Celebrate Women's History Month by taking a look back at the lives of the 16th-century Spanish women who played a part in Spain's conquest of La Florida. Living history interpreter Elizabeth Neily brings color to the stories of these conquistadoras with a portrayal of María Velasquez de Cuellar, one of 10 women who were among the roughly 600 colonists of the Panfilo de Narváez expedition that sailed into Boca Ciega Bay in 1528. These women were no delicate flowers — they dealt with conquest finances, disguised themselves as men when necessary and sometimes even fought as soldiers. Sheila Benjamin adds a little action to the discussion as Francesca de Henestrosa — who masqueraded as a man to join the 1539 de Soto Expedition — and demonstrates 16th-century weaponry techniques with firearms like the crossbow and arquebus. (Don't worry — she's been certified by the National Park Service Cannon School.) Benjamin also offers a presentation on how to make a traditional favorite, chocolate, the drink of the Aztec gods and the conquistadoras. Women of the Spanish Main, Sat. March 29, 7:30 p.m., The Studio@620, 620 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg, $5 admission, 727-895-6620, thestudioat620.org.
