A Message from the Society President
Welcome Friends,
Our Society has begun its 72nd year as a not-for-profit, community service organization that honors the historical significance of Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto’s landing near the mouth of the Manatee River in May of 1539. The organization was formed in 1939, one year after the U.S. Government appointed Swanton Commission, determined that Shaw’s Point, at the mouth of the Manatee River, was the most likely spot for the Spanish explorer to have come ashore in Florida. The Hernando De Soto Historical Society brings together a remarkable collection of over 220 committed volunteers representing a diverse cross-section of the community. This energetic group, affectionately known as Conquistadors, spends much of their time fulfilling our organization’s mission of unifying all residents of Manatee County and the surrounding area in our common historical identity. More than 20 committees compile hundreds of hours toward planning and producing events, many of which have received regional and national recognition.
By hosting the De Soto Fishing Tournament, the Seafood Festival, a Children’s Parade, an Easter egg hunt, a Easter Sunrise service, the Bottle Boat Regatta, the Queen’s Court Musical and Fashion show, the spectacular De Soto Ball and the Grand Parade our members are some of the busiest volunteers in Manatee County. Collectively the Society’s De Soto Heritage Festival and the De Soto Fishing Tournament draw thousands of spectators and visitors from around the world. The Grand Parade, which concludes the Festival’s run, draws over 250,000 spectators alone!. It is because of these efforts that we are able to give back to our great community tens of thousands of dollars each year. Just a few of the many local charities we are proud to support include the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County, PACE Center for Girls, Lighthouse of Manatee, Adopt-a-Family, and Manatee Children’s Services.
The Crewe of De Soto is the most widely recognized arm of the Society – children and adults alike delight in seeing Hernando de Soto, his Crewe, and the San Cristobal sail down the street on its way to make one of the many public appearances. Locally the Crewe visits local schools, hospitals, and retirement homes educating audiences about the importance of our community’s heritage. Eventually they become ambassadors as they promote Manatee County at festivals around the country and as far away as Spain. The Conquistador Foundation is also involved in hosting and educating exchange students from afar.
While we continue to become Manatee County’s premier not-for-profit organization we understand that none of this would be possible without the financial support of our partners. On behalf of our organization, I would like to thank our general sponsors: Americom, Anna Maria Oyster Bar, Autoway Ford of Bradenton, Bay News 9, The Bradenton Herald, Bright House Networks, Budweiser, Florida’s Gulf Islands, Manatee Memorial Hospital, and MAPFRE Insurance. Their generous donations are a clear indication of their commitment to our community. I ask you to please patronize them, and all our members’ businesses that you see listed on this website as they are truly the heartbeat behind this great organization.
Finally, I wish to extend a heartfelt Thank You to You. As it is because of you, that have embraced us over the last 72 years, as we all work towards the enhancement of this community
Yours in service, OLE!
Gus Sokos
President, Hernando de Soto Historical Society, 2010-2011
 Hernando DeSoto
The 225 members of the Hernando De Soto Historical Society are collectively called “Conquistadors.” Each year Society members elect a modern-day Hernando de Soto and about 30 other members who serve as his Crewe. A queen and princess are also elected. The Crewe is the most visible arm of the Hernando de Soto Historical Society along with the one member per year who gets to don the helmet and dress of Hernando de Soto (affectionately called “The Hem”). This year it is CURT MAHONEY.
While the Crewe of Hernando de Soto are elected by the general membership, each year’s Hem appoints the Crewe Captain,Then the Captain and the Hem appoint two Lieutenants and the Crewe is ready for action.
Throughout the year, De Soto and his Crewe make over 100 appearances throughout Manatee County and across America representing our community. They introduce Manatee County as an area rich in cultural, historical, agricultural, and environmental diversity to thousands of people each year. They travel to 10 to 12 parades a year, including the Mardi Gras in Mobile, Alabama, Springtime Tallahassee, and the St. Paul Winter Carnival.
The Crewe’s main fundraising event is a fall Golf Tournament, which usually earns over $3,500 for charity. The money goes to charities like
- Manasota Lighthouse of the Blind
- Adopt-a- Family
- Toys for Tots
- and individual educational scholarships.
In keeping with the mission of the Society to educate and remind others of our Spanish heritage, Hernando de Soto and his Crewe also visit senior citizens, civic organizations, churches and local businesses to talk about various cultural and ethnic aspects of our heritage. Perhaps the most important educational tools the Society offers are the visits to the local schools. Dressed in authentic lath century Spanish affire. complete with chromeplated Morion helmets and plumes, full-width leather belts and corsair swords in scabbards at their sides, history lessons come to life when Hernando de Soto and his Crewe speak with our youth about the importance of our heritage.
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