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
Photo of the original Beach Club in Amelia Island Plantation
AIP History Display Reception
June 7 | Amelia Island Club
The AIP 50th anniversary history display will be at the Amelia Island Club for two days in June.
In conjunction, the Club will host a cocktail mixer for the community with hors d’oeuvres and cash bar from 5:30-6:30 pm Friday, June 7, at the Ocean Clubhouse, 5 Ocean Club Dr. Reservation information coming soon!
Upcoming Anniversary Events
Check back for updates as we add more information (including on reservations / tickets) and as new events are scheduled.
May 2-31 | AIP History Display, Story & Song Center for Arts & Culture
Story & Song, 1430 Park Ave., Fernandina Beach hosts the AIP 50th anniversary display. The display generally may be viewed in the second floor art gallery (elevator access available) at Story & Song, 1430 Park Ave., Fernandina Beach, from 10 am to 5 pm Monday-Saturday and 11 am to 3 pm Sunday. However, there may be times when the gallery is in use for a special event.
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 3:30 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.
Call (904) 601-2118 or visit the events calendar at https://storyandsongarts.org for more information.
June 11-26 | AIP History Display, The Book Loft
The Book Loft, 214 Centre St. in downtown Fernandina Beach, hosts the traveling history display for two weeks in June.
June 18-23 | Explore Amelia Nature Festival
The 50th anniversary celebration of Amelia Island Plantation’s amazing natural environment and the wildlife which live here will take place around the community from June 18-23. Highlights include:
- Tuesday June 18 | Thoughtful Tuesday | Local beekeeper Pete Smith, “The Hive Pirate”
- Friday June 21 | “Let’s Get Wild” party | Walker’s Landing
- Saturday & Sunday June 22 & 23 | Nature tours, Pollinator Pathway celebration
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 day in 1974 marked the grand opening of Amelia Island Plantation.
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.
November 9 | AIP Golden Jubilee
We will wrap up AIP’s 50th anniversary celebrations with a day of events focused on enjoying this 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.
The 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!