The Armed Forces History Museum is exhibiting For God and Gold – Spanish Exploration in Florida through March 11. The exhibit tells the story of everyday life during the ocean crossing and the subsequent Spanish exploration and colonization of Florida.
LARGO - The Armed Forces History Museum welcomes a new exhibit in its rotating exhibit area, For God and Gold – Spanish Exploration in Florida is on display through March 11.
This year marks the 500th anniversary of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon’s 1513 discovery of the beautiful peninsula he named “La Florida,” the land of flowers.He didn’t find the fountain of youth he was seeking, and subsequent Spanish explorers failed to find the gold they were looking for. But his discovery marked the beginning of a Spanish presence in Florida that lasted approximately three centuries.
In honor of that anniversary, this exhibit features authentic reproduction weapons, nautical items, clothing, camp gear, religious items, armor and other artifacts to tell the story of everyday life during the ocean crossing and the subsequent Spanish exploration and colonization of Florida.
The exhibit is included in the museum’s admission price of $17.95 for adults, $14.95 for seniors 65-plus and veterans. Cost is $12.95 for youths 4 to 12. Active military and retired military with 20-plus years of service are admitted free of charge.
The museum’s hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays.
The museum is located at 2050 34th Way N. in Largo.
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