City of St. Augustine’s New Poet Laureate
DR. ANN BROWNING MASTERS
a 12th generation Floridian, is an acclaimed author and poet whose work on Menorcans and Floridanos is featured in the Florida State Historical Archives. Her book, “Floridanos, Menorcans, Cattle-Whip Crackers: Poetry of St. Augustine”, was published by the Florida Historical Society Press, and she is writing a 2nd book, “Menorcans: A Long View.” Knighted by the St. Augustine Easter Festival in 2015 and named Poet Laureate of the Menorcan Cultural Society in 2023, she is dedicated to promoting St. Augustine’s heritage.
Who are the Menorcans?
In 1768, over 1400 people left the Mediterranean and set sail for British East Florida. Among this group were Menorcan, Greek, Italian, Corsican, and French peoples. This was the largest single group of European settlers to immigrate as a single group to the New World. The courageous efforts of the group to tame the wilderness and settle a portion of Northeast Florida represents a major contribution to early American history.
The Menorcans spent the first nine years toiling under harsh conditions and endured even harsher treatment. Their numbers were decimated by disease and starvation. In the fall of 1777, the remaining members, now less than 700 souls, walked to St. Augustine. They petitioned the British governor, Patrick Tonyn, and he granted them a space in the northwest section of the old walled city.
A second Spanish occupation and the eventual acquisition of Florida by the young United States changed the flags that flew over the city. Since coming to the city, the Menorcan colonists and their descendants have been an integral part of St. Augustine and St. Johns County for more than two centuries.
Preserving and promoting Menorcan heritage through events and membership.
The Menorcan Cultural Society was founded in the 1980s to preserve and promote the heritage and culture of the Menorcans who left their Mediterranean homeland to make a new life in the New World. We are the only Menorcan society in the United States, and we enjoy a worldwide membership.

San Juan Festival, Ciutadella, Menorca 06/23/14 photo by J. Masters
Join The Society
The Menorcan Cultural Society welcomes anyone who is of Menorcan ancestry or is interested in supporting Menorcan culture and history. We are involved in a number of activities throughout the year which are listed on the Events page. If you are interested in membership, please print out the form, fill it out and mail it to The Menorcan Cultural Society, P.O. Box 3565 St. Augustine, FL 32085