Annual meeting of the St Augustine Historical Society

The St Augustine Historical Society announced to Historic City News that at tomorrow evening’s annual meeting, University of Florida Historic St Augustine chairman, Allen Lastinger, will join in the presentation of a program focused on four of the city’s most important colonial buildings.

The Historical Society cares for two National Historic landmarks: the Gonzalez-Alvarez House (Oldest House) and the Fernandez-Llambias House. Two other National Register Spanish colonial buildings, the Tovar House and the Segui-Kirby Smith House (research library) are also under the care of the Historical Society.

“Most of the recognized Spanish colonial structures in the United States are defense works, government or religious buildings,” executive director of the Historical Society, Susan R. Parker, Ph.D., told reporters. “Although these important structures were not created to be as strong and durable as fortifications and churches, St Augustine is unique to have so many Spanish colonial residences; built by the people who would live in them.”

Lastinger, Dr. Parker, and two award-winning preservation architects, Herschel Shepard and Kenneth Smith, will discuss preserving these Spanish-built residences — known to be some of the oldest in the United States.

If you are planning to attend, the meeting will convene at 7:00 p.m. in the Flagler Room of Flagler College, located at 74 King Street in St Augustine.