A milestone in their efforts comes June 20-24 in a National Park Service annual Underground Railroad Conference at the St. Johns County Convention Center at Renaissance World Golf Village.

   The conference promises to bring together grass roots researchers, community advocates, site stewards, government officials and scholars from acorss the nation to explore the history of the Underground Railroad.

   The theme is new, thanks to efforts by Hankerson and Bullock:  resistance to slavery through escape and flight to and from the South, from the 16th century to the end of the Civil War. What's new is recognition that, before the underground railroad headed north, it came south to Spanish St. Augustine, where freedom was promised to those fleeing English plantations.

   Hankerson and Bullock have also gotten recognition of St. Augustine as an extension of the National Park Service Gullah-Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, which had extended from Wilmington NC to Jacksonville.

   Gullah (Geechee is an interchangeable term) communities were established in the 16th century by Africans left behind by Spanish explorers when establishment of a colony in 1526 failed in the Carolinas. The culture continues today, as does the Gullah language, partly derived from West African and Creole dialects.

Lincolnville Market set to music

   Headliner Willie Green will set the tone Sunday, May 20, at a free Spring Music Fair at the Lincolnville Farmers Market to thank supporters of the market.

   Of course the expected market fare will be there, as well as arts, crafts, and activities for the younger set.

   The Lincolnville Farmers' Market is behind the Galimore Community Center, with free parking. Also available, free shuttle provided by Old Town Trolley Tours from the Old Jail every hour on the hour between 11 am and 4 pm. 

3 years, 3 months, 24 days to St. Augustine's 450th anniversary 

   Spanish Military Hospital - 3 Aviles Street - Reconstructed in 1966 on the site of a 1791 military hospital, the museum features medical practices of the Second Spanish Period (1783­-1821).

A. H. Cornish Shops - 7 Aviles Street (ca. 1888) - This building retains its use as offices and shops. For a time the city jail occupied the single story section at the rear.

Commercial Building - 9Aviles Street (1911) - With both Mediterranean Revival and Mission style influences, this small building reflects the nation's renewed interest in Spanish architecture.

C. F. Hamblen Company -11 Aviles Street (ca. 1885) - This large 2 ½ story building fronting on both Aviles and Charlotte Streets served until 1930 as a hardware store and warehouse. In the early 20th century, the business thrived and the Hamblen Warehouse - 4 Artillery Lane was added to the complex. 

Segui-Kirby Smith House - 12 Aviles Street (ca. 1788) - Built as a residence and converted a century later for a public library, the property served as the boyhood home of Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith.

Ximenez-Fatio House Museum - 20 Aviles Street (ca. 1798) - Recognized as one of the best preserved historic buildings in the city, this dwelling was renowned as an inn throughout the 19th century. To the rear of the property, the site of the original stable yard, is the shingled Parham House - 28 Cadiz Street (ca. 1915).

Don Manuel Solana House - 21 Aviles Street (ca. 1805) - After ownership by the Solana family from its construction until 1867, this Spanish dwelling became the winter home of humanitarian Dr. Oliver Bronson. In 1883 Maine native Charles F. Hamblen bought the house which was adjacent to his hardware company.

Rogero Houses - 11 Cadiz Street & 23 Aviles Street (ca. 1885) - This large corner property was owned by the Rogero family for nearly half a century beginning in 1863.The larger of the two Victorian-era dwellings features decorative brackets, bargeboards, and trim.

Father O'Reilly House - 32 Aviles Street - (ca. 1691) - Named for the parish priest whose residence it was from 1785-1812, the house is constructed of tabby and is arguably the city's oldest residence. Changes were made in the 1700s and 1800s to achieve the current appearance.