Schedule of Events:
9:00 am - 10:00 am: Florida National Guard Historic Barracks/Museum
History Festival Tour!
Join Command Historian Alison Simpson of the Florida National Guard for a guided tour of the historic St. Francis Barracks and grounds. This one-hour tour features the early history of the property as a Franciscan headquarters, its use as a U.S. Army installation during the 19th century, the history of Florida’s military. This tour is free of charge.
The Florida National Guard is the nation’s oldest militia, established by Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles in 1565 (photo circa1880s)
9:00 am - 1:30 pm: City of St. Augustine
The City of St. Augustine offers a Window Workshop at the Historic Water Works Building (a.k.a. The Waterworks) in participation with the 4th Annual St. Augustine
History Festival
On Saturday, May 10, from 9:00am to 1:30pm, the City of St. Augustine’s Historic Preservation Division will participate in the St. Augustine History Festival by offering an interactive window workshop at The Waterworks Building, located at 184 San Marco Avenue. Julie Courtney, the City’s Historic Preservation Officer, will facilitate the workshop, offering welcome remarks and assisting throughout the program.
Historic Preservation Advisors for Austin Historical will lead the presentation and workshop. Doug Romaine will present in the main room of The Waterworks, with Nate Cross doing a live demonstration of restoration techniques. Next, a limited number of participants can learn hands-on skills with wood window sashes. The presentation and hands-on workshop are an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of historic windows by preservation experts, including the benefits of historic windows, return on investment with replacement windows, energy efficiency facts and options, maintenance and restoration techniques, how to be hurricane ready with historic windows, and will include time to ask questions.
The presentation on historic window restoration will begin at 9:00 am, with an ongoing live demonstration showing key steps to the process. There is ample space for guests, but reservations are preferred to guarantee a spot. Reserve your spot for the presentation and live demonstration online here.
Then, at approximately 10:15am and continuing until 1:30pm, 15 participants will practice hands-on skills with wood window sashes, focusing on glazing. Reservations are required for the hands-on component, but guests attending the presentation and live demonstration are encouraged to stay to observe and learn more about how this crucial part of window restoration is done. Reserve your spot for the hands-on component online here.
The hands-on glazing learning is planned to be outdoors, weather permitting; however, it will remain indoors if weather does not allow. Guests participating in the hands-on portion of the program should dress accordingly and anticipate the possibility of getting slightly dirty.
This event is free and open to the public. While reservations are not required to attend the indoor presentation, a reservation is preferred and can be made online here. Those interested in the outdoor, hands-on window workshop are required to reserve a spot, as space is limited for this portion. Reservations can be made online here.
Workshop Presenters
Doug Romaine, Historic Preservation Advisor
A lifetime of serving people in nonprofits has equipped Doug with exceptional customer care. Growing up in a historic home led Doug to Austin Historical. Doug’s training as a craftsman and his expertise as a Historic Preservation Advisor will guide you calmly through the process until you arrive at the destination of wonderfully restored windows. Doug has traveled throughout the state of Florida and beyond to offer expertise and care for historic restoration.
Nate Cross, Historic Preservation Advisor
Growing up working on custom homes with his father in Jacksonville laid the foundation for Nate’s passion for craftsmanship. After gaining product knowledge while selling paint at Sherwin-Williams, followed by hands-on experience with a local painting contractor, he launched his own successful painting and handyman business. That path led him to Austin Historical, where he honed his skills as a fine finisher and craftsman on historic windows and doors. Now, as a Historic Preservation Advisor at Austin Historical, he brings practical knowledge, care, and clarity to every restoration project he supports.
St. Augustine History 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. From May 7 – 11, 2025, the festival will showcase every era of St. Augustine’s long and storied past at over 30 Special Events and Historic Venues.
Historic Waterworks Building
The building was completed in 1898 as the first St. Augustine Waterworks Pumping Station and a rare example of a brick masonry structure in St. Augustine. Following its decommissioning in 1927, the building was adapted to a community center, which served the St. Augustine Art Association, the Little Theatre, and Camp Fire Girls from 1928 until 1964. From 1964 until 2005, the building housed the St. Augustine Garden Club. In 2013, the building was designated as a Local Historical Landmark, and in 2014, the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Beginning in 2015, preservation efforts by the City removed non-historic additions and alterations, and resulted in the restoration of original finishes and features. Grant funds from the Florida Division of Historical Resources contributed to the effort, along with countless hours of dedicated work by architects, construction crews, craftspeople, and City staff, and the building was reopened. In 2022, the St. Johns Cultural Council signed a lease to become the new tenants and breathe fresh life and activity into the building that they market as The Waterworks.
