Sams House Celebrates Native American Heritage Month

By  //  October 31, 2012

Public Participation Welcome

BREVARD COUNTY • MERRITT ISLAND, FLORIDA – Another busy month of activities is ahead at The Sams House at Pine Island.

Historical Sams House at Pine Island is offering a host of free activities throughout November (Image courtesy Sams House at Pine Island)

Owned and managed by the Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands Program, the Sams House at Pine Island is one of the most historic places on Merritt Island and certainly in all of Brevard County.

Free activities offered at The Sams House at Pine Island throughout November will recognize Native American Heritage Month.

Here’s the lineup:

Native Ways Hike — Saturday, Nov. 3, from 10 a.m. to noon, and Friday, Nov. 23, from 10 a.m. to noon: Enjoy a guided one-mile hike through the beautiful palm hammock as we explore how Native Americans used the abundant resources around them. Close-toed shoes are recommended.

Farmers, Fishers, and Traders, the First Floridians — Saturday, Nov. 3, from 3 to 4 p.m.: Join local archaeologist and Indian River Anthropological Society president Elaine Williams for a slide presentation and talk on the rich cultures of Florida’s Native Peoples before the Spanish conquest and how the natural resources in different parts of the state shaped the ways they lived.

Lost Indian Nations of Florida — Saturday, Nov. 10, from 10:30 a.m. to noon: Local historian and author Ray Osborne will give a slideshow presentation on the ancient Indians of Florida, featuring special guest  Arthur Tarratus, who just returned from a research trip to the Archives of Indies in Seville, Spain.

Prehistoric Toolbox: Examination of Native American Tools and Weapons — Saturday, Nov. 17, from 11 a.m. to noon: Native Americans in Florida were extremely resourceful, using all elements of their environment for survival. This presentation by Kevin Gidusko with the Florida Public Archeology Network introduces the tools and weapons used in prehistoric life ranging from shark tooth-fixed atlatls to whelk-shelled hammers.

Pine Island Paddle — Saturday, Nov. 24, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.: Paddle through a deep-water canal frequented by manatees and out to the Indian River Lagoon. It includes a hike to the Sams House and cabin, then back to the Lagoon and a paddle back to the start. Reservations are required. It is limited to 14 participants. The cost is $30 per person ($20 for ages 5 to 12). Call 321-784-2452 or send an email to  info@spacecoastkayaking.net to hold your spot. Meet at Conservation Area gate at end of Pine Island Road.

The center will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 22, for Thanksgiving.

The Sams House at Pine Island is at 6195 North Tropical Trail in Merritt Island, a half-mile west of State Road 3. It is open Thursdays to Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours of the cabin and the adjacent 1888 home are offered every Thursday at 3 p.m. For more information, call 321-449-4720.