Community Service

Old Town Trolley Supports Our Community and Many Other Worthy Causes.

Historic Tours of America Endowed Scholarship in Hospitality and Tourism Management

This scholarship was established to support first-generation students, students of color, or those demonstrating financial need, with a declared major in hospitality or tourism management. The endowment is generously matched 1:1 by the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust, doubling the impact of each contribution to benefit deserving students.

Investing In Kids – INK!

Investing in Kids (INK!) is the sole direct support organization for the St. Johns County School District, providing innovative programs and classroom resources to close the literacy gap, improve graduation rates, and help all students reach their full potential. Historic Tours of America proudly supports INK! financially throughout the year with various fundraisers and contests, including the annual Jail Break 5K ‘Run for a Cause,’ scholarships, and performance opportunities for school bands, choirs, and a cappella groups. Additionally, we sponsor the annual county-wide Holiday Tree Decorating Contest, the St. Johns County School Calendar, and co-sponsor the St. Johns County Teacher of the Year banquet.

International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Educational Standards

All of Historic Tours of America’s St. Augustine tours and attractions have earned the designation of Certified Autism Centers. This certification ensures that our organization is fully equipped to better serve Guests with autism or other sensory sensitivities, enhancing the Guest experience for all. It also empowers our CAST with the confidence to handle various situations that may arise. All St. Augustine CASTmembers are required to complete autism training within their first 90 days of employment. In addition, leadership undergoes more in-depth certification to further their competency. HTA is leading the charge for the city of St. Augustine to one day be named a Certified Autism Friendly Destination.

St. Johns County School District Life Work Transition Program

The Life Work Transition Program is an outcome-driven post-secondary option designed for 18 to 22-year-old students with disabilities in the St. Johns County School District. These students have met all graduation requirements but have deferred receiving their diplomas to further develop essential skills for successful employment, social interactions, and independent living. Historic Tours of America provides these students with the opportunity to explore employment through various hands-on work experiences within our operations while integrating classroom learning. St. Johns County school staff assist students in setting individualized goals, identifying needs, and developing specific skill sets, helping to prepare them for vocational rehabilitation and adult services once their deferment period ends.

Annual Martin Luther King Breakfast

After the title sponsor withdrew, Historic Tours of America stepped in to support the annual commemorative breakfast. The sold-out event will now be held at the larger Renaissance Hotel downtown. The event honors the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his pivotal role in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Following the breakfast, hundreds will join a half-mile walk through the streets of St. Augustine to the Plaza de la Constitución, retracing the steps of the marches Dr. King led here during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s.