In 1980 the league undertook a major project to restore the St. Augustine Lightstation. The Keepers’ House had been gutted by a fire in the 1970s and was going to be demolished by the county. After raising the necessary funds the league was able to save the historic building...
In 1980 the league undertook a major project to restore the St. Augustine Lightstation. The Keepers’ House had been gutted by a fire in the 1970s and was going to be demolished by the county. After raising the necessary funds the league was able to save the historic building. They also saved the First Order Fresnel Lens with the help of the United States Coast Guard, Joe Cocking ad Nick Johnston. Who performed the first Fresnel Lens restoration in the world. In 1998 the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum, Inc. was separately incorporated as a not for profit with a mission of history education and community service.
As a way to continue our support for the beautiful St. Augustine Lighthouse the Junior Service League hosts an annual 5k & Fun Run as our first fundraiser of the year. Register for the race today to continue the preservation of this historic landmark. After the race join us for the FREE Night Fest in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the restoration of the Fresnel Lens.
In 1997 the Seventh Judicial Circuit Judges, namely, Judge Mathis, asked the Junior Service League of St. Augustine to help fill a need for a visitation center here in St. Johns County. The League committed to the project and began doing research on how to make this dream a reality. It took two years to purchase and renovate a property that fulfilled the requirements. Kids Bridge opened its doors in March of 2002 and to date has served over 2,000 families. Captured here is the 2010 grand-reopening after a generous $75,000 donation from Mr. Richard Willich. Pictured here is the 2010 Kids Bridge Board.
As part of continuing on with our mission of educational and charitable services the League is actively working to raise funds to build a children’s museum that would serve the children of Northeast Florida. The Children’s Museum of St. Augustine is dedicated to the growth of children through play-based learning experiences that celebrate the science, technology, engineering, art and math all around us. In 2012 as a reflection of the opportunities the museum will provide the League began hosting Feel the Wheels an event where kids of all ages can get up close and personal with the vehicles they admire. They can honk the horn, sound the alarm, and see the view from the drivers seat! See our event page for more details.
