Amelia Island Middle Passage
Port Markers Project
Press Release
March 18, 2020
It is with regret that the Amelia Island Middle Passage Ceremonies and Port Markers Project Committee had to postpone activities scheduled for March 25 at Fort San Carlos Park in Old Town. This is due to the rapid spread of Coronavirus into Nassau County and throughout the globe.
Contributions were sought to meet a matching fund grant from the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation. Thanks to your support and tax-deductible contributions we matched the goal, receiving $8,000.00. Additionally our local Harris Teeter Grocery, Winn Dixie, Southern Sisters Restaurant and McDonalds have also committed hospitality to this cause.
Your energies have enabled us to install a historic marker and bench on the banks of the Amelia River at the western most end of White Street (a UNESCO documented Slave Route Site). We also were able to reprint Ann Chinn’s monograph, The Middle Passage: Remembering Ancestors to be given to children in the St. Stephen Child Care Mass Choir who were scheduled to participate in the event. This book will also be placed in the Bill Flynn Fernandina Beach Library, Jacksonville Main Library, and the Florida State Archives.
The “Remembering Ancestors” program will be rescheduled with hopes that you will be available to participate. Until then, please take a leisurely and scenic drive to Fort San Carlos Park.
Great thanks to the Amelia Island Museum of History and each and everyone of you for your support.
Marsha Dean Phelts and Jennifer Harrison, Co-Chairs and the Amelia Island Middle Passage Ceremonies and Port Markers Project Committee