The reception occurred following the lecture of Dr. J. Michael Francis, “Life and Death in Colonial St. Augustine: Tales from the Parish Archives, 1594-1763”, which examines the diverse population that shaped St. Augustine from its founding. Dr. J. Michael Francis is the Hough Family Chair of Florida Studies and Professor of History at the University of South Florida. He specializes in colonial Latin America, Early Florida, Spanish Borderlands, the Pre-Columbian Americas, and Spanish Paleography.
The St. Augustine History Festival was created and conceived by UFHSA (University of Florida Historic St. Augustine, Inc.) and the Lastinger Family Foundation to generate excitement about the history of America’s oldest city.
“Educating the public and sharing our valuable historical resources is at the heart of our mission,” says Magen Altice, Executive Director of the St. Augustine Historical Society. “Through our partnership with the Division of Continuing Education [at Flagler College], we can continue to expand our reach and positively impact our community with quality educational programming. Together, we can strengthen our endeavors to make history accessible to the public.”
This year has led Dr. Jeanette Vigliotti, the Director of Lifelong Learning & Contract Training, on a journey of connecting with the St. Augustine Historical Society to strengthen the bond between Flagler College and the community. The first step was partnering with them on the St. Augustine History Festival.
“What’s amazing about the History Festival is the foundational focus for the locals,” says Dr. Vigliotti. “While tourists enjoy it immensely, there are not as many events for the people who are the boots on the ground of this city. We wanted this reception to be for them: those who live and love St. Augustine.”
Over the next year, Lifelong Learning and the St. Augustine Historical Society will co-host a lecture series titled “Coastal Crossroads: The Ancient City Speaks.” Dr. Vigliotti has also begun creating a Lifelong Learning curriculum centered on St. Augustine and aspires that active community members teach the courses, ones who “unearth the past and create the future of this city.”
You may contact Lifelong Learning at lifelonglearning@flagler.edu and be subscribed to their email list to receive updates.
