Amelia Island Plantation celebrating 50th anniversary in 2024
On a site once destined to be a strip mine, a visionary landscape architect and an innovative developer had a vision 50 years ago for a new kind of community. Ever since, Amelia Island Plantation has remained the standard for a community in harmony with nature.
AIPCA is planning a yearlong celebration in 2024 of all that is special about this place and the people — past and present — who have shaped its history. We are excited to celebrate our 50th anniversary and we’re planning a meaningful and lasting tribute to our community’s history as we look toward the future.
Get ready for a year filled with celebratory activities, events, and programs that will encompass the whole AIP community, including the Amelia Island Club, Omni Amelia Island Resort, Osprey Village, Amelia Plantation Chapel, and the Plantation Artists’ Guild & Gallery.
Visit the 50th Anniversary Gallery
Click to see photos from our anniversary events
Focus on 50: Charles Fraser
Tuesday May 7 | 4:30 pm | Walker’s Landing
Our next Focus on 50 spotlights the man who developed Amelia Island Plantation — Charles Fraser. Learn about the early days of his development career and the beginnings of Amelia Island Plantation from two men who knew him well: former Amelia Island Company President and CEO Jack Healan and former Sea Pines Company General Counsel and longtime Fraser advisor Chuck Scarminach. The two will share great stories about this legendary developer who first envisioned AIP.
The doors at Walker’s Landing will open at 4:30 pm for a mix and mingle. Enjoy complimentary light bites prepared by Beyond Horizons using recipes from our 50th anniversary commemorative cookbook, “Under the Live Oaks,” which will be available for purchase for $20 by cash or check made out to AIPCA. Wine and beer will also available for purchase (cash or credit) during the mix and mingle.
The presentation will start promptly at 5:15 pm.
Seating at Walker’s Landing is limited, and reservations are required through Eventbrite. Link is available in the calendar on the Member Dashboard at aipca.net.
Focus on 50 is sponsored by
Upcoming Anniversary Events
Check back for updates as we add more information (including on reservations / tickets) and as new events are scheduled.
March 6-April 26 | AIP History Display, Nassau County Council on Aging
Guess who is also celebrating a 50th Anniversary in 2024? The Nassau County Council on Aging! This local non-profit will host our 50th anniversary display, “The First 50 Years: A Photo Journal,” at its Senior Life Center in Fernandina Beach.
The exhibit may be viewed 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday, at the Janice Ancrum Senior Life Center, 1901 Island Walk Way. For additional information about viewing the display, contact NCCOA at (904) 261-0701.
May 2-31 | AIP History Display, Story & Song Center for Arts & Culture
Story & Song, 1430 Park Ave., Fernandina Beach hosts our 50th anniversary display.
As part of the display’s stay at Story & Song, Dr. Taylor Clem from UF/IFAS Extension Nassau County will present “Design with Nature: The Story of Amelia Island Plantation,” at 4 pm Friday, May 17. Clem will explore AIP’s place in the enduring legacy of Ian McHarg, one of the world’s most influential landscape architects of the 20th century and the man who designed AIP.
For more information, call Story & Song at (904) 601-2118.
June 21-23 | Explore AIP Nature Festival
Stay tuned for more information on this special weekend celebrating AIP’s amazing natural environment.
Plans include a nature expo at The Oaks, tours and excursions exploring AIP’s wildlife and environment, dedication of the Amelia Plantation Foundation’s Pollinator Pathway along A1A, and more!
June 30-July 7 | AIP History Display, The Oaks
Our wonderful community center gets another turn at hosting this fascinating display of AIP’s history.
July 4, 10 am | Independence Day at AIP
This was the event in 1974 that marked the grand opening of our community.
AIPCA will celebrate with our annual parade in the morning followed by activities at The Oaks, while both the Omni Amelia Island Resort and Amelia Island Club will host fireworks displays in the evening.
October 4, 4 pm | AIP History Display & Reception, Amelia Island Club
The Amelia Island Club hosts a reception as our traveling history display arrives at the Ocean Clubhouse.
Information to come on admission cost and reservations.
October 7-November 30 | AIP History Display, Amelia Island Museum of History
Our island’s history museum will be — appropriately — the final stop for our traveling history display.
November 9 | AIP Golden Jubilee
We will wrap up our 50th anniversary celebrations with a day of events focused on enjoying our fabulous community.
We’ll start the day with a scavenger hunt around the property. Visit familiar landmarks and maybe discover a new favorite spot. Ticket information to come.
Our final event will be on the grounds of the Little Sandy short course from 3-6:30 pm. This will be a BYOB community picnic with live music, and a spectacular drone show over Red Maple Lake!