Bartram Living History Festival - 2025

The St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Department hosts the Bartram Living History Festival at Alpine Groves Park on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This family-oriented event celebrates the 250th anniversary of William Bartram's exploration of the St. Johns River.

The day includes an interpretive performer taking on the character of William Bartram, describing his experiences and relating the St. Johns River as he saw it 250 years ago. Jim Sawgrass will share his knowledge of the southeastern Native American tribes. Known publicly as Sawgrass, he is of Muscogee Creek (Mvskoke) descent and is a living historian of the Florida, Georgia, and Alabama southeastern tribes.

The day includes tours of the historic Harris Bennett House, part of an orange grove homestead, historical demonstrations, and crafts for the kids.

Alpine Groves Park contains the partially restored house and grounds of a late 19th-century homestead, along with a citrus grove set among live oaks and magnolia trees. On a bluff overlooking the St. Johns River, the 54-acre park is on the Great Florida Birding Trail.

Admission: Free.

When: Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Where: Alpine Groves Park is located in northwest St. Johns County at 2060 SR 13 N in St. Johns, Florida 32259.

Parking: Parking is limited. Use shuttles from Hickory Creek Elementary, 235 Hickory Creek Trail, St. Johns, 32259. The shuttles will operate from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.