Pioneer Day – February 6, 2027

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 7th 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 3:00 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.
Suggested donation of $5 for parking ** FREE shuttle service between venues**

 

FEBRUARY 6, 2026

UNDER CONSTRUCTION – PLEASE VISIT US AS WE BUILD OUR EVENT 

10:00 to 12:00 Cemetery Quest: Start your quest at the playground to win a prize! For ages 7 and up.

GUIDED AND SELF GUIDED CEMETERY TOURS

Ongoing Events:

  • Self-guided tour of St. Luke’s Historic Chapel & Cemetery

Events at Sams House (10 am to 3 pm) 6195 N. Tropical Trail

    • Florida living history demonstrations and educational exhibits that include archaeology and anthropology, historic reenactors, encampments and artifacts on display
    • Live music throughout the day – 
    • A Pioneer “parade” throughout the grounds at 11:00 am, led by drum and fife, of those dressed in historic attire
    • Local exhibitors from Brevard’s historical societies, historic homes and other history
    • Local exhibitors from Brevard’s natural lands, wildlife and environmental organizations 
    • Vintage, crafts and farmers’ market vendors 
    • Pine Island guided nature trail hikes throughout the day
    • 1888 Sams House tours with rarely seen antiques on display
    • 1875 Sams Cabin family history, Native American artifacts and fossils on display  
    • Pine Island Preservation Society tent with vintage items, finger puppets, hiking sticks, nature-themed t-shirts, note cards, postcards, gifts for sale and raffle items including a local fruit basket 
    • Children’s crafts and games such as Hay Dive, Steer Roping, Cornhusk Dolls, Cornhole and “Milking the Cow”