The Oldest House Museum

The González-Alvarez House on St. Francis Street is commonly called “The Oldest House.” It is the oldest standing home from St. Augustine’s Spanish colonial period. A National Historic Landmark, the Stone Vernacular-style house dates to the early 1700s. It is part of the Oldest House Museum Complex, operated and maintained by the St. Augustine Historical Society. The original structure was a simple home built of coquina, a sediment formed by ancient seashells. Additions and changes were made over the years. A small kitchen is separate from the main house. The complex includes a museum, garden and art gallery. The Manucy Museum tells Florida’s story spanning four centuries. It recalls the St. Augustine of Catholic missionaries and settlers, Spanish treasure galleons, pirates, traders and warfare. Guests learn what life was like for early residents. Exhibits also chronicle later stages of the history of America’s oldest European city (circa 1565), including the coming of rail transportation and St. Augustine’s status as a resort. Behind the street wall is a tranquil ornamental garden. A popular wedding venue, it features plants from the Spanish and English periods and later centuries. Also on the premises are the Page L. Edwards Gallery and the St. Augustine Historical Society headquarters. Along with rotating exhibits of the society’s collection of artifacts, the museum showcases traveling displays. A gift shop features souvenirs as well as books on the history of St. Augustine and the State of Florida. The property was opened to the public more than a century ago as a house museum. The St. Augustine Historical Society took it over in 1918.