St. Augustine History Fest, 2025

The St. Augustine History Festival celebrates the "Nation's Oldest City" with activities at historical sites throughout the town.

Created by the University of Florida, Historic St. Augustine Inc., and the Lastinger Family Foundation, the festival showcases every era of St. Augustine's long and storied past through special events and tours of historic venues. The activities include tours, presentations, book signings, a re-enactment, and a special concert featuring music by Black composers. 

Go here to learn which historic sites, houses of worship, and gardens will be open for tours during the 2025 St. Augustine History Fest.

Special Events, Free Entry

These events are listed in date and time order. (As much as possible)

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Butler Beach 

What: St. Johns County Parks and Recreation guide, Will Pate, leads a walk and discussion about the history of Butler Beach. Purchased by a Black man, Frank B. Butler, in 1927, when other beaches in St. Augustine were for "whites only," Butler Beach became one of St. Augustine's focal points of the 1964 struggle for Civil Rights. 
When: Wednesday, May 7, 2025, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Butler Beach, 5860 A1A on Anastasia Island

St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum
Meet the Experts

What: A panel discussion led by moderator Ryan K. Smith, Professor of History at Virginia Commonwealth University. Joining Ryan are Margaret Van Ormer, Doris Wiles, Kathy Shetler, and Rick Cain. All of them have worked to preserve, restore, and maintain the Lighthouse. Margaret, Doris, and Kathy are board members or former board members, and members of the Jr. Service League, which raised the funds and oversaw the restoration of the Lighthouse. Rick Cain is Director of Museum Services and Safety.
When: Wednesday, May 7, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. There is no fee, and reservations are required. Go to their website to reserve your spot.
Where: In the Lighthouse Keepers' House, at the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, 100 Red Cox Drive, St. Augustine, Florida 32080

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Fort Matanzas National Monument

What: Free ferry rides to Fort Matanzas. Pick up boarding passes at the Fort Matanzas Visitor Center when you arrive at the park.. They are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Make sure to line up to board five minutes before departure. 
When: Thursday-Saturday, May 8 through May 10, 2025. The ferry leaves on the half-hour from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Fort Matanzas National Monument, 8635 A1A South, St. Augustine, Florida
Note: Parking is limited; car-pooling is recommended.

Peña-Peck House

What: Two discussions about remarkable women: Constance Fenimore Woolson, and the Sisters of St. Joseph's
When: Both are on Thursday, May 8, 2025. The first is from 11:00 a.m. to noon, and the second is from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The first event: At 11:00 a.m., a discussion of the Peña-Peck house gardens in 1874, "Through the Eyes of Constance Fenimore Woolson." Mattie Raiford Harms explores the life and work of this 19th-century author and novelist.
The second event: At 2:00 p.m., Sister Suzan Foster presents "Whatever a Woman is Capable of Doing: The Extraordinary History of the Sisters of St. Joseph in St. Augustine. 
Where: Peña-Peck House Gardens, 143 St. George Street, St. Augustine 32084

National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche
Enslavement During the First Spanish Period

What: Dr. Trevor Bryant of Flagler College discusses Enslavement During the First Spanish Period. This is one aspect of the larger topic regarding the impact of people of color on the growth of the Catholic Church in St. Augustine.
When: Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Where: Nombre de Dios Grounds and Gardens, 101 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine 

Whitney Laboratory Lohman Auditorium
Anatomy and Evolution of Vertebrates

What: Dr. Veronica Hinman, Executive Director of the Whitney Lab, discusses the science of sea star regeneration in a talk titled, "Nature's Repair Kit."
When: Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. The doors open at 5:00 so you can view the displays about the Whitney Laboratory's history and visit their Sea Turtle Hospital Gift Shop.
Where: The Lohman Auditorium, UF Whitney Laboratory, 9505 Ocean Shore Boulevard, St. Augustine

Flagler College
Minorcan History

What: Dr. Darien Andreu, a professor in Flagler College's Department of English, is the director of the Minorcan Studies Project, which creates awareness of the richness of the 250-year-old Minorcan heritage community. She will discuss the connections between Flagler and the Minorcan community in St. Augustine, particularly those with the Dr. Andrew Anderson Family, Stephen Vincent Benét, and the Minorcan Well. After her talk, Flager College hosts a reception with refreshments. This event is free and open to anyone aged 18 and older.
When: Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Where: Gamache Theater, at the Ringhaver Student Center, 50 Sevilla Street, St. Augustine

