Not only is St. Augustine Florida the oldest European city in the USA, but it also lays claim to having the oldest documented Spanish Colonial home in the state. Continuously occupied for over 400 years, the Oldest House Museum Complex includes the Oldest House, the Manucy Museum which covers over four centuries of Florida history, Tovar House military museum, Page L. Edwards Gallery, the ornate Oldest House Gardens and the museum store. Admission to the Oldest House gains you access to all the buildings and will give you much knowledge of the best documented and studied historical home in the country. With an unparalleled collection of historical and genealogical data, church translations from the 1500’s, artifacts and other historically significant information, the González-Alvarez House is one of the less than 2500 historical properties to receive the distinction of being classified as a National Historic Landmark, and is well worth a visit.
The González-Alvarez House has been continuously occupied since the early 1600’s and documents such events as the two Spanish occupations as well as the British and American occupations of this Florida city. Detailing evidence of those historical events has been preserved not only in the structure but in myriad documents and artifacts located in the house itself and in the adjoining museums. A walk through this house gives one the sense of life over the centuries and a guided tour will highlight changes in construction and the evidence of the raiding, burning and sacking it received during this turbulent time of history.
What to Expect
The Manucy Museum is the only exhibition in St. Augustine to record the city’s history from the time it was established until modern day, and also includes an exhibit to show how archaeology is used to discover how people lived in the past. Combine this experience with interaction with authentic buildings and artifacts and the visitor can gain a detailed view of the history of the last 400 years.
The Tovar House Museum is inside another historic home which dates back to 1740 and contains military uniforms, weapons and equipment dating from the early Colonial Period to the First Gulf War in the early 1990’s. A real treat for military aficionados, there are many unique items to the area found only in the Tovar House Museum.
The Page L. Edwards Gallery houses many of the artifacts from the house and surrounding historical era as well as travelling exhibits, and the Oldest House Garden boasts a unique walled garden indicative of the Spanish architecture of the times, and is home to native plants in the sub-tropical climate of St. Augustine. The garden is also a popular place to host weddings and other events as it is a beautiful and lush retreat maintained as it would have been centuries ago.
In addition, there is a small detached kitchen located in the garden. This kitchen is a perfect example of a detached St. Augustine kitchen from the 1700’s and shows much about how food may have been prepared. It has been lovingly maintained as part of this historical complex and is also open to visitors.
Tips for Visiting
Not only is this historic complex a regular stop on the St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains and the Historic Tours of America trolley, but it is a recommended ‘must see’ for anybody visiting St. Augustine. Located in the oldest part of the city, there are guided tours of the González-Alvarez House offered every 2 hours, and the rest of the complex is self guided. Located at the end of the seawall, there is free parking on site and The Oldest House Museum Complex is open every day from 9am to 5pm except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter Day.
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