Mortality and Mourning: Women in Black Candlelight Tour
Step back in time for a hauntingly elegant candlelight tour at the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum. This reimagined experience, 'Mortality and Mourning: Women in Black,' offers a profound look into how women navigated grief and loss in 19th-century St. Augustine. Explore the historic house, adorned in mourning, and discover the vital roles women played in caring for the deceased and preserving memories.
What to Expect
Newly reimagined candlelight tour exploring women's roles in grief and mourning.
Event Details
Duration
Varies (candlelight tour)
Ages
Family-friendly, but may not be suitable for very young children or those sensitive to themes of mortality and loss. Viewer discretion is advised.
Neighborhood
Aviles Street Arts District
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
The Ximenez-Fatio House Museum
Food & Drink
Bottled water is available for purchase at the Fig Tree Gift Shop.
Local Insight & Ratings
Scare Factor
Family Friendly
Best For
History enthusiasts, those interested in victorian-era mourning customs, and visitors seeking a unique, atmospheric experience.
Vibe
Somber, elegant, historical, thought-provoking
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
Limited (due to dim lighting and historical preservation)
Weather Sensitivity
Low (tours operate unless dangerous conditions occur; refunds offered for cancellations)
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $$ – Get tickets
- Parking: Free parking is available at 28 Cadiz Street but is limited and on a first-come basis in their gravel parking lot. Parking is only for the duration of the event. Paid parking is available behind the museum complex at Trinity Episcopal Church. Free street parking may be available in the neighborhood.
- Accessibility: Due to the historic nature of the building, lighting is limited and the house is lit by electric candles. Main walkways are crushed shell and/or concrete and may be unlevel. The ground floor of the House Museum has poured concrete and wood flooring, which can be unlevel and may require step-ups/downs. The second and third levels are accessible only by wooden stairs with railings. The outdoor kitchen and washhouse are ground level and accessible. Designated guest seating is provided but limited. Historical furniture and accessories may not be sat upon unless advised by the guide.
- Pets: Service animals are welcome on grounds, in the museum, and gift shop. Dogs are welcome on museum grounds (leashed) but not inside the gift shop or house museum.
Tips & Advice
- Arrive early to secure limited free parking at 28 Cadiz Street, or consider the paid parking behind the museum.
- Given the dim lighting and somber themes, consider bringing a small flashlight for navigating the historic house, though it is lit by electric candles.
- Wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking through a historic building with potentially uneven floors and limited seating.
- Purchase your ticket in advance and use the provided coupon code for a 25% discount on their Everyday Self-guided Audio Tour for daytime exploration.
- Be aware of the content advisory regarding discussions of death and spiritualism; it's designed to be thoughtful but may not be suitable for all young children.
Special Events & Promotions
- Receive a coupon code for 25% off the Everyday Self-guided Audio Tour with ticket purchase.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'Mortality and Mourning: Women in Black' tour?
It's a newly reimagined candlelight tour exploring the historical roles of women in dealing with grief, death, and mourning practices in Old St. Augustine from the Second Spanish Colonial Era through the Victorian Age.
Is the tour scary?
While the tour is described as 'hauntingly elegant' and explores somber themes, there are no jump scares. The atmosphere is created through dim lighting and historical context.
What are the accessibility options?
The ground floor and outdoor areas are accessible, but the second and third levels of the museum are only reachable by stairs. Some areas may have uneven flooring.
Can I bring my dog?
Leashed dogs are welcome on the museum grounds but are not permitted inside the House Museum or the Fig Tree Gift Shop.
What are the parking options?
Free parking is limited and available on a first-come basis at 28 Cadiz Street. Paid parking is available behind the museum complex at Trinity Episcopal Church, and some free street parking may be found in the neighborhood.
More Halloween Events Near St. Augustine
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.