A Holiday Events Grab Bag

Chchchchocolate

The Season’s Tours at Historic Peña-Peck House

Just steps from the Plaza at 143 St. George Street is one of St. Augustine’s great treasures, the Peña-Peck House, circa 1750. The historic house museum has been managed by the all-volunteer Woman’s Exchange of St. Augustine for the past 93 years. You are invited to enjoy a private festive evening surrounded by history.

The Gilded Age at the Peña-Peck House Hosted by Mrs. Flagler – Saturday, Dec 14th

Step back in time to the elegance of the Gilded Age at the historic Peña-Peck House! Join Mrs. Flagler and the Peck family on Saturday, December 14 for an unforgettable evening. Experience the charm of life at the turn of the century, tour the beautifully preserved living areas, and enjoy refreshments in the enchanted garden. Included with your tour ticket is a private shopping experience in our iconic gift shop featuring one-of-a-kind local artisan items.

Please note that these are pre-reserved tours every half-hour. You and your party will need a ticket with the corresponding time. The tour does include stairs.

Date: Saturday, December 14th
Time: Tours start at 4 PM and run until 7:30 PM

Tour tickets are $20 and can be purchased here.

The History of the Woman’s Exchange Movement

By way of background, the Woman’s Exchange Movement began in 1832 in Philadelphia with the mission of supporting women of means who had encountered hard times. These women discreetly placed their handmade goods and home-cooked foods in Exchanges, where they could be sold. In the 1880’s, the Exchange model spread nationwide, helping women across the United States work toward financial independence. From San Diego to Little Rock to Brooklyn, Woman’s Exchanges, sometimes known as Depositories, provided women with income, vocational skills, and, as the Cincinnati Woman’s Exchange put it, helped them “keep what is dear to every true woman, her self-respect.”

Today, the St Augustine Woman’s Exchange, founded in 1892, continues this legacy by supporting local women 30 and over returning to school through scholarships, providing a marketplace for artisans and local entrepreneurs, and preserving and showing the historic Pena-Peck House. Proceeds from this event help support these missions.

Please contact Jane Weizmann if you would like additional information, or have an interest in becoming a volunteer.