Celebrating 450 years of French history in Florida

Mayor Alvin Brown, Consul general of France in Miami, Gaël de Maisonneuve, Honorary Consul of France in Jacksonville, François Kloc, French dignitaries, businesses and nonprofit organizations will be hosting commemoration activities for the May 1, 2012 Sesquiquadricentennial, the 450th anniversary of French Huguenot Captain Jean Ribault’s arrival at the St. Johns River, which he named the River of May, and which we still reference today with “Mayport.”

On May 1, 1562, Jean Ribault sailed into what is now known as the St. Johns River and met with the indigenous, Mocama-speaking Timucua Indians on the north side of the river. He claimed the land for France by placing a stone onto the ground in her honor.

“Jacksonville is blessed with a rich cultural heritage that serves as the roots of our identity while enriching the greater story of how modern-day America began.
During four and a half centuries, the people of Northeast Florida have established a firm foundation for Jacksonville to continue developing into future years as a vibrant hub for business and a destination for travelers,” said Mayor Alvin Brown.
“I encourage everyone in Jacksonville to embrace this opportunity to learn more about our journey as a society and our unique posture in American history.”

This community partnership consists of many celebrations and observances taking place to recognize this significant event. Some of these include: [1]

• Welcome on the Water — French Navy sailing ships will depart Mayport for downtown Jacksonville on Monday morning, April 30.

Ships and participants along the river are encouraged to “wave them in” as they make their way along the river and moor downtown around noon;

• Ring for Ribault:

a unified 45-second ship horn sounding and a 4.5 minute church bell ringing up the St. Johns River and surrounding communities at noon on Tuesday, May 1;

• Rededication of Fort Caroline’s Ribault Monument:

The National Park Service will host a rededication ceremony at the Ft. Caroline National Memorial;

• Installation of mural, “Ribault’s Landing”:

an unveiling reception of the restored 30-foot mural painted by artist Lee Adams that depicts Jean Ribault’s Landing, in the Main Library, downtown;

• Tree Planting and Dedication:

ceremony presented by Greenscape of Jacksonville at Huguenot Memorial Park in honor of Jacksonville’s sesquiquadricentennial;

• Special Exhibitions:

collections on view at area museums, including Beaches Museum and History Park, Cummer Gallery of Art and Gardens, Jacksonville Maritime Heritage Center, Museum of Science and History and Jacksonville Historical Society;

• Inaugural Jacksonville French Week:

dining and retail specials offered throughout the area from participating restaurants and retailers, April 26 through May 6. Please visit http://www.visitjacksonville.com/french-week for the full list of restaurants and retailers.

“As Consul General of France in Miami, I am very touched, honored, happy and privileged to witness how the people and the City of Jacksonville have embarked on the commemoration of the 450th anniversary of the French arrival at the St. Johns River, in Jacksonville, and in Florida", says Gael de Maisonneuve, Consul General of France in Miami. “These wonderful events that start on the 27th in Fernandina, Mayport and Jacksonville will be the kick-off of three exciting years of commemoration, that will span all around Florida and comprise publications, exhibitions and symposiums."

In a letter to Mayor Brown, a spokesperson for French President Nicolas Sarkozy stated, “The President of the Republic is thrilled by the idea that the anniversary of this communal history will help consolidate Franco-American relations. In this regard, he feels strongly about France being associated with this celebration.”

This observance also ushers in VIVA FLORIDA 500, a multi-year statewide commemoration of the beginning of European exploration of Florida.

Mayor Brown: Video

Contact: City of Jacksonville - Debbie Delgado, (904) 630-3404 -
delgado@coj.net