Jekyll Island Hosts 6th Annual Horton House Living History Event
Contact Anna Hall
912.635.4046
ahall@jekyllisland.com
or Andrea Marroquin
amarroquin@jekyllisland.com
Take a trek back in time with the annual Horton House Living History exhibit on Jekyll Island! See how
the colonial settlers of Georgia’s coast lived through a series of hands-on activities, including beer
brewing, stenciling and a walk through the historic Horton House grounds.
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 16, guests to Jekyll can visit the Horton House site and relive the diplomacy
of nations that took place on Jekyll more than 275 years ago.
From May 17-22, 1736, cultures collided as William Horton entertained British, Spanish, and Creek
leaders on Jekyll Island. In commemoration of those events, reenactors portraying General Oglethorpe,
William Horton, Don Pedro Lamberto, Hyllispilli and many others will once again gather on Jekyll Island
for a joint living history program. Now in its sixth year, this annual living history even offered by Fort
Frederica National Monument and the Jekyll Island Museum holds something for history lovers of all
ages.
“This is a great chance to relive a significant moment in time,” said John Hunter, Director of Historic
Resources for the Jekyll Island Authority. “Come out and watch as General Oglethorpe and the Creek
negotiate with Spanish dignitaries from St. Augustine, Florida for the future of the colonies.”
The colonial day event provides numerous opportunities to participate in the activities of the time
period. Barter with pieces of eight with museum guides in period costume. Learn colonial crafts, such as
carding, spinning and dyeing wool, open hearth cooking, and candle making. Sample a recipe for
historic chocolate and help make Georgian ice cream, then watch displays of 18th century military might,
as interpreters put on musket demonstrations. Event attendees can even try their hand at beer brewing
at the craft beer brewer station. This site was, after all, home to the first brewer yin the state of
Georgia!
The Jekyll Island diplomatic efforts of 1736 were intended to reduce tensions in the colonies. Horton,
acting as a British ambassador, was arrested in early May as a spy by the Spanish. During his captivity,
the Spanish made raids into Jekyll Sound and Fort Frederica, but were turned back. Horton was released
and Spanish diplomats came to Jekyll Island to negotiate with the British and their Creek allies.
The Horton House Living History event is free and open to the public. For more information about this
exciting peek into colonial life, call the Jekyll Island Museum at 635-4036, or visit www.jekyllisland.com.
###
office: 912-635-2236
|
100 James Road, Jekyll Island, Georgia 31527
|
fax: 912-635-4004
Image Captions:
DSC03143.jpg
Reenactors gather at Horton House to recreate a historic moment.
DSC03115.jpg
Warren Feldman and Scott Hodges portray Don Pedro Lamberto and General Oglethorpe.
IMG_7479
Jim Sawgrass depicts Tomochichi’s war chief, Hyllispilli.
DSC02000.jpg
Guests enjoy hands on colonial crafts, like candle dipping.