Fort Mose Founders Day 2025

Fort Mose Founders Day takes place on Saturday, March 22, 2025 — 10:00am-4:00pm.  Free and Open to the Public. Event is weather-sensitive.

This special event celebrates the Founding of Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose – the first legally sanctioned free Black community in what is now the United States.  And, it takes place in conjunction with the Monthly Militia Muster.

Join in the celebration as Captain Francisco Menendez, members of his free African militia, and members of the Fort Mose Militia officially receive their freedom from enslavement. Witness the official blessing of the site by Franciscan Friar Don Joseph de Leon.

Events include:

10:00am – Ceremony with Respect to Flag, Prayer by the Priest, Welcome

10:30am – Spanish Governor Don Manuel de Montiano Speech, Priest Blessing, Francisco Menendez Speech

11:15am – Interactive program with Militia / Spanish soldiers & Ladies of Mose re-enactors – Bring Fort Mose to Life

12:00pm – Tree Ceremony by Red Bear

12:30pm – Volunteer Appreciation Awards/Lunch

1:00pm – The Women of Mose – Dr. Deeh Israel speaks on her book and the Women of Mose movie premiere

1:30pm – Women of Mose book signing & “The Courageous Women of Mose” movie viewing

Click event website link for the all the details.

Image used is from Fort Mose website.