St. Augustine History Fest, 2025

The St. Augustine History Festival celebrates the "Nation's Oldest City" with activities at historical sites throughout the town.

Created by the University of Florida, Historic St. Augustine Inc., and the Lastinger Family Foundation, the festival showcases every era of St. Augustine's long and storied past through special events and tours of historic venues. The activities include tours, presentations, book signings, a reenactment, and a special concert featuring music by Black composers. 

Go here to learn which historic sites, houses of worship, and gardens will be open for tours during the 2025 St. Augustine History Fest.

Special Events, Free Entry

These events are listed in date and time order (as much as possible).

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Butler Beach

What: St. Johns County Parks and Recreation guide, Will Pate, leads a walk and discussion about the history of Butler Beach. Purchased by a Black man, Frank B. Butler, in 1927, when other beaches in St. Augustine were for "whites only," Butler Beach became one of St. Augustine's focal points of the 1964 struggle for civil rights. 
When: Wednesday, May 7, 2025, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Butler Beach, 5860 A1A on Anastasia Island

St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum
Meet the Experts

What: A panel discussion led by moderator Ryan K. Smith, Professor of History at Virginia Commonwealth University. Joining Ryan are Margaret Van Ormer, Doris Wiles, Kathy Shetler, and Rick Cain. All of them have worked to preserve, restore, and maintain the Lighthouse. Margaret, Doris, and Kathy are board members or former board members, and members of the Jr. Service League, which raised the funds and oversaw the restoration of the Lighthouse. Rick Cain is Director of Museum Services and Safety.
When: Wednesday, May 7, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. There is no fee, and reservations are required. Go to their website to reserve your spot.
Where: In the Lighthouse Keepers' House, at the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, 100 Red Cox Drive

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Fort Matanzas National Monument

What: Free ferry rides to Fort Matanzas. Pick up boarding passes at the Fort Matanzas Visitor Center when you arrive at the park.. They are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Make sure to line up to board five minutes before departure. 
When: Thursday-Saturday, May 8 through May 10, 2025. The ferry leaves on the half-hour from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Fort Matanzas National Monument, 8635 A1A South
Note: Parking is limited; car-pooling is recommended.

Peña-Peck House

What: Two discussions about remarkable women: Constance Fenimore Woolson, and the Sisters of St. Joseph
When: Both are on Thursday, May 8, 2025. The first is from 11:00 a.m. to noon, and the second is from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
The first event: At 11:00 a.m., a discussion of the Peña-Peck house gardens in 1874, "Through the Eyes of Constance Fenimore Woolson." Mattie Raiford Harms explores the life and work of this 19th-century author and novelist.
The second event: At 2:00 p.m., Sister Suzan Foster presents "Whatever a Woman is Capable of Doing: The Extraordinary History of the Sisters of St. Joseph in St. Augustine." 
Where: Peña-Peck House Gardens, 143 St. George Street

National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche
Enslavement During the First Spanish Period

What: Dr. Trevor Bryant of Flagler College discusses Enslavement During the First Spanish Period. This is one aspect of the larger topic regarding the impact of people of color on the growth of the Catholic Church in St. Augustine.
When: Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Where: Nombre de Dios Grounds and Gardens, 101 San Marco Avenue

Whitney Laboratory Lohman Auditorium
Anatomy and Evolution of Vertebrates

What: Dr. Veronica Hinman, Executive Director of the Whitney Lab, discusses the science of sea star regeneration in a talk titled, "Nature's Repair Kit."
When: Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. The doors open at 5:00 so you can view the displays about the Whitney Laboratory's history and visit their Sea Turtle Hospital Gift Shop.
Where: The Lohman Auditorium, UF Whitney Laboratory, 9505 Ocean Shore Boulevard

Flagler College
Minorcan History

What: Dr. Darien Andreu, a professor in Flagler College's Department of English, is the director of the Minorcan Studies Project, which creates awareness of the 250-year-old Minorcan heritage community. She will discuss the connections between Flagler and the Minorcan community in St. Augustine, particularly those with the Dr. Andrew Anderson Family, Stephen Vincent Benét, and the Minorcan Well. After her talk, Flager College hosts a reception with refreshments. This event is free and open to anyone aged 18 and older.
When: Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Where: Gamache Theater, at the Ringhaver Student Center, 50 Sevilla Street

Friday, May 9, 2025

Fort Mose Historic Park: Opening of the Reconstructed Fort

On May 9 and 10, Fort Mose celebrates the opening of the reconstructed fort. There are multiple events on each day.

What: Fort Mose reenactment and demonstrations by the Women of Mose
When: Friday, May 9, 2025, from 1:00 to 1:30 p.m.

What: David Nolan discusses "The Intertwined Histories of Fort Mose and St. Augustine." 
When: Friday, May 9, 2025, from 1:30 to 2:10 p.m. You may tour the fort grounds and museum from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Where: Fort Mose Historic Park, 15 Fort Mose Trail
Parking: Off-site parking and transportation to and from the fort are available at 301 San Marco between 1:00 and 4:30 p.m.