Location: The Waterworks Building - 184 San Marco, St. Augustine, 32084
10:00 am - 5:00 pm: Best-Richardson African Diaspora Literature & Cultural Museum
Best Richardson African Diaspora Literature & Cultural Museum Presents: “Gullah Geechee & Beyond: A celebration of community and identity within the African Diaspora.”
The BRADLC Museum is thrilled to announce an upcoming extraordinary cultural event, Gullah Geechee & Beyond, on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 83 Washington Street. This event is integral to the St. Augustine History Festival, commemorating the city’s history and heritage, from May 7 to May 11, 2025.
This engaging and educational program is free to the public (donations are welcome; use our Donate Button on our website or visit our museum). This event continues last year’s narrative of the Gullah connection to the Lincolnville community. It complements the commemoration of the Gullah Geechee Corridor traced from Wilmington, NC, to St. Augustine, FL. The event honors our Heritage and is essential to the community as they learn about the Low Country’s history.
Our festive celebration invites the public to experience the rich traditions and cultural heritage of the Gullah Geechee Nation. The event explores the deep connections between the Gullah Geechee people and the African Diaspora. Through immersive experience, attendees can delve into this community’s unique and vibrant fabric, expressed through language, culinary traditions, handcrafted arts, engaging lectures, poetry, author participation, and storytelling.
Guests will also uncover powerful narratives that span eras, generations, and continents. Whether savoring the flavors of traditional cuisine, engaging with skilled artisans, listening to stories passed down through time, or listening to music performed through the Ring Shouters, attendees will leave with a profound appreciation for the Gullah Geechee people’s past, present, and future.
Our Literature & Cultural Museum is devoted to honoring and preserving the rich heritage of the Diaspora. The museum is a hub for exploring and celebrating the invaluable contributions of African Diaspora leaders, artists, cultural traditions, and history through engaging exhibits, guided tours, educational programs, and dynamic community events. It is a hub for exploring and celebrating the invaluable contributions of African Diaspora leaders, artists, cultural traditions, and history through engaging exhibits, guided tours, educational programs, and dynamic community events.
There will be engaging activities for youth and door prizes. We will continue our Book Liquidation Fundraiser with over 2,000 books featuring selected paperbacks, two for $1.00, and hardback books for $2.00. For more information about the event, visit www.bradlcmuseum.com or call (904) 217-8255.
Location: Best-Richardson African Diaspora Literature and Culture Museum - 83 Washington Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084
10:00 am - 11:00 am: Ximenez-Fatio House Museum and Historic Gardens
"This special tour highlights how the house itself is our biggest artifact, revealing clues about the past and showcasing restoration efforts that keep its legacy alive. Discover the importance of historic preservation and learn about recent restoration projects and the archaeological findings that offer a deeper understanding of the house and its residents. Join us to see history through the lens of preservation where every beam, brick, and floorboard has a story to tell!"
Location: Ximenez-Fatio House Museum and Historic Garden - 20 Aviles Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084
10:30 am - 12:00 pm: St. Augustine National Cemetery Tour and Discussion.
Please join Amy Larner Giroux, Associate Director of UCF's Center for Humanities & Digital Research, for a guided tour highlighting the cemetery's Unknowns. Learn about Native American POWs, Civil War soldiers, and Second Seminole War casualties.
Tour lasts approximately one hour.
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Duel on Aviles Street!
Join us for this thrilling display of colonial chivalry and surgery
Location: 3 Aviles Street
9:00 AM - Fort Mose Historical Society
9:00 AM to Noon. Opportunities to view the Fort, the grounds of the Fort Mose State Park, and the Fort Mose Museum
Noon to 1:00 PM-Fort Mose Militia and Women of Mase demonstrations.
1:30 PM 2:30 PM-Local historian David Nolan, PhD speaks on Fort Mose's intertwined history with St. Augustine.
2:10 PM-2:45 PM-Archaeologist Lori Lee, PhD, Flagler College. speaks on the latest findings from excavations on the second Fort Mose
2:45 PM-4:00 PM-Opportunities to view the Fort, the museum, and the grounds of Fort Mose State Park.
2:45 PM-4:00 PM-Free Ben & Jerry's ice cream.
African Drummers in the afternoon.
$1.00 hot dogs in the afternoon
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Drake’s Raid Reenactment
Beginning at 7:00 p.m., the armies of Spain and England will fight for possession of St. Augustine in this reenactment of Sir Francis Drake’s raid in 1586. This is an historic district-wide event, beginning at the Governor’s House on the Plaza, then continuing north to the Santa Domingo redoubt by the City Gates.
The English have won this battle every year for 439 years, but maybe this is Spain’s year?
Come Find Out!
Location: Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum - 48 King Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084
