The Menorcan Cultural Society: Preserving the Legacy of Florida’s Early Mediterranean Settlers

In the heart of St. Augustine, Florida—the oldest continuously inhabited city in the United States—the Menorcan Cultural Society stands as a living tribute to a remarkable group of immigrants whose perseverance, culture, and traditions helped shape the region’s unique identity. Formed to preserve and promote the heritage of the Menorcans, descendants of Mediterranean settlers brought to Florida in the 18th century, the Society ensures that their story of struggle and triumph remains alive for future generations.

The Origins: The Menorcans of Florida

The Menorcans trace their roots to a group of Mediterranean settlers—primarily from the Spanish island of Menorca, as well as Corsica, Italy, Greece, and Sardinia—who came to British East Florida in 1768 under the direction of Scottish physician and entrepreneur Dr. Andrew Turnbull.

Turnbull recruited about 1,400 colonists to work his indigo plantation at New Smyrna, near modern-day New Smyrna Beach. Conditions were brutal: the colonists faced disease, starvation, overwork, and mistreatment. After nearly a decade of hardship, in 1777 the surviving Menorcans walked north to St. Augustine, where they were given refuge by the Spanish governor.

There, they rebuilt their lives—becoming a vibrant part of St. Augustine’s community and contributing to the city’s agriculture, religion, cuisine, and traditions.

Formation of the Menorcan Cultural Society

The Menorcan Cultural Society (MCS) was founded in 1983 in St. Augustine, Florida, by descendants of the original Menorcan settlers. Its formation marked the culmination of decades of informal efforts by local families to preserve Menorcan history, dialect, and customs.

The founders of the Society recognized that as generations passed, the community’s distinct cultural identity—its stories, recipes, and even its language—was fading. The MCS was thus established to collect, preserve, and share the Menorcan story with scholars, descendants, and the public.

Since its founding, the Society has operated as both a historical and cultural organization, working closely with the St. Augustine Historical Society, Flagler College, and local museums to protect archival materials and artifacts related to Menorcan heritage.

Mission and Activities

The mission of the Menorcan Cultural Society is to:

Preserve Menorcan history and culture through research, documentation, and education.
Celebrate the contributions of Menorcans to the history of St. Augustine and Florida.
Promote fellowship among descendants of the original Menorcan settlers and others interested in Mediterranean-American heritage.

Key Activities Include:

Menorcan Heritage Celebration – An annual event featuring traditional food, music, crafts, and genealogy workshops, held in St. Augustine each March.
Preservation of Archives – The MCS maintains genealogical and historical records, including family histories, church documents, and oral histories.
Publications and Lectures – The society publishes newsletters and sponsors lectures on Menorcan history, Mediterranean immigration, and colonial Florida.
Community Engagement – Through partnerships with schools and local cultural institutions, the Society promotes awareness of Florida’s multicultural past.

The Broader Legacy

Today, the Menorcan descendants form an integral part of St. Augustine’s living heritage. Their presence is evident in local cuisine (such as Menorcan clam chowder, spiced with the unique datil pepper), in architecture, and in family names that have endured for over 250 years—such as Andreu, Papi, Pellicer, Pacetti, and Hernandez.

Through the Menorcan Cultural Society’s efforts, the descendants of these early settlers not only honor their ancestors’ endurance but also contribute to a broader understanding of America’s colonial diversity—reminding us that the story of Florida’s founding was shaped not only by English and Spanish influences but also by Mediterranean resilience.

Conclusion

The Menorcan Cultural Society serves as both a guardian and a storyteller—preserving the remarkable history of a Mediterranean people who endured hardship and displacement, yet left an indelible mark on America’s oldest city.

By keeping alive the customs, language, and faith of their ancestors, the Society ensures that the Menorcan experience remains a vital part of Florida’s—and America’s—diverse historical tapestry.

Their story is one of courage and continuity, reminding us that heritage is not just about the past—it is a living connection between generations.