St. Augustine Historical Society
Surgical Practices in Spanish Florida

What: Dr. Christine Miller, professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Florida, shares an eye-opening presentation, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Surgical Practices in Spanish Florida. If you were an injured or ill citizen in St. Augustine during that period, the cure may be as painful as the injury and as unpleasant as the illness.
When: Friday, May 9, 2025, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Where: The Dunham Building at the Oldest House Museum Complex, 14 St. Francis Street

Marineland and Flagler College: Lifelong Learning
The Founding of Marineland

What: A lively presentation about Marineland's groundbreaking impact on several fields, including marine science, literature, architecture, tourism, and film. Historian Terran McGinnis presents Marineland: The World's First Oceanarium. When Marineland opened in 1938, it was the world's first oceanarium and first underwater film studio.
When: Friday, May 9, 2025, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.
Where: Pollard Hall at Flagler College, 31 Cordova Street

Saturday, May 10, 2025

Florida National Guard Historic Barracks and Museum

What: Alison Simpson of the Florida National Guard offers a guided tour of the St. Francis Barracks and grounds. The property was formerly a Franciscan Monastery, the Convento de San Francisco, and was later used as a U.S. Army installation. The tour also discusses the history of Florida's military.
When: Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Where: The National Guard, 82 Marine Street

Best-Richardson African Diaspora Literature & Cultural Museum

Gullah Geechee & Beyond

What: An immersive day of celebration and education, focusing on the cultural heritage of the Gullah Geechee. Artisans, storytellers, and Ring Shouters share their knowledge, talents, crafts, and flavors. Visit, learn about the rich heritage of the Gullah Geechee, sample the cuisine, and learn their stories. 

• 10:00 a.m.—"Using Genealogy to Honor our Ancestors and Discover the Past," Gigi Best
• 10:30 a.m.—"A Generational Cry: A True Story of the Haitian Revolution," Rose Francois, author
• 11:00 a.m.—"A Runaway Man," Bruce Ingram, Gullah reenactor, actor, and artist
• 12:00 p.m.—"African Americans or Afrikans in America," original poem by Gigi Best
• 1:00 p.m.—Gullah Geechee Ring Shouters perform
• 2:00 p.m.—"Amara's Adventures: A Trip to Jacksonville," Nora D. Oracle, author
• 3:00 p.m.—Rope drumming performance by Scott Manny
• 4:00 p.m.—St. Paul AME Youth Praise Dancers perform

When: Saturday, May 10, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: The BRADLC Museum, 83 Washington Street

Preserving the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum

What: This historic preservation tour of the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum focuses on the house as the museum's largest "artifact." The tour examines some of the clues about the property's past, discussing how archaeological finds and restoration of the coquina structure have revealed information about the house and the people who lived there. 
When: Saturday, May 10, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Ximenez-Fatio House Museum, 20 Aviles Street

St. Augustine National Cemetery

What: Dr. Amy Larner Giroux, University of Central Florida, "No Longer Unknown: Native American POWs, Civil War soldiers, and Second Seminole War casualties."
When: May 10, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. 
Where: St. Augustine National Cemetery, 104 Marine Street

Fort Mose Historic Park: Opening of the Reconstructed Fort

On May 9 and 10, Fort Mose celebrates the opening of the reconstructed fort. There are multiple events on each day.

What: David Nolan discusses "The Intertwined Histories of Fort Mose and St. Augustine." 
When: Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 1:30 to 2:10 p.m.

What: Archaeologist Lori Lee, PhD., Flagler College, speaks about the latest findings during the excavation of the second Fort Mose.
When: Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 2:10 to 2:40 p.m.

What: Opportunities to view Fort Mose and the grounds. African drummers perform in the afternoon, and Ben & Jerry's ice cream is available from 2:45 to 4:00 pm.
When: The fort is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Special activities occur throughout the day.

Where: Fort Mose Historic Park, 15 Fort Mose Trail
Parking: Off-site parking and transportation to and from the fort are available at 301 San Marco between 9:00 and 4:30 p.m.

Duel on Aviles Street

What: Two men threaten to duel on the nation's oldest street. Fortunately, they have their quarrel outside the Spanish Military Hospital. Can the surgeon save a life?
When: Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Where: Near 3 Aviles Street

Drake's Raid Reenactment

What: Drake's Raid Reenactment. Reenactors representing Spanish and English troops camp at the Fountain of Youth on Friday and Saturday. On Saturday Evening, they gather at the Governor's House and then march to the Orange Street redoubt, where they will reenact a battle to commemorate Drake's 1586 raid on St. Augustine.
When: Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Where: Troops gather at the Governor's House on the plaza and march to Orange Street. The battle takes place at the redoubt on Orange Street.

Sunday, May 11, 2025

St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine

Multiple Events

What: Four 20-minute presentations providing an insider's look at the history of 41 St. George Street

The Presentations:  
1:00 p.m.—How the building's footprint changed from a family home to a National Shrine.
1:30 p.m.—How the refugees of New Smyrna Colony received refuge at the Avero House
2:00 p.m.—The Chapel of San Pietro and the Golden Book Registry
2:30 p.m.—The symbolism of the Byzantine Iconography in the St. Photios Chapel

When: Every half-hour, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. Each presentation takes 20 minutes, so you can enjoy conversation and refreshments.
Where: St. Photios, 41 St. George Street
 

First Congregation Sons of Israel
Author's Talk

What: To celebrate the building of the synagogue, 100 years ago, author and congregant Robert Blau wrote a book about the origins of the local Jewish community. He will discuss this history and sign copies of the book.
When: Sunday, May 11, 2025, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Where: First Congregation Sons of Israel, 161 Cordova Street