The Hawleys Are Heading South for the first time!

History, Family, and Adventure in St. Augustine, Florida

Join the Hawley Society in 2027 as we gather in St. Augustine for history, coastal scenery, good company and plenty of opportunities to eat and shop!

Founded by the Spanish in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied European-established city in the continental United States. Its historic streets and waterfront make a wonderful setting to reconnect with family, celebrate our shared heritage, and create new memories together.

Explore a City Rich in History

A few centuries of history await us! Step through the historic City Gates and explore St. George Street, where the Oldest Wooden School House joins a delightful mix of historic buildings, shops, museums, and restaurants. Along the waterfront, the Castillo de San Marcos (old fort) offers a glimpse into the city’s past, with coquina walls and sweeping views across the bay. To see the sights, we’ll take an Old Town Trolley tour and enjoy a narrated journey through this remarkable city.

We’ll step into the elegance of the Gilded Age at Henry Flagler’s grand Hotel Ponce de Leon, now part of Flagler College. Admire the dining hall’s dazzling Louis Comfort Tiffany stained-glass windows, then discover the Thomas Edison clock, a historic wind-up timepiece housed in an impressive white onyx case. Located in the Flagler Room, once the hotel’s lavish Grand Parlor, the clock offers a glimpse of the artistry and grandeur that surrounded the hotel’s guests. With its ornate interiors and magnificent architecture, this former luxury hotel recalls an era when travel was an occasion and the surroundings were part of the adventure.

Discover another chapter of St. Augustine’s history at Tolomato Cemetery, where weathered gravestones and shaded grounds preserve the stories of generations who called this city home. This historic Catholic burial ground offers a quiet connection to the people and communities that shaped St. Augustine.

Follow a Hawley into History

St. Augustine has a special connection to our family: Colonel Joseph Roswell Hawley commanded the Union post here during the Civil War. His wife, Harriet Ward Foote Hawley, joined him, leaving us vivid glimpses of life in this historic coastal city. She admired the coquina walls of the Spanish fort we know today as the Castillo de San Marcos, enjoyed the sea breezes from its ramparts, and watched pelicans and gulls over the water. Her observations bring the city to life with warmth, curiosity, and a touch of humor.

Our 2027 reunion will bring us together to explore a city the Hawleys knew, following their footsteps and discovering the stories that connect our family to St. Augustine.

Take Time for Your Own Sightseeing

Consider extending your stay by an extra day or two to enjoy St. Augustine at your own pace. Visit the Oldest Wooden School House, the Old Jail, the Fountain of Youth, the Oldest House Museum Complex, the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, and much more!

Join Us in 2027