The Fort King National Historic Landmark is preparing to host its first heritage skills day.
The event will take place Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the fort, located at 3925 E. Fort King St. Classes, workshops and demonstrations will showcase folk crafts and provide traditional and historical practices used by early settlers.
Class and workshop topics include blacksmithing, broom making, rag rugs, basketry, historic cooking and more. The cost per class varies, however there is no admission fee into the park. Pre-registration for classes will begin on Friday, Nov. 6. To adhere to social distancing guidelines, class sizes will be limited.
Live history demonstrations will be available throughout the day. In addition, the Fort King National Historic Landmark visitors center and archaeology center will be open on a limited basis. In accordance with current recommended health guidelines, only five visitors at a time will be allowed inside the visitor center or archaeology center. All guests must wear a face covering while inside both buildings and adhere to a physical distance of six feet apart.
For a complete list of events and additional information, visit www.fortkingocala.com or call the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department at (352) 368-5517.
Fort King is a 40-acre National Historic Landmark home to a life-size reconstruction of the fort and block houses that served as the location that ignited the Second Seminole War in the 1830s. Today, the reconstruction of Fort King serves as an ongoing exploration of Ocala’s past.
On site is the Fort King Visitor’s Center, offering displays and artifacts that help bring history to life; the David Laffey Heritage Garden, a teaching garden that is open to the public year-round; a mile-long hiking trail with interpretive signage detailing the history of the land; and the Daughters of the American Revolution memorial site. Fort King is owned jointly by the City of Ocala and Marion County with funding assistance and support from the Fort King Heritage Association. For more information about Fort King, visit www.fortkingocala.com.