Celebrating Hernando’s roots

BROOKSVILLE – For more than 30 years, the Hernando Historical Museum Association’s Heritage Day has given residents a chance to experience 19th century life as many of the county’s founders did.

At the 2014 festival, held Saturday on the grounds of the May-Stringer Hernando Heritage Museum, visitors learned about Florida history from living history demonstrators as the sounds of muskets and the Barking Dogs Old Time Jam group played in the background.

Earl DeBary, 72, showed off his Kentucky Squirrel Gun, hand crafted in 1791, and told passersby the story of the Seminole Wars.

“I never tell the same history twice,” DeBary said.

DeBary and his wife, Bettie, travel Florida and beyond participating in re-enactments and living history events.

“Where else can a guy my age get out and play cowboys and Indians and get away with it?” said DeBary, of Ocala, who also teaches wilderness survival. “I enjoy it and I get to teach history.”

Heritage Day also offered historic home tours through the afternoon and local fare from about 30 vendors.

wbiddlecombe@hernandotoday .com

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