Community Five Different Florida Centuries in One Weekend at De Soto National Memorial

BRADENTON — Re-enactors from a wide-ranging series of time periods in Florida will re-make history this weekend at De Soto National Memorial.

Saturday and Sunday, visitors will get to experience a taste of pre-historical Florida; a Civil War camp; talk with young World War II soldiers; chew it with the 'Florida crackers' of yore; and Spanish conquistadors, and more. The actors will share their history, and demonstrate unique skills, crafts and weapons (including Civil War-era cannons and muskets).

In addition, there will be a focus on activities for kids, including the history of drummer boys in Civil War battles, to WWII fighters. Florida Public Archaeology Network will also be present to show how Florida history has discovered and documented through science.

Admission and all activities are free; each day will open 10 a.m. and close at 3 p.m. De Soto National Memorial is located at 8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton 34209. On I-75 take exit 220 SR-64 Manatee Ave.