The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum’s Heritage Boatworks Program, a volunteer-run program dedicated to keeping the traditions of boatbuilding alive in St. Augustine, have completed their latest boat building project, the Barca Chata, benefiting fortmose. This morning, the boat was donated and put in place before June, when the historical society will celebrate its 25th anniversary. Pictured are our two boatbuilders who constructed the Barca Chata, Jim, and Steve, along with Chuck Meide, Director of our research arm, Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program, Charles Ellis, President of Fort Mose Historical Society, and members of the Fort Mose Militia Muster team. The Barca Chata was a Spanish flatboat typically used as a barge during the 17th and 18th centuries to haul items. Enslaved African men and women used similar boats to escape slavery in the Carolinas and make their way to Spanish Florida and freedom. “We’re very grateful for this unique and valuable donation ...