“The mission of the St. Augustine Historical Society is to acquire, preserve, and interpret the historical resources of St. Augustine and its sphere of influence for the benefit of the public through its stewardship of historic buildings and collections, research, publications and educational programming.”
The González-Alvarez House, a National Historic Landmark known locally as “The Oldest House”, is the core of the St. Augustine Historical Society’s Oldest House Museum complex. Dating to the early 1700s, the historic house museum gives a glimpse into the lives of its Spanish, British and American occupants from the First Spanish Period through the Victorian era. It is the oldest surviving Spanish Colonial residential dwelling in Florida, and is the oldest museum in Florida, open to the general public since 1892. Before taking a guided tour of the González-Alvarez House, visitors to the Oldest House Museum complex explore several other museums located on the property. The Manucy Museum of St. Augustine History is located in the historic Webb Building, the first building in Florida erected specifically to house a museum. Artifacts and interpretive panels highlight four centuries of St. Augustine’s history. The St. Augustine Surf Museum and Marineland History Exhibit are housed in the 18th century Tovar House, also known locally as the “Cannonball House”. The Five Centuries of Our Coast Map Exhibit is housed in the Page Edwards Gallery. The complex also includes an ornamental garden, picnic area, and a museum store. The Society also operates a research library and is steward of the Spanish Colonial Fernández-Llambias House, also a National Historic Landmark