A Preservation Story Stewarded by the University of Florida
The University of Florida serves as steward of the city’s most significant state-owned historic places, ensuring that this history is preserved, studied, and shared with integrity. Through a legislative mandate from the state of Florida, UF is entrusted with the long-term care and interpretation of numerous historic properties within St. Augustine’s colonial core, forming one of the largest and most important collections of publicly owned historic structures in the region.
This responsibility builds on a preservation legacy that began in 1959, when the State of Florida first made a formal commitment to safeguarding St. Augustine’s historic fabric for the public good. Over the decades, these early efforts stabilized threatened structures and laid the foundation for professional preservation and interpretation. When UF first assumed stewardship in 2010, it brought academic rigor, interdisciplinary research, and long-term vision to this work ensuring that preservation decisions are informed by scholarship and aligned with best practices.
Today, UF’s presence in St. Augustine transforms historic properties into a living classroom. Students, faculty, and researchers work directly in historic spaces, advancing knowledge in preservation, archaeology, history, museum studies, cultural resources management, cultural tourism, and many other diverse fields while contributing to the care of irreplaceable resources.
Experience UF Historic St. Augustine
Stay up to date with the latest announcements, initiatives, and official notices from UF Historic St. Augustine. Access important public meeting information and updates that keep our community informed and involved.
May 6–10, 2026
The multi-day event spans several venues that feature authentic St. Augustine history and culture.
Governor’s House Museum proudly presents Wild Waters: Rivers, Lakes, Wetlands, Coast and the Florida Wildlife Corridor selections from the Samuel H. and Roberta T. Vickers Collection. The exhibit is available for viewing free of charge daily from 10 am to 5 pm. This exhibit is lent courtesy of the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, University of Florida, The Florida Art Collection, Gift of Samuel H. and Roberta T. Vickers.
St. Augustine played an important role in the American Revolution — but not on the side of American independence! The city and its residents remained loyal to Great Britain, with many consequences.
Come and find out about their story at the Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum open 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily.
This exhibit was curated by members of the UF Historic St. Augustine (UFHSA) Education Committee.
“Secrets of Spanish Florida” is a PBS documentary film about Florida’s earliest settlers featuring a host of University of Florida researchers who helped uncover the real story of America’s Spanish colonists.
Produced by UF Historic St. Augustine, the film is a Secrets of the Dead presentation for public television of THIRTEEN Productions LLC for WNET.
Managed by UF Historic St. Augustine and the UF George A. Smathers Libraries, this collection preserves resources that illuminate St. Augustine’s built heritage, offering valuable insight into the city’s architecture, history, and the people who shaped it over time.
Visit More UF Historical St. Augustine Sites
Colonial Quarter Experience
Journey back in time through the history of St. Augustine featuring a 35-foot watchtower, colonial buildings, shops and dining experiences.
Spanish Military Hospital
Explore 18th-Century Spanish Medicine at the Spanish Military Hospital Museum in St. Augustine.
The Making of Historic St. Augustine
Layers of Time
