DeBary Hall Plans Living History Day March 8
Posted On: February 11, 2025
History will come to life as DeBary Hall Historic Site presents the eighth annual Living History Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 8.
This family friendly event will feature historical presentations, a Civil War reenactment camp, and guided tours of the mansion with reenactors portraying members of the DeBary family.
Visitors can walk the grounds and interact with historical characters, make an old-fashioned toy, and try their hand at a Victorian game. Black Bear Concessions will sell hamburgers and hotdogs, smoked sausage, and veggie burgers.
Special exhibits and presentations include the following:
- The 37th Alabama Regiment Company H, a Civil War reenactment group, will set up a camp and offer presentations on Civil War weapons, life, and artifacts.
- Local actors Bill and Cara Elder will portray George and Martha Washington at 10:30 a.m.
- At 11:30 a.m., Phil Markoe, chapter president of the Central Florida Sons of the American Revolution, will discuss the history of the First Troop Philadelphia City Calvary, the oldest continuous military unity still active today.
- Henry Mekseree will describe Native American culture and heritage in the Southeast at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.
- Local historian Keri Stewart will present “What’s under the dress?” at 1:30 p.m. She will explain the history of each layer of the dresses worn by women of the mid-1800s.
There is no charge to attend the outdoor event. Tours of the 1871 mansion will be offered; with an admission fee of $5 for ages 13 to 49, $4 for seniors (50 and older), and $2 for children ages 3 to 12.
DeBary Hall, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is managed by Volusia County’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Division. It’s open six days a week at 198 Sunrise Blvd., DeBary. The site is closed on Mondays. For more information, contact Lisa Perez at 386-668-3840 or lperez@volusia.org.
