Since arriving in St. Augustine in 1977, historian David Nolan has played a pivotal role in uncovering and preserving the city’s rich and once overlooked civil rights history. Hired to survey the city’s historic buildings, Nolan was initially advised to avoid Lincolnville, as there “was no history there”, and to steer clear of mentioning Martin Luther King Jr. in his studies.

Nolan, who had moved to Saint Augustine after following the Civil Rights Movement through the South, said, “Then you’ve hired the wrong person for this job.”

Following his convictions over his directive, Nolan spent years uncovering a wealth of staggering stories in that neighborhood with “no history” that had been previously swept under the rug. There was a deep obligation to preserve this history properly, and he recognized that bringing it to light would shift the town’s relationship with its history.

St. Augustine holds a unique place in American history as the only city in Florida where Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested and an elemental player in the fight for civil rights. However, due to the lack of mainstream news coverage at the time, it is rarely mentioned in the same breath as Birmingham or Selma. Nolan’s work has been instrumental in bringing these stories to light. He recounts how the city, on the brink of celebrating its 400th anniversary in 1964, planned an all-white event, which sparked protests and drew national attention to the racial injustices in the area. These events played a significant role in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

These are the facts of the time, but Nolan’s passion for history goes beyond documentation; he has continuously participated in the fight for human rights by ensuring that the struggle is properly documented. He was a driving force behind the creation of the Freedom Trail, a series of markers commemorating significant sites in St. Augustine’s civil rights history. Despite initial resistance from local governments and organizations, Nolan and a group of younger activists successfully secured funding from Northrop Grumman, the city’s largest employer. Their persistence led to the installation of 30 markers, ensuring that the stories of courage and struggle would not be forgotten. When asked today, even though Nolan has produced a very large body of work, he says that these markers are his proudest achievement. They had successfully brought this story to light for tourists and locals alike.

Through his work, Nolan has demonstrated how history is not just a record of the past but a powerful tool for shaping the present and future. He emphasizes the importance of reclaiming history, particularly in a place like St. Augustine, where the narrative has often been distorted or ignored. His dedication to uncovering the truth and advocating for justice has left an indelible mark on the community.

As Nolan approaches his 80th birthday, he reflects on the progress made and the challenges that remain. He acknowledges that history is not linear and progress is not guaranteed. His work serves as a reminder that preserving history requires a consistent vigilance, and that the stories of the past are essential to understanding and shaping the future.