George Fairbanks: his life and times

Discover the man behind Fernandina’s Fairbanks House, with Phil Eschbach, photographer, writer and storyteller from Winter Park, Florida.

Step into history at the Amelia Island Museum of History with Phil Eschbach as he brings to life the remarkable story of George R. Fairbanks. Explore the journey of this historian, lawyer, politician and founder of the Florida Historical Society, whose writings, leadership in the Episcopal Church, and lasting influence helped shape the story of Florida.

• Date: Wednesday, September 3
• Time:  Noon
• Location: Amelia Island Museum of History, 233 S. 3rd Street, Fernandina Beach
• Cost: Free, and attendees may bring their lunch!

No reservations required. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. This program is wheelchair accessible.

To learn more, contact Isabelle at Isabelle@AmeliaMuseum.org or call 904-261-7378, ext. 102

About the Speaker

Phil Eschbach, a 9th-generation Floridian and longtime Winter Park resident, is a retired commercial photographer and historian. He spent decades photographing architecture and travel subjects while also serving his community on civic and preservation boards. He produced the photography for "Spires in the Sun" (2023), a Tebeau Award–winning book on Florida’s last Carpenter Gothic Episcopal churches, and has also published travel photography books on Egypt and Jordan. His recent work explores the history of his ancestors, the British Loyalist Williams family, and their role in Florida’s development from the British Period through the Territorial Period to statehood. Eschbach frequently lectures on early Florida history and contributes articles to historical journals.