HISTORY
HERITAGE
HEART

The Hernando de Soto Historical Society is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1939 and consists of volunteer members who foster and facilitate an appreciation of Manatee County’s Spanish – American heritage. Through fundraising events and sponsorships we are able to provide educational opportunities and donate to local charities, organizations and individuals. 

hernando de soto historical society main street putt putt

MAIN STREET PUTT-PUTT

Our annual Main Street Putt-Putt is truly a twist on miniature golf. The De Soto Main Street Putt-Putt can be described as a Putt-Putt Pub Crawl Tournament. Each of the ten bars downtown will build a miniature golf hole, whatever theme they choose. Teams of four move from bar to bar with their putters, golf balls, and official scoreboard. Grand prizes are awarded to the team with the “lowest team score”. Many other prizes, raffles, and a 50/50 raffle fundraiser throughout the day.
hernando de soto historical society amigos tapas

AMIGOS TAPAS

The Tapas event was created as a fundraising source for the Amigos de Barcarrota, a Society committee that host a delegation of “friends” from our sister city in Spain that visit Bradenton each year during the Heritage Festival. This group houses our guests in their own homes, and daily entertains them by visiting Manatee County attractions, beaches, golf courses, and of course attending all of festival week’s events. We hope that you will join us for an exclusive affair with Amigos, vino, and an abundance of Tapas.

OUR EVENTS

HIGHLIGHTS

  • $50,000 ANNUAL DONATIONS
  • 3 MILLION DOLLARS OF ECONOMIC STIMULUS
  • PROVIDE EDUCATION ON FLORIDA – SPANISH HERITAGE
  • SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENTS
  • STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM
  • MAINTAINS MUSEUM FOR SPANISH CULTURE
  • 52 YEAR PARTNERSHIP WITH BARCARROTA SPAIN
  • 2,500 VOLUNTEER HOURS ANNUALLY