Living Museum brings 467 years of Pensacola history to life at Foo Foo Festival

Pensacola's past will take center stage next week when Fiesta Pensacola presents its Living Museum experience as part of the Foo Foo Festival. The immersive event Thursday, Nov. 5, at the Pensacola Museum of History will feature costumed interpreters portraying key figures spanning from Don Tristán de Luna's 1559 arrival through the American Revolution and beyond.

Visitors will encounter historical personalities including Andrew and Rachel Jackson, Spanish settlers, local icons, and aviation pioneer Jacqueline Cochran. The experience also includes stops at a recreation of Trader Jon's bar and exhibits focused on the American Revolution era, with actors like Benedict Arnold and Spanish General Bernardo de Gálvez bringing those stories to life through first-person storytelling and interactive performances.

Bridget Middleton, executive director of Fiesta Pensacola, said the Living Museum fulfills the organization's mission to celebrate the city's heritage while building community pride. "We're excited to allow visitors to step into Pensacola's remarkable history and experience these stories in a way that is both educational and entertaining," she said.

The event runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the museum, located at 330 S. Jefferson St. in downtown Pensacola. An outdoor pre-reception with appetizers, refreshments and live music begins at 5:30 p.m., with the museum experience starting at 6 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-12, and free for younger children. Advance tickets are available online through the Foo Foo Festival website.