November 2010

Visitors can experience ranch life of the late 1800's, visit a Victorian-style early Los Angeles home, and see what a jail was like in the Wild West. The museum and grounds features original buildings, period livestock, gardens and a vineyard.

A boomtown founded in 1835, St. Joseph competed with Apalachicola as a trading port on the Gulf Coast of Florida. The original settlement lasted only nine years, but during its short life the city hosted Florida's first State Constitution Convention. The museum commemorates the work of the 56 territorial delegates who drafted Florida's first constitution in 1838. Following four more constitution conventions, Florida was finally admitted to the Union in 1845 as the 27th state. Visitors can take a self-guided tour through displays and exhibits of 19th century life in St. Joseph. Life-size, audio-animated mannequins in the replicated convention hall demonstrate the debate and process of drafting a state constitution. Museum tours are available Thursday-Monday from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Located in Port St. Joe, off U.S. 98.

As St. Augustine's sole living history museum, the Colonial Spanish Quarter offers a rare glimpse of the city under Spanish rule. Reenactors fill a number of occupations common in 1740, from carpentry to blacksmithing. Visitors can additionally experience the culinary culture of the colonial city in the Taberna del Gallo, a reconstructed tavern dating from the 1740s.

Step back in time at St. Augustine's only living history museum. Visit with the blacksmith, carpenter, or soldier's wife as they go about their daily activities. The museum entrance is located at 29 St. George Street in historic downtown St. Augustine.

Surrounding the museum, historic gardens, restored cottages, a swamp buggy, and a logging locomotive bring period appeal to this county site.

Journey back over 10,000 years of Southwest Florida’s unique past at the Collier County Museum. Learn about mastodons and fierce saber cats, Calusa and Seminole Indians, and the rugged pioneers who settled one of America’s last frontiers. Visitors can enjoy five acres of native gardens, two early Naples cottages, swamp buggies and a logging locomotive. Special programs and exhibitions are presented throughout the year as well.

During the 19th century, when Benecia was first being settled, the military built an arsenal there and it became an important spot for the army in California. The military used this site to do tests on camels. Both the camel barns and the arsenal are still there today.

This historical village has ben restored with pioneer buildings.

Sanibel Historical Village and Museum was founded in 1982 as a tribute to the early pioneers on Sanibel Island. Each building has been restored to its original state. Volunteer docents guide visitors through this mystical place.

Charlotte County Historical Center, located at Bayshore Live Oak Park on beautiful Charlotte Harbor. Our mission is to offer a variety of programs and services to educate the community about the rich history of the Charlotte County area, and preserve and protect the County's historical resources. Our permanent exhibits explore the full spectrum of Charlotte County history, from pre-historic times to the post-WWII development boom. Our main exhibit hall features changing exhibits related to local and state history...During your visit, be sure to browse the Live Oak Emporium, where you'll find a variety of old-fashioned toys, educational books, and unique gifts. (from website.)

Located in the Historic Harvey House, the museum features exhibits that revolve around the road itself, as well as the classic cars that drove it.

This building was constructed by the Works Project Administration in 1937 at a cost of $73,000 to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the signing of Florida’s first constitution. Senators Claude Pepper and Charles Andrews worked diligently to secure approval and funding for the building. This simple rectangular building designed with Art Deco stylistic elements by architect Hughell Crockett remains largely unchanged although it was originally painted green. (from website.)

It was built on the site of the convention that drafted Florida's constitution, and today serves a number of civic and social purposes.

In addition to the many displays of Bakersfield history, walking through the park, visitors will see an early doctor's office, jail, Wells Fargo, gas station, hospital, and many other frontier buildings. With exhibits ranging from oil to fashion in old Bakersfield, there is something for everyone.