Click here to read the October 16, 2020 edition of our e-newsletter, Exploring Downtown Apalachicola’s Past, Present, and Future.

Apalachicola Main Street is developing an exhibit dedicated to Moses Roper (1815-1891), who was once a north Florida slave but went on to become a prominent author and lecturer who dedicated his life to abolition. After a daring escape in 1834, Roper travelled 500 miles on foot from Marianna, Florida to Savannah, Georgia where he sailed to New York. 

In 1835, he sailed to England where abolitionists paid for his education. Roper then published one of the best-selling slave narratives in history, Narrative of the Adventures and Escape of Moses Roper from American Slavery and over the next decade lectured over 2,000 times across the British Isles. 

The planned exhibit, which will be the world’s first dedicated to exploring Roper’s life and legacy, will be displayed at the Apalachicola Center for History, Culture, and Art in February 2021. Funds raised will assist with a digital mapping project that traces the arc of his life and bold journey of survival, a process which includes intensive historical research across several states. 

The Moses Roper exhibit project would not be possible without the support of two recently awarded grants. We received a Community Project Grant from Florida Humanities. As the non-profit statewide partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, Florida Humanities awards federal funds each year to local organizations to create a variety of free, humanities-rich programming to diverse communities across the state. These programs and resources seek to preserve Florida’s diverse history and heritage and to promote civic engagement and community dialogue. 

In addition, we were honored to have received a grant from the Duke Energy Foundation. Among the Foundation’s funding priorities are supporting projects that strengthen communities through impactful projects that focus on expanding cultural program access for under-served and diverse populations and supporting initiatives involving social justice and racial equity.

These grants will cover the costs of a digital interactive kiosk and the graphic design and production of the exhibit panels. 

Apalachicola Main Street, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2011 as part of the Florida Main Street and National Main Street networks. This project reflects our commitment to promoting diverse historical and cultural heritage.

To learn more, visit www.MosesRoperProject.org.

Our Online Silent Auction is Live Now! We’d like to showcase one of the available items, a weeklong stay at a stunning beachfront home on St. George Island. Click here to enter the auction. More photos are available on the site.

Rental Date(s): Saturday, December 5 to Saturday, December 12, 2020 Check-in: 3:00 PM Check-Out: 10:00 AM

This Cape Cod-style cottage, located in the Plantation Community welcomes you the moment you walk in…The hardwood floors and the natural light from the large windows, beamed ceilings, the comfortable furnishings, and carefully planned kitchen all make you exhale and simply relax…

Be prepared to enjoy your view – from the living room, the kitchen, the bedroom, from the open deck, or from the screened porch. 

There you are…beachfront, the Gulf of Mexico, the pelicans, the shrimp boats, the sandpipers, and the occasional beachcomber…Walk straight out your personal boardwalk to put those toes in the sand. Complimentary beach chairs are available when you’re ready to take a break and watch the waves.

Gulf view from every bedroom! The king master suite, located on the main floor, opens out onto the open deck, and the other two bedrooms, located upstairs; are furnished with 1 king and 2 twins. 

AMENITIES: Multiple TV’s, DVD Player, well-appointed kitchen, washing machine and dryer, hardwood floors throughout, large sun decks, screen porch, outdoor enclosed shower, charcoal grill, boardwalk to the beach.  Access to the Plantation clubhouse, pools, tennis courts, and fitness room. 

Maximum Occupancy: 6    Pet-friendly Property 

Minimum age rental requirement: Twenty-five (25) Identification: Proof of age will be required to claim this auction item. 

Apalachicola Main Street has launched an online silent auction that will run through October 22, 2020. Some of the featured items include a one-week beachfront vacation rental on St. George Island; a 2 night stay at The Majestic Jewel in historic Apalachicola; a Rascal Flatts autographed guitar; custom art from Joyce Estes Gallery; a Yeti Tundra 35 cooler, and more. To view and bid on these fabulous auction items, please click here.

Proceeds from the auction will support the development of Apalachicola Main Street’s exhibit project dedicated to Moses Roper (1815-1891), a north Florida slave who made a daring escape and went on to become a prominent abolitionist, author, and lecturer. Roper sailed to England in 1835, published one of the best-selling slave narratives in history, Narrative of the Adventures and Escape of Moses Roper from American Slavery, and over the next decade lectured over 2,000 times across the British Isles.

The exhibit, which may be the first in the nation dedicated to exploring Roper’s life and legacy, will be displayed at the Apalachicola Center for History, Culture, and Art in February 2021. Funds raised will assist with exhibit development and a digital mapping project that traces the arc of his life and bold journey of survival, a process which includes intensive historical research.

Apalachicola Main Street, Inc. is a nonprofit established in 2011 as part of the Florida Main Street and National Main Street networks. This project reflects our commitment to promoting diverse historical and cultural heritage.

Solicitation of Contributions registration information: A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from The Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the State.1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com. License # CH44897.

TGIF has a very special meaning for the LUCKY raffle WINNER of our Fabulous Apalachicola Getaway featuring Lodging, Dining, Shopping, and Adventure…Drum roll, please… the winner is DEBBIE GARDNER of Crestview, Florida. Debbie and a guest will enjoy a 2-night stay at one of America’s most historic Inns, shop coastal-inspired collections, dine at a 4-star restaurant, and explore our world-famous estuary.

Apalachicola is a distinctive destination known for its scenic beauty and rich history. Debbie, if you are seeing this post, please note that we have sent an email providing details on your getaway package, which includes:

• 2 nights of accommodations at the COOMBS INN & SUITES
• A 2-hour Eco-tour with BAY ECO TOURS
• A $100 Gift Certificate from BECASA
• Dinner for 2 at TAMARA’S CAFE

We send our hearty Congratulations and thank all the many raffle participants for their enthusiastic support. Special thanks go out to these four sponsors for their generosity.

Our goal is to promote downtown Apalachicola’s future while preserving its past. The raffle proceeds will help us to sustain our award-winning program and continue with our mission.

Please stay tuned for more “fun” raisers and our October online silent auction. It is sure to be fabulous with an awesome Beachfront Vacation Rental on St. George Island among many other auction items.