Celebrating the history of Merritt Island on “Pioneer Day” is an annual event that has an exciting appeal for history, art, music, and nature lovers, and children of all ages from 1 to 100. The February 10th event is a partnership between Sams House at Pine Island and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church located on a sleepy little stretch of North Tropical Trail on North Merritt Island. From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. the Sams House and St. Luke’s will host a wide variety of activities, most of which are free.
Pioneer Day is held near the birthday of John Sams, a citrus-grower and the first Superintendent of Brevard County Schools. Mr. Sams built the oldest standing home in Brevard County (circa 1875). The Sams Cabin is now a museum within the 1,000-acre Pine Island Conservation Area, which is owned and operated by the Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands Program. Mr. Sams also helped to build St. Luke’s Chapel in 1888 and is buried in the church cemetery.
Primary parking available at St. Luke’s with limited parking at Sams House.
