St. Augustine, FL — Tour 30+ historic properties in St. Augustine, Florida from May 7-11 during the St. Augustine History Festival — many of which will showcase special events. See event details and locations at 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 to study history in 2025.
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 historian at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park.
“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. 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!’ ”
Forty-plus tours, lectures, family-friendly events, workshops and other happenings are on the schedule. In addition to historic attractions, the 2025 event will also feature historic houses of worship and historic gardens.
SAMPLE OF EVENTS
At the Colonial Quarter living history museum, festival participants can experience ongoing screenings of the PBS documentary “America’s Untold Story” on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, May 7-9.
On Saturday, May 10, guests can enjoy free colonial demonstrations, storytelling and colonial music. In addition, visitors can enjoy free tours of the Gallegos House 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 “Blast from the Past” on Saturday and Sunday, May 10-11, with Historic Weapons Demonstrations 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, speaking about Spanish Colonial Medical Practices on Friday, May 9 from 4-5 p.m. at the Oldest House Museum Complex, 14 St. Francis Street.
The Woman’s Exchange of St. Augustine will host two free talks on Thursday, May 8 at the historic Peña-Peck House that include “Whatever A Woman’s is Capable of Doing: The Extraordinary History of the Sisters of St. Joseph” and “Through the Eyes of Constance Fenimore Woolson.”
Fort Mose Historic State Park will hold multiple free events on Friday and Saturday, May 9-10 including self-guided tours of the grounds, visitors center and exhibits, Fort Mose Militia re-enactments, African drummer performances, and a free lecture by historian David Nolan.
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.”
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
Father Miguel O’Reilly House Museum
Flagler College (Ponce de Leon Hotel)
Florida National Guard Historic Barracks/Museum and National Cemetery
Fort Matanzas
Fort Mose Historic State Park and Museum
Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum
Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center
Marineland Dolphin Adventure
Peña-Peck House
Spanish Military Hospital
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
St. Augustine Historical Society / Oldest House Museum Complex
St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
The Treasure Chest Interactive Museum by See America Tours
UF Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience
Villa Zorayda Museum
Ximenez-Fatio House Museum
HISTORIC HOUSES OF WORSHIP
Ancient City Baptist Church
First Congregation Sons of Israel
Trinity Episcopal Church
Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine
St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church
National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche
HISTORIC GARDENS
Father Miguel O’Reilly House Garden
Flagler College Historic Gardens
Fountain of Youth Historic Gardens
Mission Nombre de Dios Historic Grounds and Gardens
Pena-Peck House Historic Gardens
Spanish Military Hospital Apothecary Garden
