Florida Catholic | Students Preserve History

Students gain grant to preserve history of Fort George

AMY M. FERRARA | FLORIDA CATHOLIC STAFF

Published: 10.19.07

St. Michael Interparochial School middle school students are shown in front of a model of Fort George, the site of the Battle of Pensacola in 1781. The school was awarded a History Channel grant to participate in research of the archaeological site.
AMY M. FERRARA | FC

PENSACOLA | Fort George, a former British garrison, and St. Michael Interparochial School have something in common: location. Built in 1778 as a defense for Pensacola, Fort George was the site of the famous Battle of Pensacola in 1781, in which Spain reclaimed the city from Britain. Now it is a place where St. Michael middle school students can participate in the preservation of a neighboring plot of history.

St. Michael's involvement with Fort George is the result of a partnership with the Pensacola Historical Society. At an Oct. 3 ceremony at the school, the History Channel and Cox Communications awarded the school and historical society a $9,724 Save Our History grant. This grant program is an extension of the Save Our History philanthropic initiative, which promotes historical preservation and education throughout the country.

"I'm most excited about our kids being able to take their learning out of the classroom," said St. Michael Principal Lloyd Kinderknecht. "As for Fort George, I think it is important to preserve our history, and in this case, these kids will be able to share their discoveries with the greater community."

Scholars from the University of West Florida and the Florida Archaeology Network will work with the staff at the Pensacola Historical Society to guide middle school students in their creation of an interactive exhibit and interpretive brochure featuring the archaeological remains of Fort George.

"As Catholics we place so much value on the history of the church and the rich legacy we have been given," continued Kinderknecht. "In a small way, our students can emulate the respect of those who paved the way for us."

Kinderknecht added that when the Spanish captured Fort George from the British in the Battle of Pensacola, they renamed it San Miguel, or St. Michael.

Return to Diocese of Pensacola - Tallahassee Front Page

Students gain grant to preserve history of Fort George

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