St. Augustine History Festival features 32 events in the nation’s oldest city
Tour 20+ historic properties in St. Augustine from May 10-14 during the second annual St. Augustine History Festival — many of which will showcase special events. See the full event details by visiting staugustinehistoryfestival.com
The St. Augustine History Festival was created by the University of Florida Historic St. Augustine, Inc. and the Lastinger Family Foundation to showcase the history of America’s oldest city.
The goal is to showcase every era of St. Augustine’s long and storied past, from the founding in 1565 to the most advanced technology available in 2023 to research and study every year in-between.
The St. Augustine History Festival takes place during National Historic Preservation Month, with 55 properties through St. Augustine and St. Johns County on the National Register of Historic Places.
"My favorite part of the event is two-fold: piecing together the History Festival each year is a tremendous rush for me, as I see our historic sites and venues coming together as one community," explained Dr. Roger Smith, Director of the St. Augustine History Festival, adjunct professor at Flagler College and Membership and Outreach coordinator with the St. Augustine Historical Society.
"The best part, however, is attending as many programs and venues as humanly possible during the 5-day festival and listening to the comments of those in attendance," he added. "It’s amazing how many people have said things like, 'We don’t get downtown much because of the crowds, but this really piqued our interest.'"
Free tours, lectures, family-friendly events, workshops and other happenings are on the schedule. In addition to historic attractions, the 2023 event will also feature nine historic houses of worship.
At the Colonial Quarter living history museum, festival participants can experience ongoing screenings of the PBS documentary “America’s Untold Story” on Thursday and Friday, May 11-12. On Saturday, May 13, colonial demonstrations, storytelling and colonial music. In addition, the Gallegos House grand opening will take place at 21 Saint George Street, with a focus on historic preservation and colonial life.
The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States, will feature interactive activities for families from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 13. Park Rangers will give a behind-the-scenes look at the museum collection. Rarely seen artifacts from the fort’s 350 years will be on display for visitors to explore. Re-enactors will bring the object’s stories to life. Historic weapons demonstrations will be held at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
St. Augustine Historical Society events include Dr. Christine Miller of the UF College of Medicine at Jacksonville, who will be speaking on “Native Healing: The Indigenous Impact on Colonial Medicine” on Friday, May 12 at 4 p.m. in the Dunham Building at the Oldest House Museum Complex, 14 St. Francis Street, St. Augustine, Florida. Dr. Miller is a leading expert on colonial-era medical practices, including the rarest of “New World” treasures – indigenous medicines and healing herbs.
The St. Augustine Historical Society Research Library will hold a book sale to raise funds for book conservation from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, May 12 at the Research Library, 6 Artillery Lane, off Aviles Street.
Fort Mose Historic State Park events include Afro-Cuban artwork on display May 11-13 on the grounds. The pieces are shared through a partnership with the St. Augustine Friendship Association, which fosters medical and cultural exchanges between St. Augustine and Cuba. At 2 p.m. Saturday, May 13, Vanderbilt University Historian, Dr. Jane Landers, will speak about research connecting Fort Mose and a Cuban community formerly known as San Agustin de la Nueva Florida, now known as Ceiba Mocha. A free shuttle to Fort Mose will begin at the St. Augustine Visitors Information Center (downtown parking garage) at 12:15 p.m. and will run a continuous loop back and forth from the VIC to Fort Mose. Final departure from Fort Mose will be at 4:30 p.m.
Find all events and locations at staugustinehistoryfestival.com
“When you think of a festival in St. Augustine, big tents, music, and kiddie rides at Francis Field come to mind,” Smith said. “The St. Augustine History Festival is completely different."
Historic sites and venues in town will provide additional programs, events, discounts, and special talks to their normal routines. There are nine special events for 2023 that are free and introduce folks to some of the most recent groundbreaking historical research available.
In addition to the 14 participating venues involved in the History Festival, this year we are highlighting nine Historic Houses of Worship in the downtown area and Lincolnville.
PARTICIPATING VENUES
Castillo de San Marcos
Catholic Diocese of St. Augustine / Mission Nombre de Dios
City of St. Augustine and Historic Preservation
The Colonial Quarter
Flagler College (Ponce de Leon Hotel)
Florida National Guard Museum and National Cemetery
Fort Mose Historic State Park and Museum
Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
Governor's House Cultural Center and Museum
Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center
Peña-Peck House
Spanish Military Hospital
St. Augustine Historical Society / Oldest House Museum Complex
St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
Ximenez-Fatio House Museum
Villa Zorayda Museum
HISTORIC HOUSES OF WORSHIP
Ancient City Baptist Church
Memorial Presbyterian Church
Trinity Episcopal Church
Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine
St. Paul A.M.E. Church
St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church
St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche
This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: St. Augustine History Festival features 32 events in the nation’s oldest city
