Free Booksigning with the Author
Starting at 2:30pm on Thursday, May 9 and Friday, May 10, the first 15 attendees at each event will receive a free, personalized autograph copy of Alvarez’ book “St. Augustine – Avilés, A 90-Year History of Two Sister Cities,” written with photographer Nardo Villaboy and distributed in 2015 for the 450th birthday celebration of the founding of the City of St. Augustine.
Each lecture will begin promptly at 3:00pm. Álvarez will share the history of events that began in 1924 when John B. Stetson, Jr., and other notable and distinguished members of the St. Augustine community first visited Spain. At that time, they accepted the outer coffin of Pedro Menendez as a gift from the City of Avilés, which was eventually and permanently placed on display, at the Mission Nombre de Dios Museum.
Both events are free and open to the public. While reservations are not required, it is recommended to save a seat.
- Reserve for Thursday, May 9 https://100yearswithaviles.eventbrite.com
- Reservations for Friday, May 10 https://100YearsWithAviles2.eventbrite.com
The lectures will take place at with a book signing at the Mission Nombre de Dios Pilgrimage Center meeting room, located at 27 Ocean Ave. in St. Augustine, the City of St. Augustine will introduce Román Antonio Alvarez, and his presentation, “100 Years of History: St. Augustine and Avilés, Spain.
For a complete schedule and more information about the St. Augustine History Festival, visit www.staugustinehistoryfestival.com.
About Román Antonio Álvarez
Román A. Álvarez González was born in 1951 in Miranda of Avilés, Asturias (Spain). He graduated in Teaching, Human Sciences and History from the University of Oviedo and worked as a career civil servant teacher since 1976, until his retirement in 2012. He was Secretary, Director of Studies and Principal of the Public School Mateu de Ros, and Director of the Teacher Training Center of Avilés. He is also a University Expert on Cultural Management and Archeology and on Cultural Assets Management and Conservation.
Álvarez also has a Certificate of Research Proficiency and an Advanced Degree by the University of Oviedo. From 1997 to 2012, he was a teacher of History in the Corvera de Asturias High School. And from 1999 to 2015, he was a Councilman in the Town Hall of Avilés.
He has co-authored many books and he is also the author of many specific papers, published in critical editions. He was a regular columnist in local newspapers, La Voz de Avilés and La Nueva España, with two periodical sections.
Álvarez has also collaborated with specialized magazines, including the St. Augustine Historical Society’s publication, "El Escribano."
In 2007, he was granted “Honorary Life Member” of the St. Augustine Sister Cities Association and in 2010, he was granted membership in the St. Augustine Archaeological Association as well as Honorary Member of the St. Augustine Art Association.