Romanza: Stories about Holding Down the Homefront

Romanza Presents ...

On Wednesday, May 14, 2025, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., the Romanza Festivale presents the Storytelling Sims, a husband and wife duo, at the St. Augustine Waterworks.

Historian and storytellers Wayne and Jane Sims are known for their accurate and humorous presentations about St. Augustine's history, told in an entertaining tandem fashion. This year, they honor St. Augustine's efforts during World War II with the program "Shortages, Submarines, Saboteurs & War Bonds." 

St. Augustine became a training site for the U.S. Coast Guard, and guard members manned the lighthouse, watching for the enemy, while others and local volunteers patrolled the beaches on horseback. At least one ship was sunk, hundreds of coast guardsmen moved to St. Augustine, and families here dealt with the shortages felt across the nation. The Sims have discovered many stories about life in this small part of the U.S. during World War II.

Admission: Free

When: Wednesday, May 14, 2025, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Where: The St. Augustine Water Works is located at 184 San Marco Avenue in uptown St. Augustine, FL 32084.

While the address is 184 San Marco Avenue, the only driveway on San Marco is Exit Only. Access to the Waterworks is through the St. Augustine Main Library parking lot. (Use 1960 North Ponce de Leon in your GPS.) 

About Romanza Festivale

This event is part of the annual two-week Romanza Festivale of Music and the Arts, showcasing historical, cultural, and creative events celebrating all things St. Augustine. From May 2 - 18, 2025, the nation's oldest city will be jam-packed with music and dance concerts, living history events, historical tours, live theater, and art exhibits. To find out more about the two weeks of events, visit here.