Schedule of Events:

May 7, 2025

10:30 am - 11:30 am: St. Johns County Parks & Rec – Historic Butler Beach

Ranger Will Pate offers a glimpse into African-American history and American race relations in America’s Oldest City on a topic that didn’t happen that long ago!

Frank B. Butler named it Butler Beach and opened it to African-Americans. It became the only stretch of beach between Daytona Beach and American Beach, north of Jacksonville, where African-Americans were allowed to enjoy the sand and the sea. Under its namesake’s direction, Butler Beach continued to develop.

History:

In the early 1900s, Frank B. Butler, a young Black man, moved to St. Augustine and settled in Lincolnville.
In 1927, Butler purchased oceanfront property on Anastasia Island after becoming frustrated with Florida’s “whites only” beaches.
In 1964, Butler Beach became a focal point of segregation as St. Augustine became a Civil Rights headline.

Access:

Visitors can access Butler Beach through Frank B. Butler County Park.
The Mary Street Beach ramp takes drivers to the beach for a fee.
Unpaved Gloria Avenue has free parking before the pay station.
Activities: swimming, sunbathing, and biking.

Beach features: Dog friendly, as long as the dog is leashed at all times

Location: 5860 A1A South (South A1A on Anastasia Island)

6:00pm – 7:00pm: St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum

Meet the Experts!

A panel discussion on lighthouses and their purpose

RYAN K. SMITH, MODERATOR
PROFESSOR OF HISTORY AT VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY

Location: St. Augustine Lighthouse Keepers House

May 8, 2025

Fort Matanzas National Monument

Ferry to Fort Matanzas

Climb aboard the FREE passenger ferry and sail away into St. Augustine history. Trips last 45-55 minutes and include a ranger-guided tour of Fort Matanzas. Boarding passes are issued on a first come, first served basis at the Fort Matanzas Visitor Center.

Departures are at 9:30AM, 10:30AM, 11:30AM, 12:30PM, 1:30PM, 2:30PM, and 3:30PM, weather and staffing permitting.

Pass holders must be present when boarding begins 5 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Parking is extremely limited; carpooling is recommended. Before or after your tour, get lost in Florida’s natural history on the Marsh Trail or Nature Trail. Questions? Please call 904-829-6506.

Location: Fort Matanzas - 8635 A1A South, St. Augustine, FL 32080

11:00 am - 12:00 pm: Peña-Peck House

“Through the Eyes of Constance Fenimore Woolson”: The Peña-Peck House Garden, circa 1874

Step into 19th-century St. Augustine with Mattie Raiford Harms as she explores the life and work of Constance Fenimore Woolson. Through the lens of literary journalism, discover Woolson’s  unique perspective on the City’s past—rich with history, character, and Southern elegance.  Enjoy an engaging morning in the heart of historic St. Augustine, sponsored by the Woman’s Exchange, custodians of the Historic Pena-Peck House Museum and Gift Shop.

Location: Peña-Peck House - 143 St. George Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Peña-Peck House

“Whatever A Woman is Capable of Doing: The Extraordinary History of the Sisters of St. Joseph in St. Augustine“

Speaker: Sister Suzan Foster

The story begins in 1866 when 8 Sisters of St.Joseph, all in their twenties,  leave LePuy, France for St. Augustine, Florida with the mission of educating recently freed slaves.  Sister Suzan is a St. Augustine native, and is currently serving as an instructor at the St. Joseph Neighborhood Center, located in Lincolnville.  She is a graduate of the University of Florida and has a Master of Religious Education from St. Meinrad School of Theology in Indiana.  Over the course of her career she has been an Assistant Principal and teacher at Bishop Kenny High School in Jacksonville, as well as a teacher and administrator at St. Joseph Academy in St. Augustine.

Location: Peña-Peck House - 143 St. George Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm: National Shrine of Our Lady of la Leche

The Diocesan Archives at the National Shrine of Our Lady of la Leche is proud to announce that Dr. Trevor Bryant of Flagler College will be speaking on the topic Enslavement During the First Spanish Period. This is part of larger historical research on how people of Color helped build the Catholic Church in St. Augustine. Dr. Bryant is a brilliant scholar and highly sought-after speaker – just ask his students!

Professor Bryant graduated from the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, with a B.A. in History and an M.L.A. in Florida Studies. He received his Doctorate from Florida International University, where he specialized in colonial Atlantic history, specifically emphasizing Colonial Latin America, the Caribbean, and Atlantic Slavery.

His primary research focuses on how people from all over the Atlantic world passed through Florida, linking the Spanish Caribbean to the Southern British Colonies. At Flagler, Professor Bryant teaches a variety of classes on colonialism in U.S. and Latin American History that encourage students to challenge preconceived ideas about colonialism in North America to develop transferable skills that translate to any career after college.

