Collections and Conservation

The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum Collections and Conservation allows for historical and archaeological research related to the cultural and technological history of the historic Light Station and the role that lighthouses, watchtowers, and ships of all types have played in the development of the community from the 16th century through the present day.

The Museum collects and preserves objects, artifacts, photographs, and archives that shed light on the regional maritime heritage to support its mission. It also preserves six historic structures on its property. Museum collections help build a more complete understanding of the unbroken 450-year-old European heritage and an even older Native American cultural heritage of St. Augustine that is inextricably linked to the sea. People and trade goods moved primarily over the waterways from the 16th through the late 19th centuries. Learn more about our Permanent and Digital Collections.

The Museum Conservation Lab conserves artifacts recovered from shipwrecks investigated by the Lighthouse Archaeology Maritime Program, the research arm of the Museum. Check out our latest conservation projects here.

The Museum accepts the donation of items to the collection pending an evaluation of the object’s relevance to its mission. Other factors include impacts on space, preservation and conservation needs as well as resources required to preserve an object in perpetuity. If you have something you would like to donate, please contact the Chief Curator at 904-829-0745.