Friday, May 9, 2025

Fort Mose Historic Park

What: David Nolan discusses "The Intertwined Histories of Fort Mose and St. Augustine." 
When: Friday, May 9, 2025, from 1:30 to 2:10 p.m. You may tour the fort grounds and museum from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 15 Fort Mose Trail, St. Augustine, Florida 32084

St. Augustine Historical Society
Surgical Practices in Spanish Florida

What: Dr. Christine Miller, professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Florida, shares an eye-opening presentation, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Surgical Practices in Spanish Florida. If you were an injured or ill citizen of St. Augustine in that period, the cure may be as painful as the injury and as unpleasant as the illness.
When: Friday, May 9, 2025, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Where: The Dunham Building at the Oldest House Museum Complex, 14 St. Francis Street, St Augustine

Marineland and Flagler College: Lifelong Learning
The Founding of Marineland

What: A lively presentation about Marineland's groundbreaking impact on several fields, including marine science, literature, architecture, tourism, and film. Historian Terran McGinnis presents Marineland: The World's First Oceanarium. When Marineland opened in 1938, it was the world's first oceanarium and first underwater film studio.
When: Friday, May 9, 2025, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.
Where: Pollard Hall at Flagler College, 31 Cordova Street, St. Augustine

Saturday, May 10, 2025

Florida National Guard Historic Barracks and Museum

What: Alison Simpson of the Florida National Guard offers a guided tour of the St. Francis Barracks and grounds. The property was formerly a Franciscan Monastery, the Convento de San Francisco, and was later used as a U.S. Army installation. The tour also discusses the history of Florida's military.
When: Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Where: The National Guard, 82 Marine Street, St. Augustine

Best-Richardson African Diaspora Literature & Cultural Museum

Gullah Geechee & Beyond

What: An immersive day of celebration and education, focusing on the cultural heritage of the Gullah Geechee. Artisans, storytellers, the Ring Shouters, and those who have saved the Gullah Geechee cuisine all share their knowledge, crafts, and flavors. 
When: Saturday, May 10, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: The BRADLC Museum, 83 Washington Street, St. Augustine, Florida 32084

Fort Mose Historic Park

Multiple Events

What: Fort Mose reenactment and demonstrations by the Women of Mose
When: Saturday, May 10, 2025, from noon to 1:00 p.m.

What: David Nolan discusses "The Intertwined Histories of Fort Mose and St. Augustine." 
When: Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 1:30 to 2:10 p.m.

What: Archaeologist Lori Lee, PhD. of Flagler College, speaks about the latest findings during the excavation on the second Fort Mose.
When: Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 2:10 to 2:40 p.m.

What: Opportunities to view Fort Mose and the grounds. African Drummers perform in the afternoon, and Ben & Jerry's ice cream is available from 2:45 to 4:00 pm.
When: The fort is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Special activities occur throughout the day.

Where: 15 Fort Mose Trail, St. Augustine, Florida 32084

St. Augustine National Cemetery

What: Dr. Amy Larner Giroux, University of Central Florida, "No Longer Unknown: Native American POWs, Civil War soldiers, and Second Seminole War casualties."
When: May 10, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. 
Where: St. Augustine National Cemetery, 104 Marine Street, St. Augustine

Duel on Aviles Street

What: Two men threaten to duel on the nation's oldest street. Fortunately, they have their quarrel outside the Spanish Military Hospital. Can the surgeon save the man's life?
When: Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Where: Near 3 Aviles Street, St. Augustine

Drake's Raid Reenactment

What: Drake's Raid Reenactment. Reenactors representing Spanish and English troops march from the Oldest House Museum Complex to the Governor's House and then to the Orange Street redoubt, where they will reenact a battle to commemorate Drake's 1586 raid on St. Augustine.
When: Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Where: Troops march from the Oldest House Museum to Orange Street. The battle takes place at the redoubt on Orange Street.

Sunday, May 11, 2025

First Congregation Sons of Israel
Author's Talk

What: To celebrate the building of the synagogue, 100 years ago, author and congregant Robert Blau wrote a book about the origins of the local Jewish community. He will discuss this history and sign copies of the book.
When: Sunday, May 11, 2025, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Where: First Congregation Sons of Israel, 161 Cordova Street, St. Augustine