Membership Form

Thank you for your interest in membership....

Our annual membership drive will begin in August. If you are interested in joining, please complete the short form and our Membership Committee volunteers will reach out to you.

Would you like to be added to the wait list?

YesNo thank you

Thank you for considering membership in our organization. You have been directed here because one of our valued members believes you will make a great member.

The Hernando De Soto Historical Society, Inc., is a 501(c)(4), not-for-profit, community organization of 125 Conquistadors (volunteer members) who celebrate the historical significance of Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto’s landing near the mouth of the Manatee River in May of 1539.

Since 1939, our membership includes many civic, governmental, and business leaders that serve in a variety of community-oriented roles. Our organization produces some of the largest entertainment events in Manatee County including the De Soto Ball, and the largest nighttime parade in the Southeastern United States, the De Soto Grand Parade.

Our fundraising efforts financially support our sister organization, the Conquistador Historical Foundation, which annually donates to community charities, provides educational programs, sponsors a student exchange program with Barcarrota, Spain, Bradenton’s Sister City, and funds scholarships to local students.

Our modern-day Hernando de Soto and his Crewe of Conquistadors are highly popular and regularly draw large crowds whether they are visiting local schools, retirement homes, or capture local businesses.

Over the years, we have supported hundreds of local charities including: Adopt-A-Family, American Cancer Society, Beds for Kids, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Blue Knights, Bradenton Blue Foundation, Community Haven, Dive Into Reading, Early Learning Coalition, Emergency Services Memorial, Feeding Empty Little Tummies, Keep Manatee Beautiful, Kids Against Hunger, Manatee ARC, Miracle League of Manasota, PACE Center for Girls, Special Olympics of Florida, The Vision Foundation, Wreaths Across America, Lighthouse for the Blind, Manasota Operation Troop Support.

We hope you will join us in continuing our tradition.

Respectfully,

John Delesline
941-741-0007
Membership committee Chair

Ready to Join?

YesNot at this time, but keep me in mind for the futureNot yet

Here's What's Next....

The application for membership must be completed in its entirety and the "Applicant Requirements for Membership" section must be signed followed by your payment.
For additional information or should you have any questions please contact the Membership committee chair.

Timeline Schedule

The following are important dates to consider so that you learn about our organization and we in turn about you.
Further down, you will find a complete membership calendar of events and a public calendar.

Applicant Social
Thursday, January 9, 2025
Anna Maria Oyster Bar UTC
5405 University Pkwy, Bradenton

Interviews Individual base
January 15, 2025, 5:00 – 8:00 pm
January 16, 2025, 5:00 – 8:00 pm

Training Session # 1
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 5:30 – 7:00 pm
De Soto Headquarters
605 17th Avenue West, Bradenton

Training Session # 2
Saturday, April 5, 2025, 10:00 - noon
De Soto National Memorial
8300 Desoto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton

General Membership Meeting
June 24, 2025, TBD

Membership Awards
June 26, 2025, TBD

Please feel free to download the complete Calendar of Events

Applicant Initiation Fees and Dues....

The Membership Initiation fees and dues are $500.00 and include a Background check, Official name badge, Official Society red camp shirt, Official Society red polo (work) shirt, Official Society red satin shirt, Gold Satin Cummerbund, De Soto Crest Bolo Tie, Official Society Red Jacket, Applicant dues paid through June 30, One entry to the Queen Selection Program, One entry to the Dignitary Reception, Two entries to the After Parade Party.

After the interview process, should you be declined to proceed as an Applicant, your initiation fees and dues will be refunded less a $50.00 processing charge. Your completed “Application for Membership” and “Applicant Requirements for Membership” forms MUST be accompanied by a check or paid online. Please make check payable to: HDHS. For additional information or should you have any questions please contact the Membership Committee chair.

Well, we hope that you will keep us in mind in the future.

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I certify that the above information is true and correct. I understand that a criminal background check will be performed, and I hereby authorize the Hernando de Soto Historical Society, Inc., to make any inquires necessary to evaluate my application.

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Requirements for Membership....

The process of becoming a Society member begins with your desire and passion to volunteer for the benefit of this community. We start the process by conducting a criminal background check. You will then be requested to attend a personal interview process. Because of membership limits, only a selected number is accepted every year.

Although we are not requiring mandatory volunteer hours at this time, you will be contacted to assist in as many events that your time allows. The De Soto Ball, and the De Soto Grand Parade require many hours and any help would be greatly appreciated.

Knowledge of the organization’s history and Hernando de Soto’s historic landing is extremely important, therefore, before you are approved by the Board of Directors, to become an Active Member, you must complete the HDHS history questionnaire and attend the presentation at the De Soto National Memorial, 8300 Desoto Memorial Highway, Bradenton, FL 34209.

I hereby apply for membership in the Hernando De Soto Historical Society, Inc., and I agree to adhere to the Society’s Bylaws, policies and Code of Conduct both as an applicants and a member when approved by the Board of Directors. I also understand that during my applicant status, I will be held accountable to fulfill the requirements listed above.

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You are AWESOME. Thank You!

Keep Us In Mind!

Applicant Dues*

Applicant DuesIncludes: Background check, Society work shirt, Official Satins, Name Badge, Event tickets to eligible events, and Dues paid to 6/30/2025.

$500.00

Total

$0.00

Payment Information

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Membership Application