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ST. AUGUSTINE LIGHTHOUSE & MARITIME MUSEUM
CELEBRATES 150 YEARS
The Lighthouse tower is turning 150 this October 15th, 2024.
Join us for this year-long celebration!
Please see below for events details.
Ways to Get Involved
For more information, please contact Holly Powers at 904-829-0745 ext. 219 or email hpowers@staugustinelighthouse.org
Coming Soon!
CLICK HERE TO GRAB A YARD SIGN
We are thrilled to invite the community to help celebrate the Lighthouse 150th anniversary. Show your support by reserving your free yard sign to display and help us spread this exciting news.
We cannot wait to celebrate this anniversary with you and our whole community. Reserve your sign today. You will receive an email with dates and times to pick up your sign. Though the yard signs are a free way to show your support; please consider making a donation.
150th Merchandise – Purchase a commemorative print, ornament, sticker or article of clothing on your next visit! Show your support for 150 years of service!
150th Events
Thursday, December 19, 2024, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM at the Historic Waterworks: Eliot Kleinberg, former journalist and author, will present “War in Paradise: World War II in Florida” discussing the changes brought to Florida and our community with America’s entry into World War II. Free admission but a reservation is required: Click Here
Thursday, February, 20, 2025, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM at the St. Augustine Lighthouse: Dr. Lori Lee, professor at Flagler College, and Mr. Chuck Meide, Director of Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program, will discuss the discovery of Fort Mose and how the archaeology conducted at the site is rewriting the history books. Free admission but a reservation is required. Link to register will be available soon.
Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM at Memorial Presbyterian Church: Dr. Leslee Keys, retired professor at Flagler College, will highlight the creating of Florida’s tourism industry with a focus Henry M. Flagler and his luxury hotels in St. Augustine. The event will take place at Memorial Presbyterian Church, built by Mr. Flagler in memory of his daughter. Free admission but a reservation is required. Link to register will be available soon.
Date to be announced, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM at Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center: Dr. Michael Butler, Kenan Distinguished Professor at Flagler College, will walk us through the St. Augustine Civil Rights movement and the events surrounding the demonstrations of 1964. Free admission but a reservation is required. Link to register will be available soon.
Thursday, September 18, 2025, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM at St. Augustine Art Association: Dr. Keri Watson, art history professor at the University of Central Florida, will present an engaging history of Florida’s landscape painters, including James Audubon and the Florida Highwaymen, along with many others. Link to register will be available soon.
The Last
150 Years
of History
- On October 15th, 1874, Lighthouse Keeper, William R. Russell lit the St. Augustine Lighthouse for the first time.
- In 1876, the construction of the Keepers’ House was completed. Principal Keeper William A. Harn, First Assistant Keeper Daniel J. Mickler, and Second Assistant Keeper Lewis R. Hite were the first occupants of the house. William Harn’s wife, Kate, and their five daughters also lived in the Keeper’s home.
- In 1880, the Old Spanish Tower collapsed into Salt Run.
- In 1936, the St. Augustine Lighthouse received electricity.
- In 1942, Coast Guardsmen took a 24-hour watch at the top during WWII.
- In 1955, the Lighthouse was automated and the last keeper retired.
- In 1936, the St. Augustine Lighthouse receives electricity.
- In 1942, Coast Guardsmen took 24-hour watch during WWII.
- On April 16th, 1988 during the Grand Opening Celebration, the Keeper’s House is open to the public for the first time in 33 years.
- On May 22nd, 1993, the First Order Lens was restored and lit during the first lighthouse festival.
- In 1994, the Museum opened full-time.
- In 2022, Latest Lighthouse Restoration: the tower exterior was painted for the first time in 8 years, and the interior was painted for the first time since initial restoration in the 1990s.
Events and details are subject to change. Please stay updated by visiting this web page.
Journey with us as we explore 150 years of St. Augustine Lighthouse History and evolution of the tower’s function. Learn about complex coastlines and need for a Lighthouse here. Celebrate the ongoing community support for Lighthouse preservation. Shining Bright for 150 Years!
NEW EXHIBIT: Reflections: A Celebration of 150 years of Service
150 years ago, this tower was constructed to serve as an aid to navigation. The lighthouse still plays that role today. The tower proudly stands because a community treasured this icon along our coastline. Journey with us as we explore this tower’s 150-year history in St. Augustine. Your visit today helps keep our light shining brightly.
The interpretative programs of the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum are sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida Council on Arts & Culture.
Thank You To Our Sponsors
