DeBary Hall Historic Site Announces March Programs

Posted On: February 11, 2026

DeBary Hall Historic Site is hosting a variety of programs throughout March, including the popular Living History Day on March 14.

Line Dancing Lessons: 5:30 p.m. Thursdays, March 5 and 19. Line dancing is a great way to exercise your mind and body. Join DeBary Hall staff for a fun evening full of learning beginner line dances to various music genres. This program is recommended for adults. There is a $5 charge for each class.

Story Time at DeBary Hall: 9:30 a.m. Fridays, March 6 and 20. Children are invited to Kids Corner, a free story time featuring stories, songs, and activities. The program is designed for preschoolers, but children of all ages are welcome.

Swing into Contra: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 7. Join an experienced caller for an engaging, beginner-friendly class designed to introduce the lively tradition of contra dance. Partners and prior experience are not needed. During this free, two-hour class, a caller will guide participants through each step, making it easy for everyone to join in the fun.

1943: Turning the tide: 1 p.m. Saturday, March 7. Join local historian Ryan Lowry as he discusses the major events that defined America's crusade during the turbulent year of 1943. As America took the fight back to the Axis Powers in the early years of World War II, hard lessons were learned on the battlefields in Europe and the Pacific. With the war still in doubt, America worked on a tight budget and limited manpower to fight tough battles that would change the course of the war and begin to lay foundations for final victory. This presentation is part of the free Lemonade Lectures series sponsored by Volusia County. Light refreshments and lemonade will be served.

Creating a Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12. During this free, interactive Lunch & Learn, a certified master gardener will share practical tips on transforming home landscapes into welcoming habitats for local wildlife. Topics will include native plants, food and water sources, shelter, and sustainable gardening practices tailored to Florida’s unique environment. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunch and gardening questions for a relaxed, informative session.

George and Martha Washington: A Love Story: 6 p.m. Thursday, March 12. Step back into the founding days of America and experience history through the lens of romance, partnership, and resilience in George and Martha Washington: A Love Story – a captivating live portrayal of the nation’s first presidential couple. Local actors Bill and Cara Elder bring warmth, depth, and authenticity to their portrayals of George Washington, founding father and first President of the United States, and Martha Washington, his devoted wife and trusted confidante. Through engaging storytelling and vivid character interpretation, the program offers audiences an intimate look at the personal relationship behind one of the most influential partnerships in American history.

Living History Day: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 14. History will come to life at this family friendly event that will feature George Washington’s headquarter tent, a war re-enactment camp,  historical presentations, Victorian games and crafts, and guided tours of the 150-year-old winter hunting estate with reenactors portraying various members of the deBary family. Tours of the 19th century mansion will be offered at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Spring Tea: 11 a.m. Thursday, March 19. Experience the elegance of a traditional Victorian afternoon tea with samplings, etiquette lessons, and a house tour. Guests may sample two teas as hostesses dressed in Victorian clothing describe the history of tea and offer instruction on tea etiquette. Seating is limited, and tickets must be purchased by Friday, March 13. The cost is $20 per person and tickets are non-refundable. Call 386-668-3840 to reserve your tickets.

Florida’s Coast-to-Coast Trail: 1 p.m. Saturday, March 21. Join avid cyclist Edith Kohlbach for a presentation featuring Florida’s 260-mile Coast-to-Coast Trail, stretching from St. Petersburg to Titusville and Edgewater. Through stories, insights, and practical tips, Kohlbach will walk you through trail navigation, must-see sections, and her top recommendations for comfortable overnight stays. This presentation is part of the free Lemonade Lectures series sponsored by Volusia County. Light refreshments and lemonade will be served.

Ten Things to Do Around DeBary Before You Die: 1 p.m. Saturday, March 28. Author and historian Robert Redd will present a lively talk highlighting unique attractions and experiences in and around DeBary. A native Floridian, Redd is the author of “100 Things to Do in Daytona Beach Before You Die.” This presentation is part of the free Lemonade Lectures series sponsored by Volusia County. Light refreshments and lemonade will be served.

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 from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday at 198 Sunrise Blvd., DeBary. For more information, contact Lisa Perez at 386-668-3840 or lperez@volusia.org.