Mission Nombre de Dios Museum, St. Augustine

The Mission Nombre de Dios Museum is a historic site that showcases the oldest extant mission in the continental United States. Founded in 1565, the mission is a Catholic mission that is part of the Diocese of St. Augustine. It played an important role in the early days of Florida's colonization, and was instrumental in evangelizing the native people in the region.

The museum features a wide range of exhibits that showcase the history of the mission, including the original casket of the founder of St. Augustine, Pedro Menéndez de Avilés. Other exhibits include vestments and chalices from the Diocese of St. Augustine's archives, artifacts found during the archaeological excavations of the mission grounds, and coquina that was part of the original foundation of the chapel. Visitors can also view reproductions of the oldest written European documents in the U.S., as well as a diorama of the first parish Mass.

One of the highlights of the mission is the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche, which is the oldest shrine in the region. The shrine is located on the mission grounds and is a popular destination for visitors to the area. Additionally, the Prince of Peace Votive Church was constructed in 1965 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the mission's founding. It is made of coquina and features a large stained glass window depicting a representation of the Holy Spirit.

The grounds of Mission Nombre de Dios also include a range of other historic sites and monuments, including archaeological excavations, a historic cemetery, Marian Shrines to Our Lady of Perpetual Help and Our Lady of Guadalupe, a gift shop, a bell tower, fountains, the rustic altar, mission plaques and historical markers, monuments of the Seven Sorrows of Mary, and statues of Father López, St. Francis of Assisi, and St. Joseph.

With its wide range of exhibits, historic sites, and monuments, the mission offers visitors a unique glimpse into the past and a chance to learn about the early days of colonization and evangelization in the region. Best of all, admission to the museum is free, making it an accessible and affordable destination