The Historic Florida Militia (HFM) is a non-profit umbrella organization supporting re-created historic interpretive units and representing a number of cultures and time periods. In addition, member groups in good standing are eligible for event coverage under the group's insurance policy. Member groups can also arrange at minimal cost for rental of period appropriate canvas, furniture and cooking supplies. Non-Profit Organization, and as such all of our member companies must be not-for profit also. Partner Units and their time periods:
Men of Menendez - 16th Century Spanish
We are a group of men and women with a desire to re-enact the 16th century and events which occurred therein, such as the founding of St. Men of Menéndez, named for the founder of the first permanent settlement in the United States, is a living history interpretive organization committed to the preservation of St. Augustine and Florida’s History. The emphasis in our interpretation has been the first encounters between Spanish and indigenous Florida peoples. Members present historical information through Living History demonstration depicting Spanish Colonial Troop Camps, featuring authentic weapons, clothing, and lifestyles to encourage discussion of historic facts. https://www.facebook.com/index.php #!/pages/Men-of-Menendez/199119293446167
St. Augustine Garrison - 18th Century Spanish
The Saint Augustine Garrison is a group of living history interpreters who portray the life and times of the Spanish soldiers and their families in 1740s Colonial Spanish Saint Augustine. The Saint Augustine Garrison was created in July, 1984 by the Historic Florida Militia, Inc. a 501 (c) 3, Non-Profit Corporation. Their mission is to foster an understanding of military history of early Spanish Florida through military demonstration, interpretive programs, portrayals and publications and to provide visitors of the Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas a trip back into time of 1740 Spanish Saint Augustine. https://www.facebook.com/index.php #!/StAugustineGarrison
60th Regiment of Foote - 18th Century British
In the early summer of 1776, the American Rebels assembled a force of more than two thousand men in Savannah, Georgia, under the command of Colonel William Moultrie. The mission of this force was to invade and conquer Florida. Fortunately for Florida, command problems and widespread sickness so crippled this small army that it never advanced farther than Sunbury, Georgia. Even had it actually invaded, Florida was no longer quite as defenseless as it had been a few months earlier. The first contingent of the King's 60th Regiment of Foot (Royal Americans) had arrived in St. Augustine under the command of Colonel, later Brigadier General, Augustine Prevost. The 60th had been raised in America for service in the French and Indian War. In 1776, its two American manned battalions, the 1st and 2nd, were serving in the West Indies. Its newly reconstituted 3rd and 4th battalions, manned by Irish, German, and English recruits, were posted to Florida. They were to comprise the principal English Regular Army force in Florida throughout the Revolutionary War, and were to leave only after the cessation of hostilities. East Florida Rangers - 18th Century British
It was organized as a way for St. Augustine Garrison living history interpreters to get involved in the British Nightwatch without having to spend a fortune on acquiring the full British Redcoat kit. We portray British landowners who were given land in Florida when the British acquired Florida through a treaty with Spain in 1763. The landowners were free to work their land but owned service to the English Crown when called upon. HOTAO - 16th Century Indian
Heritage Of The Ancient Ones (HOTAO) is a multi-cultural, non-profit, educational organization. We are dedicated to preserving the history, culture and traditions of Florida's original native peoples while promoting respect for Mother Earth. https://www.facebook.com/index.php #!/groups/407794202573481/
St. Augustine Textile Guild - 18th Century Crafts
Searles Bucaneers - 17th Century British
Searles Buccaneers are a group of Florida-based living history interpreters, specializing in portraying 16th- and 17th-century colonial life. Depending on the event and/or time period our group troops under the following names:
Expedition of Hernando Desoto
(16th-century Spanish)
Men of Menendez
(16th-century Spanish)
Drake's Men
(16th-century English)
Capt. John Tilden's Companie, Prince Rupert's Regiment of Foote
(English Civil War, Royalist)
Searle’s Buccaneers
(17th-century English)
Drake's Men - 16th Century English
A group of living history interpreters dedicated toward preserving the memory of Sir Francis Drake's exploits in the New World. https://www.facebook.com/index.php #!/drakesraid/info
First Florida Frontiers - 16th Century Crafts
The Mission of the First Florida Frontiers is to celebrate Florida through Art, Storytelling and Music. https://www.facebook.com/pages/1st-Florida-Frontiers/235048476516954
