The Peņa-Peck House sits on St. George Street at the heart of the historic district.

During the British Period (1763-1784) the home was leased to the aristocratic Dr. John Moultrie of Charleston, South Carolina, as his town house. Moultrie, who became Lt. Governor of Florida, owned vast plantations south of St. Augustine in an area that still bears his name.

Four fireplaces were added to the house and the east wing was constructed. British Governor Patrick Tonyn concluded British affairs in Florida while living in this house.

Spain regained Florida as a reward for helping the Americans gain their independence from Britain. The Second Spanish Period (1784-1820) saw many changes. The Peņa house passed through several owners and was used at one time to house slaves.

In 1821, the United States purchased Florida from Spain and opened the territory to American settlers. Dr. Seth Peck, his wife Sarah, children Rebecca, Mary, Lucy, Sarah and John of Lyme, Connecticut, arrived by schooner in 1833.

Dr. Peck's office

They settled into the boarding house of Mrs. Whitehurst on Aviles Street (now known as the Ximenez-Fatio House). While living there, the youngest daughter, Sarah, died.

Dr. Peck took over the practice of Dr. Andrew Anderson and prospered in other business ventures as well.

By 1837, the raging Seminole Wars had made property within the city of St. Augustine very valuable as plantation owners deserted the country areas. Although it was in very poor condition, Dr. Peck purchased the former Peņa residence.

He completely renovated the structure and added a second story of wood and demolished what was left of the east wing.

Dr. Peck's medical office was on the first floor in what is now the gift shop. The large northwest room was rented for a general store. The family occupied the second floor and their dining room was located on the first floor.

Dr. Peck's medical supplies

Dr. Peck died during the Yellow Fever epidemic of 1841 and is buried in the Protestant Cemetery north of the City Gate, known as the Huguenot Cemetery.

For 94 years the Peck family continued to live in the house with the son, John, soon taking over his father's medical practice. The only Peck child to marry was Lucy, who married George Burt and had four Burt children.

One died in childhood and the others remained unwed. The oldest, Anna Gardner Burt, was the last survivor of the family. Upon her death in 1931, she willed the property to the City of St. Augustine to be exhibited to the public as a house museum.

The City was about to decline the gift when the Woman's Exchange, a volunteer organization founded in 1892, of which Miss Burt was a member, obligated themselves to maintain and operate the house. It opened to the public in 1932.

Today, Exchange volunteer guides conduct visitors throughout the house filled with Peck furnishings including priceless 18th century American antiques. Visitors are encouraged to explore 254 years of history.

Funds to support the house come from tours, gift shop sales and the catering of weddings, receptions, dinners, luncheons, special occasions and other social and business events.

New Exhibit

The names Anderson, Peck and Flagler are significant in St. Augustine's history. They all figure into the history of The Woman's Exchange of St. Augustine.

A generous donation from Bank of America has permitted The Woman's Exchange to create an exhibit honoring the links between the Andersons, Pecks and Flaglers. The exhibit features a stylish early 19th-century straw hat belonging to the first Dr. Andrew Anderson. The second Dr. Anderson's wife, Elizabeth, and his daughter, Clarissa, were both presidents of the Woman's Exchange. Mrs. Henry (Mary Lilly Kenan) Flagler was a member of The Woman's Exchange as was Miss Anna Burt, longtime treasurer, Dr. Seth Peck's granddaughter.

Sago palms in the garden

Tours of the Peņa-Peck House

Tour the graceful frame and coquina house, a block north of the city's Plaza de la Constitucion, and step into history.

Hear stories of its Spanish and British occupants as well as a succession of local families who lived in the house until 1837 when Dr. Seth Peck bought the property.

Admire the 18th - 19th century Peck family furniture. Reflect on the works of 19th century Florida artists Martin Johnson Heade, W. Staples Drown, Felix De Crano and others. Listen to the story of Polly, Miss Anna's treasured parrot. Observe at close range two original Audubon colored engravings. One is by J.J. Audubon and the other by his son, J.W. Audubon.

The Woman's Exchange of St. Augustine is truly part of the historic St. Augustine experience.

The Woman's Exchange is open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. House tours are available Monday through Friday, 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The guided tours are free but donations are gratefully accepted.

Special arrangements may be made for group tours for which there is a fee. For more information, call (904) 829-5064