Celebrating Our Ancestors is a multi-day public event dedicated to sharing the history of enslaved people in Pensacola and celebrating their significant contributions to the city’s unique culture.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024
BOOK TALK (5:00 pm-7:30 pm)
Kick-off “Celebrating Our Ancestors” on Friday, October 25, 2024, with a book talk featuring Joe McGill and Herb Frazier, co-authors of Sleeping with the Ancestors: How I Followed the Footprints of Slavery. Pre-registration is encouraged.

FIRESIDE CONVERSATION AND SLEEPOVER (8:00 pm)
Following the book talk, Mr. McGill, founder of the Slave Dwelling Project, will lead a fireside conversation and sleepover in the UWF Historic Trust’s Historic Pensacola Village. This overnight stay is the signature program of the Slave Dwelling Project. Pre-registration is required.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2024
CELEBRATION EVENT (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
On Saturday, October 26, 2024, continue celebrating with a large public event highlighting the contributions of enslaved Ancestors and their descendants. All Trust museum spaces will be free and open to the public. Enjoy the following activities:
• COMMUNITY STAGE: Enjoy performances and storytelling by local artists including Our Voices are Many and Polimbatree.
• MINI-WORKSHOP LEARNING LABORATORY: Learn about African American Genealogy,
• Cemetery Preservation, African American Archaeology, and African American Archival Research from local experts in short (30 minute) workshops.
• POP-UP MUSEUM: Participate in hands-on, family-friendly activities and learn about local organizations
• MARKETPLACE: Browse and purchase products from local businesses, artists, and artisans
• COOKING PROGRAM: Watch living historian and culinary expert Jerome Bias recreate meals prepared by enslaved cooks.