The popular series Discover First America returns beginning December 7, shorter than the 2010-11 series, reviving three and introducing two new programs.

   "We have lead organizations sponsoring each," 450 Program Director Dana Ste. Claire says. "We (the city) have a little bit of money, but are relying on community organizations to make this a bigger success."

   A new Discover First America passport will be issued to get stamped at each program in the free series. Programs begin at 7 pm at Flagler College Auditorium, with the doors opening at 6 pm.

   The five programs include:

Dec. 7, Pirates Attack St. Augustine!

Jan. 10, First Colony

Jan. 25, The Madness of King George

Feb. 7, St. Augustine Tapestry

Feb. 16, To Arms! Four & a Half Centuries of Military History in St. Augustine

History's highlight   

3 years, 9 months, 10 days to St. Augustine's 450th anniversary 

     October 2, 1672. An enormous pile of rough and smoothed stone stands near the site. More than 7,000 bushels of lime drawn from kiln-fired oyster shells fill two storehouses. Governor Cendoya strides to the gaping foundation trench and drives a spade into the packed earth. Building begins.

   From 13-foot thick foundations, the walls begin to rise. The coquina supply proves ample. Between now and later additions reaching into the next century, it is estimated that 170,000 cubic yards of coquina go into the castillo, enough to fill a football field to a height of 78 feet - nearly eight stories high.

   Agonies will beset the builders every step of the way. Workers are hard to replace; food and funds are slow in coming; in 1683 pirates will attack - tools and equipment, hidden in the woods, will be saved. In the 23 years of construction, six governors will oversee the work.

   May 3, 1675. Newly appointed Governor Pablo de Hita Salazar gazes on the emerging citadel for the first time:

   "Although I have seen many castillos of consequence and reputation in the form of its plan, this one is not surpassed by any of those of greater character."

   December 31, 1677. There is still no west wall. Reports of England reinforcing its colonies to the north, and pirate attacks in the region, help keep a sense of urgency alive. Hita orders a wood stockade on the west side, and the other walls brought to height. At last, the castillo is a defense.

   As funds are used up, the troop payroll is diverted; then townspeople advance what little they have. Finally, all is exhausted. Work ceases.

   August 29, 1679. Hita's persistence finally brings another 5,000 pesos from Havana. After a 20-month stoppage, work begins anew. The massive, earth-filled bastions slowly near completion.

   March 30, 1683. An attack by English corsairs is thwarted, but the incident sparks new zeal in the project. By mid-year two years back pay, food and munitions arrive. From the bastions 27 guns bristle, from a 2-pounder to a massive 40-pounder.

   International politics and new delays in supplies - by both disinterested officials and ship-wrecking storms - drag out the work. The outer defense is the last major project. The 40-foot-wide moat must be dug to an 8-foot depth. It is another decade before another new governor, Laureano de Torres, takes credit for completing the castillo.