The Official Fort King Heritage Foundation Web Page is: http://ftking.org/
The Mission of the Fort King Heritage Foundation, Inc is to serve as a citizen group to assist Local, State, and Federal Governments in the "Preservation, Protection, and Promotion" of the Fort King Site located in Ocala, Marion County, Florida.
Preservation. The Fort King site presently consists of 37 acres. The site has been preserved over the past 85 years by friendly acquisition of private properties by public domain agencies. A strategic goal of the FKHF is to assist agencies in the continued acquisition of properties bordering and in the immediate vicinity of the Fork King site that are considered important to its integrity.
Protection of the site is needed to minimize adverse trespass, malicious disturbance and environmental exploitation. A strategic goal of the FKHF is to assist agencies in the citizen patrolling of the site to discourage such adverse activities. Part of this goal is to provide for the purchase and installation of property line fences, gates and access points.
Promotion of the Fort King site began with dedication of the Daughter’s of the American Revolution burial site in 1927. A State Historical Marker was erected in the right-of-way of Fort King Street adjacent to the site in the mid-20th century. In 2004, the site was designated by the US Congress as a National Historic Landmark. In 2008, the City of Ocala installed the National Historic Landmark plaque within the site adjacent to the archeological established location of the Fort.
The Strategic Goals will include the following tasks:
1. Historical Preservation and Research – Develop a repository of historical information
and reference research along with identifying future research projects or studies to
validate significant historical events or discoveries made during development of the Site.
Develop training materials, talking points and educational materials that can be used in
programs and presentations to insure the history and details are presented in a
consistent, accurate and effective manner.
2. Funding - Recruit and develop public and private funding sources for development and
sustainment of the Site. An annual budget will be developed to be supplemented with a
Three Year Program/ Financial Plan to provide for long-term projections on needs and
funding.
3. Land Acquisition - Establish a Land Acquisition Fund to accumulate donations for future
site expansions. Title of land would be vested with our local Agencies.
4. Public Outreach – Develop a Promotion Plan and timetable to coincide with the opening
and availability of public access to the Site. Conduct workshops and presentations to
civic organizations, schools, etc. on the history, planned development, and public use of
the site. Coordinate with other historical societies and organizations to promote the site
through scheduled State-wide events.
5. Improvements – Contract and provide over sight in partnership with local Agencies for :
a. Archaeological studies and investigations.
b. Engineering studies and designs (plans and specifications).
c. Construction Projects (fences, driveways, parking lots, structures, trails, etc.)
d. Informational pamphlets, brochures, reports, etc.
6. Operation and Maintenance -
a. Establish a Development Plan for Staffing a compensated and volunteer work
force for:
i. Yard and Ground Maintenance
ii. Construction of Facilities
iii. Maintenance of Structures
iv. Docents (Daily Staffing & Special Events)
v. Security (Site patrolling to assist law enforcement)
b. Provide contract services for code requirements (electrical, plumbing, etc.)
c. Maintain appropriate insurance coverage as needed.
7. Reporting -
a. Make annual end-of-year reports to the Agencies.
b. Prepare and maintain all 501 (c) 3 reports and requirements.
8. Long Range Planning – Establish a Long Range Planning Committee in partnership with
our local Agencies to allow for projections, planning and the focus needed for the long
term development, sustainment and the synchronization to implement future phases,
components, archeological work, etc that can be properly funded and included in the
Promotion Plan, Fiscal Plan, and Staffing Plan.
The Fort King Heritage Foundation, Inc is a Non Profit Corporation formed on 4/13/2011. The City and County own the land and the Fort King Heritage Foundation, Inc. will develop the site with public and private donations for all to enjoy. We have presented and received a signed Memorandum of Understanding with the Marion County Commissioners and the City Council outlining everyone's goals, roles, and responsibilities.
We are planning on presenting our future plans to the Marion County Commisioners and City Council for their approval in this summer.
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The Fort King Heritage Foundation Board of Directors meets on the second Thursday of each month at 2:00 p.m. Location subject to change. The public is welcome to attend board meetings.
We have rebuilt the Fort walls!!
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Webmaster: Robin Corsiglia 352-236-2635 steameng1@cox.net