History

Dedication ceremony set to honor Northwest Florida pioneer Augustus ‘Gus’ Tart

The Okaloosa NAACP will host the Aug. 22 event at the Air Force Armament Museum, with historical presentations and remarks from local leaders.

Jared Williams

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The Okaloosa NAACP will host a dedication ceremony on Aug. 22 to honor Augustus “Gus” Tart, a formerly enslaved man and early pioneer of Northwest Florida.

The ceremony will take place at 1 p.m. at the Air Force Armament Museum at 100 Museum Drive on Eglin Air Force Base. A musical prelude will begin at 12:30 p.m.

The Okaloosa NAACP is partnering with the Town of Shalimar, the Shalimar Library, the Okaloosa County America 250 Commission, local leaders and various community organizations to put on the event.

The ceremony will feature historical presentations sharing Tart’s story as told by representatives of the Brooks family, the Shalimar Library and the NAACP Special Research Committee.

“Honoring Augustus ‘Gus’ Tart is not just about remembering one man, but about recognizing the enduring spirit and contributions of all those who paved the way for our community,” said Sabu Williams, president of the NAACP Okaloosa County Branch. “This dedication is a testament to our shared history and a beacon for future generations.”

Okaloosa NAACP seeks historical marker for Gus Tart, a man born into slavery whose 135 acres shaped the Town of Shalimar

Guests scheduled to offer remarks include:

Okaloosa County Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel
Graham Fountain, Congressional Liaison and Advisor to U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis
Shannon Hayes, Vice President of the Carver Hill Museum and a Crestview City Councilman
Shalimar Mayor Mark Franks

Franks will also lead a special presentation further commemorating Tart’s legacy, with Williams delivering the closing remarks.

The event is open to the public.

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