The Woman’s Exchange of St. Augustine
Preserving History, Empowering Women
Our vision is to inspire our community and ensure The Peña-Peck House, circa 1750, remains a must-see destination for visitors. We are known for our commitment to:
- Historic Preservation: Maintaining The Peña-Peck House as a vital piece of St. Augustine’s history.
- Economic Empowerment: Supporting local artisans and helping women enhance their financial stability.
- Education: Providing scholarships for women.
Committed to Helping Others For Over
130 Years
What We Do
At the heart of our work is the legacy mission of “Women Helping Women.” This timeless mission remains a cornerstone of our efforts, proving that a simple idea can create lasting change. Our members actively support The Peña-Peck House Museum and Gift Shop by providing a venue for local artisans to sell their handcrafted products and raising funds through:
- Tours: Visitors explore the fascinating history of The Peña-Peck House and its significance.
- Gift Shop Sales: Shoppers purchase unique, handcrafted items made by artisans.
- Special Events: Guests enjoy luncheons, receptions, weddings, community programs and more.
- Scholarships: We support women aged 30 and older attending St. Johns River State College.
A Legacy of Service and Empowerment
Founded in 1892, The Woman’s Exchange of St. Augustine is part of the National Federation of Woman’s Exchanges, a movement that began in the 19th century to support women facing economic hardship. These Exchanges provided discreet opportunities for women to sell handmade goods, home-cooked meals, and other crafted items to help them achieve financial stability.
The Woman’s Exchange movement was born out of a desire to uplift women during a time when opportunities were limited. Each Exchange became a vital community resource, offering dignity and economic empowerment through creativity and craftsmanship. Today, the St. Augustine Woman’s Exchange continues this proud tradition as one of the oldest members of the Federation of Woman’s Exchanges. The Federation unifies the 14 remaining individual exchanges, supporting their growth, entrepreneurship and shared values of empowerment and community.