Tale Tellers of St. Augustine: "Stories from Florida's Past"

The Romanza Festivale presents five St. Augustine Tale Tellers, each relating tales about St. Augustine's history, on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Kathy Kniery tells the story of Nancy DuVal, wife of Willliam Pope DuVal, the first territorial governor of Florida. Gov. DuVal served for one month as a judge in St. Augustine before being promoted by President James Monroe. He served as territorial governor from April 17, 1822, to April 24, 1834. His wife Nancy raised a family, dealt with indigenous residents, lobbied for education, and supported her husband.

Tale Teller Drew Sappington also relates a tale involving a governor. In this case, the story is about Jorge Biassou, a thorn in the side of Governor Quesada's Spanish administration.

Natalie Beltrami tells the story of Louise Fatio, who experienced tragedy when young and lived to tell the story and become a prominent citizen of St. Augustine.

Kathy Duffy will tell the more modern story of local troubadour and storyteller, Gamble Rogers, including a bit about his favorite characters.

David Fussell will focus on the rhythms of southern life in St. Augustine, using his personal experiences and those he learned at the knees of family and elders.

Admission: Free. To learn more, go here.

When: Wednesday, May 8, 2024, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Where: The St. Augustine Historical Research Library, 6 Artillery Lane, St. Augustine, Florida 32084. This is off Aviles Street.

This event is part of the Romanza Festivale of Music and the Arts, an annual festival of two weeks of historical, cultural, and creative events celebrating all things St. Augustine. From May 3 -19, the nation's oldest city will be jam-packed with music and dance concerts, living history events and historical tours, live theater, and art exhibits. To find out more about the two weeks of events, visit here.