5:00 Ρ.Μ.
LIGHT REFRESHMENTS

5:30 Ρ.Μ.
LECTURE

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5:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Evenings at Whitney

Come hear Dr. Veronica Hinman, Executive Director of the UF/Whitney Laboratory, as she brings new levels of research and display to the UF/Whitney Lab.

5:00-6:00p.m.: Center for Marine Studies building open with display about Whitney Laboratory history along with Sea Turtle Hospital gift shop items for sale.

6:00-7:00p.m.: Nature’s Repair Kit: The Science of Sea Star Regeneration with Dr. Veronica Hinman, Whitney Laboratory Director and Professor of Biology
This free lecture will be presented in person at the UF Whitney Laboratory Lohman Auditorium, 9505 Ocean Shore Boulevard, in St. Augustine. Those interested also have the option of registering to watch via Zoom live the night of the lecture.

Location: UF/Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience - 9505 Ocean Shore Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Flagler College and Minorcan History

Join Dr. Darien Andreu, professor and Director of the Minorcan Studies Project, Flagler College on Thursday, May 8 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. for her talk, “Flagler College and Minorcan History.” The focus of Dr. Andreu’s talk will be on Flagler/Minorcan connections with the Dr. Andrew Anderson Family, Stephen Vincent Benét, and the Minorcan Well. Join us for this interesting piece of St. Augustine history! This is a free event in Gamache Theater, Flagler College. Participants must be 18+.

Location: Gamache Theater, First Floor, Ringhaver Student Center at Flagler College - 50 Sevilla St., St. Augustine, FL 32084

May 9, 2025

1:30 pm - 2:10 pm: Fort Mose Historical Society

Historian Dr. David Nolan will speak on “The Intertwined Histories of Fort Mose and St. Augustine,” plus many of programs for all!

1:00 PM to 1:30 PM-Opportunities to explore the grounds of the Fort Mose State Park and the Fort Mose Museum.
1:00 PM to 1:30 PM-Fort Mose Miltia reenactment, and demonstrations by the Women of Mose.
1:30 PM-2:10 PM-St.Augustine local Historian David Nolam, PhD speaks on the intertwined histories of Fort Mose and St. Augustine
2:15 PM-4:00 PM-Opportunities to view the Fort, the museum.and the grounds of Fort Mose State Park

Location: Fort Mose State Park and Museum - 15 Fort Mose Trail, St. Augustine, FL 32084

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm: St. Augustine Historical Society

“Spanish Colonial Medical Practices”

Does the thought of having surgery make you want to run for the hills? Come hear Dr. Christine Miller’s talk and you will understand why colonial-era Floridians would want to swim back to Spain to avoid even the slightest surgical procedure – don’t miss this talk!

Christine P. Miller, D.P.M., D.M.M., Ph.D., FACCWS, is a University of Florida assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery, a podiatrist, and board-certified wound care specialist at UF Health Jacksonville. She also serves as medical director of the Wound Healing/Limb Salvage Program. In addition to teaching our future physician to be the top ranked in the country, she has a passion for colonial-era medicine and medical practices.

Location: St. Augustine Historical Society/Oldest House Complex Map Gallery (Dunham Building)

5:00 pm - 6:30 pm: Marineland/Flagler College Lifelong Learning

Join Flagler College Lifelong Learning as we travel back in time to 1938 for the grand opening of Marine Studios: The world’s first oceanarium and underwater film studio. From Florida tourism to literary greats to architectural styles to marine science – so many firsts in history happened at Marineland and it’s still happening today! Learn all about the past, present, and future of this famous marine science facility.

This will be a special event, indeed!

Location: Flagler College Pollard Hall, Room 110, at 31 Cordova Street – right next to the Maple Street Biscuit Company!

May 10, 2025

9:00 am - 10:00 am: Florida National Guard Historic Barracks/Museum

History Festival Tour!

Join Command Historian Alison Simpson of the Florida National Guard for a guided tour of the historic St. Francis Barracks and grounds. This one-hour tour features the early history of the property as a Franciscan headquarters, its use as a U.S. Army installation during the 19th century, the history of Florida’s military. This tour is free of charge.

The Florida National Guard is the nation’s oldest militia, established by Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles in 1565 (photo circa1880s)

9:00 am - 1:30 pm: City of St. Augustine

The City of St. Augustine offers a Window Workshop at the Historic Water Works Building (a.k.a. The Waterworks) in participation with the 4th Annual St. Augustine

History Festival

On Saturday, May 10, from 9:00am to 1:30pm, the City of St. Augustine’s Historic Preservation Division will participate in the St. Augustine History Festival by offering an interactive window workshop at The Waterworks Building, located at 184 San Marco Avenue.  Julie Courtney, the City’s Historic Preservation Officer, will facilitate the workshop, offering welcome remarks and assisting throughout the program.

Historic Preservation Advisors for Austin Historical will lead the presentation and workshop. Doug Romaine will present in the main room of The Waterworks, with Nate Cross doing a live demonstration of restoration techniques.  Next, a limited number of participants can learn hands-on skills with wood window sashes.  The presentation and hands-on workshop are an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of historic windows by preservation experts, including the benefits of historic windows, return on investment with replacement windows, energy efficiency facts and options, maintenance and restoration techniques, how to be hurricane ready with historic windows, and will include time to ask questions.

The presentation on historic window restoration will begin at 9:00 am, with an ongoing live demonstration showing key steps to the process.  There is ample space for guests, but reservations are preferred to guarantee a spot.  Reserve your spot for the presentation and live demonstration online here.

Then, at approximately 10:15am and continuing until 1:30pm, 15 participants will practice hands-on skills with wood window sashes, focusing on glazing.  Reservations are required for the hands-on component, but guests attending the presentation and live demonstration are encouraged to stay to observe and learn more about how this crucial part of window restoration is done.  Reserve your spot for the hands-on component online here.

The hands-on glazing learning is planned to be outdoors, weather permitting; however, it will remain indoors if weather does not allow.  Guests participating in the hands-on portion of the program should dress accordingly and anticipate the possibility of getting slightly dirty.

This event is free and open to the public.  While reservations are not required to attend the indoor presentation, a reservation is preferred and can be made online here.  Those interested in the outdoor, hands-on window workshop are required to reserve a spot, as space is limited for this portion.  Reservations can be made online here.

Workshop Presenters

Doug Romaine, Historic Preservation Advisor

A lifetime of serving people in nonprofits has equipped Doug with exceptional customer care.  Growing up in a historic home led Doug to Austin Historical.  Doug’s training as a craftsman and his expertise as a Historic Preservation Advisor will guide you calmly through the process until you arrive at the destination of wonderfully restored windows.  Doug has traveled throughout the state of Florida and beyond to offer expertise and care for historic restoration.

Nate Cross, Historic Preservation Advisor

Growing up working on custom homes with his father in Jacksonville laid the foundation for Nate’s passion for craftsmanship. After gaining product knowledge while selling paint at Sherwin-Williams, followed by hands-on experience with a local painting contractor, he launched his own successful painting and handyman business.  That path led him to Austin Historical, where he honed his skills as a fine finisher and craftsman on historic windows and doors.  Now, as a Historic Preservation Advisor at Austin Historical, he brings practical knowledge, care, and clarity to every restoration project he supports.

St. Augustine History Festival

The St. Augustine History Festival was created and conceived by UFHSA (University of Florida Historic St. Augustine, Inc.) for the purpose of generating excitement about the history of America’s oldest city. From May 7 – 11, 2025, the festival will showcase every era of St. Augustine’s long and storied past at over 30 Special Events and Historic Venues.

Historic Waterworks Building

The building was completed in 1898 as the first St. Augustine Waterworks Pumping Station and a rare example of a brick masonry structure in St. Augustine. Following its decommissioning in 1927, the building was adapted to a community center, which served the St. Augustine Art Association, the Little Theatre, and Camp Fire Girls from 1928 until 1964. From 1964 until 2005, the building housed the St. Augustine Garden Club. In 2013, the building was designated as a Local Historical Landmark, and in 2014, the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Beginning in 2015, preservation efforts by the City removed non-historic additions and alterations, and resulted in the restoration of original finishes and features. Grant funds from the Florida Division of Historical Resources contributed to the effort, along with countless hours of dedicated work by architects, construction crews, craftspeople, and City staff, and the building was reopened. In 2022, the St. Johns Cultural Council signed a lease to become the new tenants and breathe fresh life and activity into the building that they market as The Waterworks.

Location: The Waterworks Building - 184 San Marco, St. Augustine, 32084

10:00 am - 5:00 pm: Best-Richardson African Diaspora Literature & Cultural Museum

Best Richardson African Diaspora Literature & Cultural Museum Presents: “Gullah Geechee & Beyond: A celebration of community and identity within the African Diaspora.”

The BRADLC Museum is thrilled to announce an upcoming extraordinary cultural event, Gullah Geechee & Beyond, on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 83 Washington Street. This event is integral to the St. Augustine History Festival, commemorating the city’s history and heritage, from May 7 to May 11, 2025.

This engaging and educational program is free to the public (donations are welcome; use our Donate Button on our website or visit our museum). This event continues last year’s narrative of the Gullah connection to the Lincolnville community. It complements the commemoration of the Gullah Geechee Corridor traced from Wilmington, NC, to St. Augustine, FL. The event honors our Heritage and is essential to the community as they learn about the Low Country’s history.

Our festive celebration invites the public to experience the rich traditions and cultural heritage of the Gullah Geechee Nation. The event explores the deep connections between the Gullah Geechee people and the African Diaspora. Through immersive experience, attendees can delve into this community’s unique and vibrant fabric, expressed through language, culinary traditions, handcrafted arts, engaging lectures, poetry, author participation, and storytelling.

Guests will also uncover powerful narratives that span eras, generations, and continents. Whether savoring the flavors of traditional cuisine, engaging with skilled artisans, listening to stories passed down through time, or listening to music performed through the Ring Shouters, attendees will leave with a profound appreciation for the Gullah Geechee people’s past, present, and future.

Our Literature & Cultural Museum is devoted to honoring and preserving the rich heritage of the Diaspora. The museum is a hub for exploring and celebrating the invaluable contributions of African Diaspora leaders, artists, cultural traditions, and history through engaging exhibits, guided tours, educational programs, and dynamic community events. It is a hub for exploring and celebrating the invaluable contributions of African Diaspora leaders, artists, cultural traditions, and history through engaging exhibits, guided tours, educational programs, and dynamic community events.

There will be engaging activities for youth and door prizes. We will continue our Book Liquidation Fundraiser with over 2,000 books featuring selected paperbacks, two for $1.00, and hardback books for $2.00. For more information about the event, visit www.bradlcmuseum.com or call (904) 217-8255.

Location: Best-Richardson African Diaspora Literature and Culture Museum - 83 Washington Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084

10:00 am - 11:00 am: Ximenez-Fatio House Museum and Historic Gardens

"This special tour highlights how the house itself is our biggest artifact, revealing clues about the past and showcasing restoration efforts that keep its legacy alive. Discover the importance of historic preservation and learn about recent restoration projects and the archaeological findings that offer a deeper understanding of the house and its residents. Join us to see history through the lens of preservation where every beam, brick, and floorboard has a story to tell!"

Location: Ximenez-Fatio House Museum and Historic Garden - 20 Aviles Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084

10:30 am - 12:00 pm: St. Augustine National Cemetery Tour and Discussion.

Please join Amy Larner Giroux, Associate Director of UCF's Center for Humanities & Digital Research, for a guided tour highlighting the cemetery's Unknowns. Learn about Native American POWs, Civil War soldiers, and Second Seminole War casualties.
Tour lasts approximately one hour.

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Duel on Aviles Street!

Join us for this thrilling display of colonial chivalry and surgery

Location: 3 Aviles Street

9:00 AM - Fort Mose Historical Society

9:00 AM to Noon. Opportunities to view the Fort, the grounds of the Fort Mose State Park, and the Fort Mose Museum
Noon to 1:00 PM-Fort Mose Militia and Women of Mase demonstrations.
1:30 PM 2:30 PM-Local historian David Nolan, PhD speaks on Fort Mose's intertwined history with St. Augustine.
2:10 PM-2:45 PM-Archaeologist Lori Lee, PhD, Flagler College. speaks on the latest findings from excavations on the second Fort Mose
2:45 PM-4:00 PM-Opportunities to view the Fort, the museum, and the grounds of Fort Mose State Park.
2:45 PM-4:00 PM-Free Ben & Jerry's ice cream.

African Drummers in the afternoon.
$1.00 hot dogs in the afternoon

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Drake’s Raid Reenactment

Beginning at 7:00 p.m., the armies of Spain and England will fight for possession of St. Augustine in this reenactment of Sir Francis Drake’s raid in 1586. This is an historic district-wide event, beginning at the Governor’s House on the Plaza, then continuing north to the Santa Domingo redoubt by the City Gates.

The English have won this battle every year for 439 years, but maybe this is Spain’s year?

Come Find Out!

Location: Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum - 48 King Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084

May 11, 2025

1:00 am - 3:00 am: St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine

Celebrating the History of St. Augustine’s Spanish Colonial Quarter One House at a Time – An Insider’s Look at the History of 41 St. George Street

1:00 – 1:30 – The facility’s changing footprint from the home of a Criollo family to a National Shrine – artifacts tell the story as revealed by the   writings of then field study professor, Kathleen Deagan
1:30 – 2:00 – The sanctuary of the Avero House afforded by Gov. Patrick Tonyn to the refugees of the New Smyrna Colony- as told through the dissertation by Epaminondas Panagopoulos
2:00 – 2:30 – The Chapel of San Pietro and the Golden Book Registry of its people – through the information revealed through USF Lost Voices Project
2:30 – 3:00  The St. Photios Chapel with Byzantine Iconography – the symbolism as written by iconographer Archon George Filippakis

Location: St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine - 41 St. George Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084

Date: May 7-11, 2025

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