Flagler’s Footsteps: A walk-through experience of tourism history in St. Augustine

Henry Flagler monologue in yellow room
December 13, 2024
By Anna Boone
In a departure from traditional capstone projects, two honors students from Flagler’s Hospitality & Tourism Management (HTM) program set a new precedent for collaborative academic endeavors at the College.

Seniors Skylar Newsham and Harleigh Peck’s joint capstone project, "Flagler’s Footsteps," transformed the College's historic Markland House into an immersive theatre experience brought to life by the character of "Henry Flagler." More than just fulfilling an academic requirement, this capstone showcased their passion for event planning and their deep appreciation for St. Augustine's rich history as a hub for Florida’s hospitality and tourism industry. 

Skylar Newsham & Harleigh Peck posing in front of Markland House

Skylar Newsham (left) & Harleigh Peck (right) 

“Most people write a paper for their capstone,” Newsham said. “We’d much rather plan an event and thought it would be pretty cool if we could do something collaboratively, which has never been done for capstones before.” 

Initially, the duo toyed with the idea of aiding in the wedding-planning process for a local bride or planning a dinner for college donors.  

“It wasn’t until we met with Dr. Rivera that we decided to do something bigger and more impactful,” Peck said. 

Dave Rivera, Flagler’s Freytag Professor of Hospitality & Tourism, acted as the pair’s advisor throughout the capstone project with his event-focused expertise proving especially useful.  

Peck & Newsham conversing with guests on porch

Professor Rivera among attendees as the duo thanked guests

“He knows how much effort and work is put into an event of this scale,” Peck said.  “It was a perfect pairing to support and create a successful event.” 

The event aimed to bring "Henry Flagler’s St. Augustine" to life through an immersive script performed by the character of Henry Flagler, seamlessly weaving in the history of the city's hospitality and tourism industry. To make their vision a reality, Peck and Newsham enlisted the help of peer volunteers from the Performing Arts and HTM programs.

Peck explained that they began by researching the history of St. Augustine, which naturally led to understanding the evolution of Florida's hospitality and tourism industry. They traced the city's origins, Henry Flagler's construction of the Hotel Ponce de Leon, and the creation of the FEC railway to bring guests to town. This progression highlighted how St. Augustine grew into a thriving city, seamlessly connecting the dots to tell their story. 

Colonial-era characters pass drink in Markland's front room

Colonial-era characters passing first cocktail 

“We were like, ‘Okay, we learn about accommodations in HTM, we learn about transportation- the airlines and trains. We learn about food and beverages.’” Peck said. “So, we checked everything we learned off the list and then we looked to the history. It took, I think, our research to find that natural flow.” 

They sought guidance from Leah Page and participating theater students, presenting their script with an open mind and encouraging feedback to ensure the characters were well-developed and the experience was successful. 

Henry Flagler's character sitting at dining room table while delivering monologue to guests

"Henry Flagler" delivering monologue

“We also didn’t want it to be just spitting facts out to our guests,” Newsham said. “So, we made it a story. And with additional characters in each room, we made that story come to life.” 

For example, in Markland’s dining room, guests and Henry Flagler were joined by World War II soldiers to mark the era of the hotel's history when it was used as a military base.  

"WWII soldiers" passings food in dining room

WWII soldiers serving guests

This one-night experience led seven small groups of guests through each room on the first floor of Markland to tell different parts of this story. The logistics were complex, with seven slots running from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., but they impressively stayed on time for every single tour slot. 

“During the beginning, though, it was definitely a little stressful,” Newsham said.   

Peck greeted guests on the porch of Markland, while Newsham worked in the kitchen, ensuring the cocktails were replenished quickly to keep up with the changing groups.  While Newsham found it challenging to prepare the right number of cocktails for each group on the night of the event, she said crafting the food and beverage pairings was a highlight of the experience.  

Character serves cocktails to guests in Pink Room

"FEC Railroad train attendant" serves cocktails

“That was the fun part,” Newsham said, thinking back to the initial brainstorming meeting she and Peck held with Professor Zac Cole and the owner of Blackfly, Nick Masse, more than a year ago. 

Alongside Masse and Professor Cole, whose HTM expertise lies within the beverage industry, Newsham and Peck selected food and beverage pairings that matched the historical periods covered in each space. 

Bar with drinks and appetizers on Markland front porch

Drinks & appetizers for arriving guests

“Again, using those experts and trusting they’re more knowledgeable on what drinks are best to serve,” Peck said.   

Reflecting on their journey, both students emphasized the importance of collaboration. Together, they crafted food and beverage pairings, ensured the theatre students were prepared, managed space logistics, and communicated with guests throughout the project's execution. 

“I mean, this is cliche, but teamwork really does make the dream work,” Newsham said. “We relied on each other, and we held each other accountable. We had two sets of eyes on everything, which was beneficial in making the whole event happen.” 

They said the most rewarding part of the experience was seeing their vision come to life. 

Guests, Peck on front porch of Markland- wide shot

Guests & Peck on front porch of Markland House

“It truly was surreal just sitting on the porch, watching guests walk up and checking them in, knowing that this is almost a year's worth, probably over a year's worth of planning,” Peck said. “To see it all be executed and people actually enjoy the event was the most rewarding feeling ever.” 

Through this experience, the duo expanded their HTM curriculum by applying their learned skills, relying on expert support, and tackling real-time challenges.  

“I feel like we learned way more through the planning and execution of the project in literally every aspect,” Peck said. “That was our intention, ‘Let’s practice and actually follow through with what we’ve been learning in the classroom.’” 

"Henry" and HTM students bidding farewell to guests

"Mr. Flagler" & HTM student-servers bid guests' farewell 

As they prepare to graduate, Newsham and Peck both feel fully prepared for their future careers in the events industry, thanks to the comprehensive learning experience provided by their capstone project. 

“I truly feel like this project finished the learning experience of HTM; I feel fully prepared for what the events industry is going to bring,” Peck said.   

Their innovative capstone project not only set a new standard for future students but also showcased the power of collaboration, creativity, and community engagement.