Nolan to narrate Know Your City tours in May

Kathryn Schirmacher, Secretary of Citizens for the Preservation of St. Augustine, tells local St. Augustine reporters with Historic City News that her organization will be sponsoring two “Know Your City” tours hosted by historian David Nolan on Saturday, May 15, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. and again at 12:00 noon.

Schirmacher asks, “How well do you know the history of St. Augustine?”

Many people on the First Coast have visited the Nation’s Oldest City and are familiar with some of the more famous sites and attractions, but what about the areas beyond the boundaries of the immediate historic neighborhoods and shopping areas?

Here is your chance to learn some of this fascinating history.

Historic City News readers are invited to join historian David Nolan on a “Know Your City” tour under the sponsorship of Citizens for the Preservation of St. Augustine and in recognition of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “National Preservation Month”.

Some of the lesser-known areas of St. Augustine will be highlighted on the tour, such as: the “Streetcar Suburbs” from the trolley age of nearly a century ago; old plantations that have been turned into subdivisions; Henry Flagler’s first train station and the last remains of his mansion “Kirkside,” which was demolished in 1950; hidden hotels from the Flagler Era; the home of TIME Magazine’s Man of the Year for 1929; and many more. Also highlighted will be endangered sites in need of preservation and other sites where magnificent buildings once stood but which have since been demolished.

Proceeds from this year’s tour will help to support the stabilization and preservation of Echo House.

The cost of this fascinating and entertaining glimpse into St. Augustine’s past is $15.00 per person.

Tours will leave from and return to the parking lot of The Old Jail Museum located at 167 San Marco Avenue with transportation sponsored by Old Town Trolley Tours of St. Augustine, Historic Tours of America.

Advance reservations are required and may be made by calling Kathy Schirmacher at (904) 808-1886.