About

The 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. Our goal is to showcase every era of St. Augustine’s long and storied past through over 30 Special Events and Historic Sites listed below – from our founding in 1565 to the most advanced technology available in 2024 to research and study every year in-between. American history began here, and no one tells our story better than we do – come out and enjoy our city!

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Historic Sites

Castillo de San Marcos

Experience St. Augustine’s National Monument – the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States

St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park

One of Florida's oldest continuously running attractions, since 1893.

The Colonial Quarter

Fine Shops and Tavern Dining Surrounded by History

Flagler College

Special History Festival Garden Tour

Florida National Guard Historic Barracks/Museum

An insightful tour opportunity at the Nation's Oldest Militia/National Guard Unit

Fort Mose State Park and Museum

Fort Mose, America's First Free All-Black Community, established 1738

Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park

Special History Festival Programs at America’s First Colony - Where Legend Meets History

Governor's House Cultural Center and Museum

Pics: Photographs from UFHSA Governor’s House Library

Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center

The Road to Black History Runs Through Lincolnville

Peña-Peck House

Four History Festival Talks You Won't Want to Miss!

Spanish Military Hospital

Spanish Military Hospital Presents: "The Duel on Aviles”

St. Augustine Historical Society/Oldest House

Visit St. Augustine's Oldest House Museums Complex and Historical Gardens

St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum

Find Out What's Happening at the Lighthouse during St. Augustine History Festival

Villa Zorayda

The Villa Zorayda Museum- A Historic Gilded Age Masterpiece.

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Historic Houses of Worship

Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine

Learn more about our Cathedral by taking a tour!

First Congregation Sons of Israel

Shalom! First Congregation Sons of Israel Welcomes You!

St. Cyprians Episcopal Church

A place where history is treasured and God's wisdom is sought for today.

Ancient City Baptist Church

Pursuing life in Christ with passion and purpose.

Memorial Presbyterian Church

A thriving and multigenerational congregation that is committed to Christian unity amid diversity.

National Shrine of Our Lady la Leche

The Nation’s First Catholic Mission and Parish

Trinity Parish

St. Augustine's Oldest Protestant Church, established in 1821

St. Paul A.M.E. Church

Founded in 1873, the St. Paul A.M.E. Church has fostered the resilient spirit of St. Augustine for generations

St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine

The Saint Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine is located in the historic Avero House at 41 St. George Street.

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Historic Gardens

Father Miguel O'Reilly House and Gardens

Fr. Miguel O'Reilly House - St. Augustine's Favorite Secret Garden!

Flagler College Historic Garden Tour

Special Tour and Program with Dr. Timothy Johnson

Fountain of Youth Historic Gardens

Where Legend Meets History in the Oldest Gardens in St. Augustine

Nombre de Dios Historic Grounds and Gardens

Sharing the story of the graces of Mary for over 450 on the "Sacred Acre"

Peña-Peck House Historic Gardens

Easily the most beautiful gardens on St. George Street since 1740!

Spanish Military Hospital Apothecary Garden

Some gardens enlighten, while others radiate beauty - our gardens heal the sick!

UF: Resilient Florida Natives and Landscape Design

Talk to the experts about your landscaping ideas and learn their secrets!

Ximenez-Fatio House Gardens

These historic gardens go back to 1798, when herbs and aromatics were the perfect compliment to the city's finest boarding house

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Historic Cemeteries

First Congregation Sons of Israel Cemetery

The oldest Jewish cemetery in the state of Florida, established in 1840.

Pinehurst and San Sebastian Cemeteries

Come pay your respects to some of the oldest remaining African-American history in St. Augustine

St. Augustine National Cemetery

One of the nation's oldest and most revered national cemeteries

Tolomato Cemetery

Tolomato Cemetery is one of the most historic locations in St. Augustine.

A PBS Documentary

Secrets of the Dead:
The Secrets of Spanish Florida

Before Jamestown and Pocahontas – before Plymouth Rock and the Pilgrims – there was only St. Augustine, a culturally diverse colonial experiment born from dire necessities of imperial proportions in the eye of a storm. The University of Florida Historic St. Augustine, Inc. present this four-hour PBS documentary that identifies the beginnings of America’s true First Colony. Narrated by Jimmy Smits, you will see a story of early America that most people have no idea exists. This fascinating DVD is available for purchase at each of the St. Augustine History Festival’s participating venues.

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