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THE XIMENEZ-FATIO HOUSE

Annual Membership Program

In honor of the 225th anniversary of the construction of the Ximenez-Fatio House, we are launching a new annual membership program!

Annual membership starts at just $30 and includes exclusive perks and privileges such as complimentary admission, Fig Tree Gift Shop discounts, and early access to our unique programming and events.

Annual membership at the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum provides critical support to the sustainability of the museum property and grounds. It allows us to continue our mission of historic preservation, restoration, and education. Without these very important funds, we could not continue the legacy of the women who worked tirelessly to provide for their families and guests for 225 years.

Thank you to our current and future members for your support!

Our Annual Memberships

All Memberships include a Quarterly Newsletter, Email updates, and Early Access to Special Tours and Events.

Louisa’s Locals

St. Johns County Residents and Flagler College Students
$ 30 Annually
  • Admission does not include specialty tours and events.

Remembering Rosa

Open to the public and NSCDA Members
$ 50 Annually
  • Admission does not include specialty tours and events.

Enterprising Eliza

Open to the public and NSCDA Members
$ 75 Annually
  • Admission does not include specialty tours and events.

Most Popular

First Lady Juana

Open to the public and NSCDA Members
$ 125 Annually
  • Admission does not include specialty tours and events.

Louisa Fatio

Louisa Fatio was a highly educated woman of her time, speaking seven languages, and owning a large personal library. She owned the boarding house through Florida’s succession from the union, the Union occupation of St. Augustine during the Civil War, and the Reconstruction Era without ever selling any part of the property. The National Society of Colonial Dames of America in the State of Florida purchased the property from Ms. Fatio’s nephew in 1939.

Rosa

Little is known about Rosa, a mulatto woman enslaved by the Ximenez family. However, her documentation as the Ximenez’ slave is evidence that it was not just the privileged hands of the elite that made this building a business success in its various iterations, but the invisible hands of the unpaid workers who ensured the prosperity of the owners’ families and enterprises. Through diligent research and primary sources, we are working toward learning more about Rosa’s story and hope to share our discoveries with our guests very soon.

Eliza Whitehurst

Eliza Whitehurst was a widowed mother of two who moved from Charleston, South Carolina to St. Augustine, Florida to become the first manager of the boarding house in the 1830s. At the time, the lodging was known as “Mrs. Whitehurst’s boarding house.” She lived on the second floor of the boarding house, perhaps with her older children.

Juana Ximenez

Juana was the first mother of the house. When she was twenty-two, her husband, Andres Ximenez, commissioned this structure to be built as a business location and family dwelling. For the next four years, she took care of her children in this house before her untimely death at the age of twenty-six in 1802. Juana’s father was a well-known Minorcan carpenter. He was one of three Minorcans who marched to St. Augustine from New Smyrna to seek asylum for their people. He also took care of Juana and Andres’ remaining children after Juana died.

The National Society of Colonial Dames of America in the State of Florida has complied with the registration requirements of Chapter 496, Florida Statutes, the Solicitation of Contributions Act. Registration Number: CH16243. “A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.”

Help preserve the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum!

After 225+ years of use, hurricanes and general wear and tear, the ongoing preservation, restoration, and overall maintenance is an ongoing process. By making a donation, you are ensuring the character, culture, and history will remain intact for current and future generations. Every contribution received is directly contributing to the preservation of these vital spaces, safeguarding their rich history for generations to come.