An Exciting Collaboration!
Curating Hastings' History
Hastings Main Street is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Hastings, Florida, with the generous support of the Smithsonian and Florida Humanities.
Join us for an immersive year-long journey through curating Hastings' past, featuring firsthand accounts from the people who lived it. Share your stories, and photos! - from its founding days to the present. Let's discover the enduring history of Hastings together.
Story-Gathering
Community Workshops & Activities
A year-long community collaboration will highlight Hastings’ local history and culture through the lens of farming, food production, local food stories and traditions.
While working on the exhibition project from 2024-2025, Hastings will receive guidance from the Smithsonian on designing and developing a compelling exhibition that highlights Hastings' local history and culture through the lens of food.
The result will be an exciting free public exhibit in early 2026 with loads of interactive activities, workshops, guest speakers, public events and more!
For more information contact:
Our Connection to a Legend
In support of Hastings' collaboration with the Smithsonian and Florida Humanities, original Florida Highwaymen R.L. Lewis, featured in this video clip, is contributing his artistic legacy by painting a rural Hastings farm scene reminiscent of our town's very
early days.
The final painting will be the main image connected to the upcoming 2026 Hastings History Exhibit focusing on Hastings' history through the lens of farming and food
The original artwork will also be incorporated into a colorful mural during the Fall Festival of Art - intertwined with the vibrant and creative art of muralist Brook Page.
We are incredibly grateful to Mr. Lewis for his generous
support!
R.L. Lewis , Artist, The Florida Highwaymen
Coming Soon!
Welcome to "What's Cookin'?" an upcoming video series that takes you on a delicious journey through Hastings, Florida. Hosted by Hastings residents, Erin and Kelly, this 10-episode series is your backstage pass to the best of Hastings' home-cooked meals, festival foods, and restaurant specialties.
Each episode invites you to join Erin and Kelly as they visit local families, celebrated chefs, and beloved festivals. From farm-to-table feasts to secret family recipes, every dish tells a story—stories of tradition, inspiration, and the rich culinary heritage of Hastings. "What's Cookin" showcases the flavors that make our community unique.
Our commitment to quality programming...
This exhibition is created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum on Main Street program.
Funding for this program was provided through a grant from Florida Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities