I Lived Here as Well: The Final Chapter

The Ximenez-Fatio House Museum presents the sixth final chapter of their annual "I Lived Here As Well" series. The new one-hour program will be offered at 10:00 a.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, from February 5 through 28, 2026.

Step back through time in the 227-year-old boarding house and experience the lives of some of the people who lived there — some as residents, some as guests, and others as slaves and staff.

Over the past versions of "I Lived Here As Well: The Final Chapter," the organizers have presented James Bullock portraying a slave who had worked at the house, representing all of those who lived in the attic and came in through the back door. Another version, focused on the women who had lived there, including black slaves, freed women, and the white women who lived in and visited the boarding home. Each version of the story highlights several individuals, some who actually lived or worked in the home, and others who represent specific types of people and their experiences.

"I Lived Here As Well: The final Chapter" features familiar characters and new ones, providing information about the history and people spanning several eras. Charmin Russell and James Bullock portray former residents of the Ximenez-Fatio House. Ms. Russell again portrays Louisa Williams, a former slave freed by Union Soldiers. Other presenters portray real and created characters to provide a voice for those slaves and free servants who were documented to have worked there, but whose names were never recorded. Several presenters portray the owners, guests, and more privileged residents at Ximenez-Fatio House during that time. The years portrayed in the 2026 event include the time before and after the Civil War.

Actors dressed in period clothing lead this public tour of the home's three floors. The tour lasts nearly 60 minutes and includes information and stories not heard during the regular Ximenez-Fatio House Museum tours.

Admission: $25.00 per person (plus $1.90 fees). Buy tickets in advance on their website.

When: 10:00 a.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, from February 5 through 28, 2026.

Where: The Ximenez-Fatio House Museum, 28 Cadiz Street, St. Augustine, Florida 32084

The photographs are of Charmin Russell and James Bullock, the lead interpreters for "I Lived Here as Well."

Sponsors: Historic Coast Culture, St. Johns County Tourist Development Council, America 250th Florida, NSCDA Florida—St. Augustine Town Committee, Jessie Ball at duPont Fund, and St. Johns Cultural Council