On Saturday, March 9, visitors to the DeBary Hall Historic Site stepped right into history during the seventh annual Living History Day – presented by the Parks, Recreation, & Culture Division of Volusia County.
Visitors were greeted with a variety of options to learn about local history. Joey Karei and Iluminada were on hand to educate visitors about the Taíno people and culture. The Taíno were the first Native people to encounter Christopher Columbus, when he reached the Bahamas in 1492. The legacy of the Taíno people is alive today as we celebrate a heritage that was once thought to have become extinct.
Vicki Gallinger, Judy Morrison and Ann Byrnes – docents of the DeBary Hall Historic Site – expanded their regular duties on Saturday, as they led visitors on tours of the DeBary Mansion. What was different this past weekend? The docents were dressed in clothing of the Victorian era as re-enactors were on hand to portray historical members of the DeBary family.
The DeBary Hall Historic Site – established in 1871 – is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to touring the Victorian house, visitors can enjoy a picnic, check out the restored stable and hunting artifacts, or walk and bike along the “Spring-to-Spring Trail” that is accessible from the DeBary Hall trailhead.
All photos by Beacon photographer Marsha McLaughlin
