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 7, 2026
Events at St. Luke’s (10 am to 3 pm) 5555 N. Tropical Trail
Perrine Hall: Lunch includes a variety of homemade chilis (traditional, white and vegetarian), grilled hotdogs and loaded baked potatoes.
10:00 to 12:00 Cemetery Quest: Start your quest at the playground to win a prize! For ages 7 and up.
10:15 CEMETERY: Guided Tour “Military and Space” Highlighting veterans from the Civil War to Viet Nam, and a number of the people behind the scenes of the Space Program
11:00 CHURCH “How Brevard’s Past in Space can and should shape its Future” with Dale Ketcham, Life-long Resident – over 30 years in the Aerospace Industry
The Space Program is why Brevard is what it is. And why we have the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Playalinda Beach at Canaveral National Seashore. They are not mutually exclusive but are integrated into the Cape Canaveral Spaceport. Each relies on the other. Challenges await, but the past can guide us to a healthy tomorrow.
12:00: CHAPEL Old time hymns played on the organ in our historic chapel.
1:00 CHURCH “U.S. Space Origin Stories and Milestones” with Jamie Draper, Museum Director for the Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum
Long before astronauts launched to the Moon from KSC, Cape Canaveral was the nation’s launch frontier – the birthplace of America’s space and missile programs. Journey through the Cape’s pioneering launch activity during the high-stakes days of the Cold War Space Race. You’ll hear the real origin stories – the triumphs, the tensions, and the daring innovations that made Cape Canaveral the launchpad to the stars
1:30 CEMETERY: Guided Tour “Island History” Stories of locals who cleared the land, built our community, and launched us into space.
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
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- Florida living history demonstrations and educational exhibits that include archaeology and anthropology, historic reenactors, encampments and artifacts on display
- Live music throughout the day – Celery City String Band, Chris Kahl, Boyleston Fish, Pine Trio
- 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”