $40 after *** Preview Tour Be the first to see the properties, and enjoy a reception at the historic Amelia Island Williams House. Tickets are limited for this event, so book quickly! Date: Thursday, December 4Location: Amelia Island Williams House, 103 S 9th St, Fernandina BeachTime: 4:00 PMTickets: https://ameliamuseum.org/hht-purchase-ticket/Cost: $100 Thank you for supporting the Holiday Home Tour, one of our most important fundraisers helping sustain the Amelia Island Museum of History throughout the year. |
| Ghost Tour every Friday |
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| Join our guide for a spooky walk through Fernandina’s historic streets. On this one-hour journey through time, you’ll hear tales of the town’s earliest residents, now at rest in St. Peter’s Episcopal Cemetery. *** Meeting Point: In front of the cemetery gate (Alachua St.)Date: Every FridayTime: 6:00 PMCost: $15 Adults / $10 Children (6-17) Tickets available online at https://ameliamuseum.org/ghost-tour, at the museum,or on-site with exact change. |
| Pub Crawl |
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| Join us every first and third Wednesdays of the month, for an evening of history, stories, and specialty drinks during our beloved Pub Crawl! Discover the charm of downtown Fernandina as we explore some of the most popular, notorious, or otherwise historic pubs and bars. This 2.5-hour guided tour takes you through about eight blocks of the historic district, stopping at three to four pubs to savor a specialty drink and hear colorful tales of Fernandina’s past. It’s history with a kick! ***Date: Wednesday, November 5 & 19Time: 5 PMCost: $45 per personGroup Size: 4 to 8 people (minimum of 4 required)Age Requirement: Must be 21 or older (ID required) To reserve a spot, guests can book online at https://ameliamuseum.org/pub-crawl/. |
| Volunteer Find out how to volunteer at your local museum today! | Featured Exhibit Check out ourCurrent Temporary Exhibition | Contact Us Contact the Staff of theAmelia Island Museum of History |
 | Mission Statement: In bringing alive the past, the Amelia Island Museum of History preserves, protects, and promotes the unique history of Amelia Island and its surrounding area for a diverse community of residents, researchers, and visitors. |
