In this presentation, Dr. J. Michael Francis explores the early history of Colonial St. Augustine focusing on the rich corpus of baptism, confirmation, marriage, and death records housed in St. Augustine's Diocesan Archive.

With documents dating back to 1594, the Parish records provide a unique lens through which to examine the city's distant past and the diverse population that shaped its history.

Francis will highlight some of the stories that emerge from the badly damaged pages, and he will introduce the audience to a digital archive that provides unparalleled access to this remarkable collection.

This talk will be held in the Virginia Room inside the Ringhaver Student Center at 50 Valencia Street from 5-7 PM.