St Augustine - Lighthouse and Maritime Museum

In 2001, Museum archaeologists recorded the foundations of the first lighthouse tower, as well as working on the remains of the first of a series of British shipwrecks off shore, under permit from the State of Florida.

Today in addition to an active research program, the Museum owns the entire Light Station property, including the tower and Fresnel lens, given to the Museum by the United States Coast Guard in 2002. A national preservation award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation recognized the work of the Museum in establishing a new federal preservation law and continuing to preserve the site to the Secretary’s Standards

A collection of 19,000 objects, archival documents and archaeological specimens is held in trust for future generations at the Museum. Over 216,000 visitors including thousands of school age children enjoy educational programs and tours. Visitors can step up to help the non-profit St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum save maritime history. The Museum is a Smithsonian affiliate that was accredited by the American Alliance of Museums in 2017.
The current lighthouse tower is 145 years old in October 2019. It is one part of an aid-to-navigation system here supporting military defense, travel, trade, fishing, boat building and pleasure boating since the 16th century.

A Shipyard Playground for children is just one of the many options for family fun at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.
Other fun things to do for kids include:
WRECKED! exhibit tablets with a game about finding a shipwreck and artifacts underwater.
1874 Lighthouse Tower (self-guided climb up the 219-step spiral staircase for those 44 inches and taller)

1876 Keepers’ House: At Home with the Harns

Nation’s Oldest Port® Demos (interactive demonstrations)

Maritime Hammock Nature Trails & Scavenger Hunt

Maritime Education Center with hands-on children’s activities: Wooden climb-in lighthouse, puppets, etch-a-sketch, and viewfinders

Conservation Lab and PGA Viewing Window