We have been serving the community for over 75 years! We are a not-for-profit community organization of over 200 volunteer members who celebrate the historical significance of the 1539 landing of Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto on the Manatee River. While keeping De...

As the charitable arm of the Society, the Conquistador Historical Foundation distributes funding to other community charities, provides educational programs including a student exchange program with Barcarrota, Spain (Bradenton’s...

Each year, Society members elect a modern-day Hernando de Soto, about 30 others to serve as his Crewe, and a De Soto Queen and Princess. The Crewe is the Society's most visible arm, seen regularly around Manatee County offering important educational visits to local schools, hospitals, senior citizen...