Compiled by James Smith In the closing days of World War I, the world faced one of the worst pandemics of the modern era, the Spanish Flu Pandemic. The term Spanish Flu originated largely because the United States government did not want news of the disease to diminish the war effort, since the conflict was nearly won. World War I ended with the armistice on November 11, 1918. However, Spain remained neutral in the conflict. [...]
#LoveYourLighthouse Your St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is closed to protect you and your lighthouse family from COVID-19. While we are closed, we invite you to take virtual tours of the lighthouse and museum in the following YouTube videos. Your Gift of Love for our Maritime Heritage Makes A Difference. Donate today, or take advantage of deep discount opportunities by visiting www.staugustinelighthouse.org. Stay Safe and #LoveYourLighthouse Tour the St. Augustine Lighthouse with Head Lighthouse Keeper Rick [...]
The first St. Augustine Lighthouse, called the Old Spanish Watchtower, which became Florida's first lighthouse in 1824. Maria Andreu, wife of Head Keeper Joseph Andreu, became the first female lighthouse keeper of Hispanic-American descent in Florida when her husband died in 1859. To best understand the importance of women at the St. Augustine Lighthouse, we must understand that women have always supported the lighthouse keepers. They ran the household so that the keepers [...]
The health and safety of our visitors, volunteers and staff is always our top priority at the nonprofit St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. As a public health precaution due to COVID-19, we will close the museum beginning Monday, March 16, 2020 and continuing for 14 days. Major Florida museums across the state are starting to close for two weeks to flatten the curve and to preserve the LONG TERM HEALTH of our tourism-based economy. [...]
ST. AUGUSTINE, FL – The health and safety of our visitors, volunteers and staff is always our top priority at the nonprofit St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. As a public health precaution due to COVID-19, we are doing everything we can help to minimize the risk of virus transmission in the community. We are following the guidelines published by the CDC and local health authorities. And will continue to actively monitor the situation [...]
Vessel built at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum for re-enactment group Heritage Boatworks volunteers at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum have completed a replica of a 1760 Yawl wooden sailing vessel. This commission for HMS Bellisarius, a re-enactment group, was handcrafted for near three years. “Using plans from 1760, the boat builders have constructed a working Yawl. These boats were adopted by the British Navy in 1701 as the smallest class [...]
By Kelcie Lloyd, Special Programs Manager Dark of the Moon Ghost Tours The Pittee Sisters After being darkened during the Civil War, on June 1, 1867, the Old Spanish watchtower once more became a functioning lighthouse with the return of its light. Nevertheless, it soon became clear that the structure would soon lose the battle with Mother Nature as the sea continued to erode the land around the lighthouse. After several reports to [...]
Unlimited beer tastings from 30 craft breweries will be the highlight of the second annual St. Augustine Brewers’ Festival, held from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 9 at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park in St. Augustine. Each ticketholder will receive a commemorative 6-ounce tasting glass. Tickets are available starting March 1 at stabrewersfest.com Admission is $40 in advance, and $45 the day of the event. There is limited on-site parking. VIP tickets are available for $100 each and [...]
SHOW YOUR LIGHTHOUSE LOVE! Help us continue to offer summer camp to children! Many of these students come from low-income, mostly single parent homes and attend Title I schools. YOUR GIFT MAKES THIS POSSIBLE. Give Here BRICKS MAKE THE PERFECT VALENTINE GIFT! Order a brick now and receive a certificate to give your Valentine! ... There are many ways to leave a legacy at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. Naming opportunities include purchasing a brick or paver, [...]
Mary Postell A freed slave after the American Revolutionary War, Mary Postell was born in South Carolina, enslaved again in St. Augustine, Florida, where she and her daughter were kidnapped, and then taken to Nova Scotia, Canada, by her owner in 1786. In St. Augustine and Canada, Mary tried to prove her freedom in court houses. Her story was written below for a presentation for summer camp students at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime [...]
