Heritage Village event connects Constitution Week with Pinellas County’s origins
Pinellas County residents gathered at Heritage Village Museum & Park Saturday for the “We the People of Pinellas” Constitution Connection event. The free festival celebrated National Constitution Week by connecting the United States’ foundational principles to the historical movement that led to establishment of Pinellas County in 1912.
“Connecting our visitors to America’s foundational principles is how we keep our local heritage relevant and engaging for future generations,” said Monica Drake, historical museums operations manager for Heritage Village Museum & Park.
Constitution Week is an annual observance held from Sept. 17-23. It honors the framing and signing of the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787.
Visitors participated in a site-wide scavenger hunt that encouraged them to explore the 21-acre park and museum while learning about local civic history. Their final stop was the Madeira Beach Cottage to view the “Many Voices, One Nation” exhibit and turn in their completed passports for a raffle entry, connecting constitutional principles between the nation and the County.
The “We the People” gathering served as the culminating major event in Heritage Village’s series celebrating its 50th anniversary alongside America’s 250th milestone.
Two “Speaking of History” lectures remain on the schedule. University of South Florida St. Petersburg professor Thomas Hallock will give a presentation about naturalist William Bartram on Oct. 11, and Flagler College assistant professor Trevor Bryant will discuss St. Augustine’s role in the War for Independence on Nov. 8. Both programs will take place at 2 p.m. in the Pinellas Room at Heritage Village.
For more information on 50th-anniversary events and exhibits, visit heritagevillagefl.org/50thanniversary
About Heritage Village: Heritage Village is a 21-acre history museum and park in Largo. As part of Pinellas County’s Parks & Conservation Resources Department, it is home to some of Pinellas County’s oldest historic structures and offers a window into the culture and history of the region. Learn more at heritagevillagefl.org.