The University of West Florida Historic Trust, in association with the Pensacola Heritage Foundation, is hosting a Symposium on the Governor of Louisiana and Viceroy of New Spain Bernardo de Gálvez to on Friday, April 28, from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Museum of Commerce, 201 East Zaragoza St.
The Gálvez Symposium, which is free and open to the public, coincides with Pensacola’s efforts to honor the Spanish statesman and general with a monument. Because of the renewed interest in this American hero who delivered West Florida from the British in 1781, symposia in his honor have become a unique way to recognize his role in American independence.
The speakers include:
Captain Robert Rasmussen, noted artist/sculptor whose works have been displayed at the National Museum of Naval Aviation, National Air and Space Museum, Astronaut Hall of Fame and the NASA Museum. Captain Rasmussen will speak on the process of envisioning and sculpting the 11’ bronze statue of Galvez astride his horse, his hat raised in victory.
Dr. Roger Smith, the author of several works on early American History, including The 14th Colony, Hope of Freedom, and Women of the American Revolution is a noted public speaker and a member of the Florida Humanities Council speaker’s bureau. Dr. Smith, who holds a PhD in History from the University of Florida, will speak on the role of Bernardo de Gálvez on the Gulf Coast.
Dr. Caroline Castillo Crimm, Professor Emeritus from Sam Houston State University is a noted historian and public speaker. She will speak on the 18th century in Northern New Spain and the role that Gálvez played in assisting the patriot cause in the American Revolution.
Ms. Nancy Fetterman, public historian and noted community leader who helped initiate the effort to construct a monument in Gálvez’s honor. Ms. Fetterman, who holds an MA in History from the University of West Florida, will speak on the broad-ranging initiative that spanned the Atlantic.