WHERE HISTORY Sings:
The Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series
by Elesha Mavrommatis
Each February, Fort Mose Historic State Park becomes the backdrop for one of Northeast Florida’ s most distinctive cultural events: Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series. Returning February 6 – 15, 2026, the series marks its fifth year of presenting nationally recognized jazz and blues artists on land that holds profound meaning in the story of African American freedom, culture and resilience. At a time when audiences are seeking deeper connections between the arts and history, the Fort Mose series has emerged as a place where Black artistic traditions are honored in a context that reflects their origins and ongoing impact.
Photo credit: SJC Cultural Events, Inc.
A Series Born from History
The Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series launched in 2022 with a clear purpose: to highlight the significance of Fort Mose and bring broader public attention to its history. Founded in 1738, Fort Mose became the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in what is now the United States. The community was formed by Africans who escaped enslavement in the British colonies and secured freedom under Spanish rule. Their presence shaped a multicultural settlement influenced by African, Spanish, English and Native American traditions. Fort Mose was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1994, acknowledging its critical role in the development of African American culture and identity.
The concert series was created as a way to share this history in an accessible public setting while supporting preservation efforts. A portion of every ticket sold includes a charitable fee that directly benefits the Fort Mose Historical Society and its ongoing work to interpret and protect the site.
VOLUME II 2025 | 7 |