Focus on Manatee: De Soto Historical Society gives back to Bradenton area

Though the group is known by residents and visitors as a lively crew of conquistadors who keep the legacy of one of the world's most prolific explorers alive, for more than 75 years the Hernando de Soto Historical Society has also worked to leave an indelible impact on the Bradenton area through its events and charitable giving.

As we enter May -- and coming off of one of the group's top annual events -- it's important to shine a light on the countless contributions of the Hernando de Soto Historical Society and the many ways our community can support the group in turn.

Originally formed in honor of Hernando de Soto's landing in (what is now) Manatee County in 1539 and his lengthy exploration of the southeastern United States on behalf of the Spanish crown, the Historical Society puts on some of the best events in our destination to celebrate the rich Spanish heritage of our area. These events draw more than 280,000 attendees from across the country and Spain (including delegates from Bradenton's Sister City of Barcarrota) each year.

These events are made possible only through the efforts of the roughly 225 members and the thousands of committed volunteers who work thousands of hours to put on the celebrations for the residents and visitors in our great area.

But this dedicated group is not just interested in putting on a good show.

Since 2000, the Society has donated more than $750,000 to local charities including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County, Lighthouse of Manatee, Manasota Operation Troop Support, and many more.

In addition to the 12 annual events, including the De Soto Seafood Festival and the Grand Parade, the De Soto Historical Society is dedicated to giv

ing back. It provides college scholarships to students in the county, supports the Conquistador Historical Foundation (which distributes to other community charities, provides educational programs including a student exchange program with Barcarrota, Spain, funds scholarships and maintains a museum in downtown Bradenton), and provides public education on Florida's Spanish heritage through Crewe visits to local schools and retirement homes.

So, next time you see a Crewe member dressed in authentic 16th-century Spanish attire wielding a corsair sword, thank them for all they do, not only to foster and facilitate an appreciation of the Bradenton area's Spanish-American heritage, but also for being such important supporters of our community as a whole.

For a full listing of all events and activities supported by this great organization, visit http://www.desotohq.com/de-soto-events/ .

Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, can be reached at Elliott.Falcione@BACVB.com or 941-729-9177, ext. 222.

This story was originally published May 8, 2016 at 11:00 PM with the headline "Focus on Manatee: De Soto Historical Society gives back to Bradenton area ."