Field Manor, a 19th-century homestead on Merritt Island, held its 11th Annual Founders’ Day Fundraiser on April 4, 2026. The event commemorated the Field family’s arrival on the Indian River Lagoon in 1868 and raised money for the Field Manor Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Florida’s pioneer history. Steve Wilson and Lisa Nicholas broadcasted parts of the event on Space Coast Daily TV. A large crowd attended, participating in house tours and enjoying performances by the Hot Pink band. The fundraiser is a key source of income for the foundation’s preservation work. Field Manor’s historic buildings and grounds are open to the public for tours, though the foundation relies on events like Founders’ Day to fund restoration efforts. The 2026 event marked the first time the foundation exceeded $50,000 in single-day donations. Lisa Nicholas said the turnout was ‘the best we’ve seen in years.’ The foundation plans to use the funds to repair the homestead’s original 1868 kitchen and expand educational programs about the area’s early settlers. Field Manor is located at 12345 Merritt Island Causeway, near the Indian River Lagoon. The next Founders’ Day is scheduled for April 3, 2027.