In their efforts to conquer and colonize North America, the Spanish brought to the "New World" different customs, values, and traditions from their colonial rivals, the British and the French. Unlike the Pilgrims of Plymouth Rock, who were fleeing religious persecution, Spanish colonists came to claim La Florida for the Spanish throne and to convert native peoples to Catholicism. The extensive network of missions they built is a testament to their conviction. Attitudes about race and the practice of slavery were also different, and nowhere is that more vividly demonstrated than at Fort Mose, America's first legally-sanctioned free black town, once located just outside of St. Augustine.

With St. Augustine as our point of reference, we will use a comparative approach to examine the colonial experiences that have shaped our country's history and heritage. This examination will propel us to ask provocative questions about how American history is written, interpreted, and disseminated.

Our weeklong investigation will be lead by preeminent historians, archaeologists and architectural historians. They will guide us in our examination of historical archives and archaeological artifacts and tour us through the wealth of national landmarks and preserved buildings that make up the city's historic quarter.

Presenters include prominent scholars such as Dr. Bonnie McEwan, Executive Director Mission San Luis de Apalachee; Dr. Jane Landers, Associate Professor of History at Vanderbilt University; Dr. Michael Gannon, Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus at the University of Florida; Carl Halbirt, City archeologist; Herschel Shepard, Professor Emeritus at the University of Florida's School of Architecture; Dr. Susan Parker, Executive Director, St. Augustine Historical Society; Dr. Jane Landers, Professor of History, Vanderbilt University; Dr. Kathleen Deagan, Distinguished Research Curator of Archaeology, Florida Museum of Natural History.