The College has unveiled a series of interactive exhibits inside the Rotunda and Courtyard of the former Hotel Ponce de Leon, designed to immerse guests in the art, architecture, and stories of Henry Flagler’s Gilded Age masterpiece.
Funded by a grant from the State of Florida, Division of Historic Resources, the project blends multimedia technology with tactile, hands-on experiences. The result is a richer experience for student-led tours, casual visitors, and members of the Flagler community alike.
Working with Quatrefoil Associates, Flagler College developed exhibits that range from digital storytelling to historically inspired recreations.
Among the highlights:
Lantern Projector Tours: Student tour guides will illuminate historic photographs with lantern-inspired projectors, adding vivid context to their tours.
Discovery Drawers and Cards: Beneath the grand staircase, visitors can pull open drawers filled with artifacts, ephemera, and prompts for self-guided learning.
Portraits Come to Life: Digital touchscreens introduce key figures from the Ponce’s past, portrayed by local actors.
Stained Glass Design Kiosk: A design station allows visitors to create Tiffany-inspired stained glass while learning about Louis Comfort Tiffany’s artistry.
Recreated 1920s Guestroom: Original furnishings and reproductions recreate President Harding's family’s 1921 stay.
Courtyard Exhibits: A bronze statue of Henry Flagler and his dog Delos joins graphic kiosks showcasing historic photographs of the courtyard through the decades.
“These new exhibits offer our visitors, students, and the St. Augustine community fresh ways to experience the remarkable history of the Ponce,” said Flagler College President John Delaney. “They bring Henry Flagler’s vision to life and deepen appreciation for the cultural and architectural legacy that continues to inspire us today.”
The installations are the latest step in Flagler College’s ongoing effort to preserve and interpret the Ponce de Leon Hotel, a National Historic Landmark that remains the heart of the College’s campus and one of the city’s most treasured buildings.
For students, the exhibits enhance their role as tour guides and storytellers of the Ponce’s past. For the community, they ensure that the landmark’s history remains accessible, engaging, and alive for generations to come.
