Welcome to the

St Augustine
Jewish Historical Society

The St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society was formed on November, 2011 and incorporated as a Florida non-profit March 29, 2012.

Rabbi Merrill Shapiro, formerly adjunct faculty at the University of Central Florida, serves as chairman of the Board of Directors.

The mission of the St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society is to promote greater knowledge and understanding of the Jewish experience in St. Augustine within a broad cultural context from the founding of the City in 1565 to the present.

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Your History

Rabbis Arrested Supporting Martin Luther King

This plaque was erected at the St. Augustine Bayfront Hilton, June 18, 2019, in honor of the 16 rabbis who marched in solidarity with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Our History

Since June 18, 2013, the St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society has commemorated the largest mass arrest of Rabbis in US History. In honor of their commitment, we annually read the letter they collectively penned in the St. Johns County Jail.

Arrested in 1964 St. Augustine, FL, in a heroic display of civil disobedience, these Rabbis assembled in an integrated group to protest racial segregation, discrimination, and violence in an era of political misprisions.

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Join us to trumpet the Jewish connection in the founding of St. Augustine. See our current events to stay up to date and meet with us.

About Us

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The St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society was formed on November, 2011, incorporated as a Florida non-profit corporation on March 29, 2012.

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sajhs1565@gmail.com

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St Augustine, FL USA

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