Historical Museums
Beginning in the 1870s, residents from northern states visited Florida to enjoy its natural beauty and mild climate. Due to its increase of popularity as a great vacation destination, by the turn of the century, Florida's population and per capita wealth were increasing rapidly; and the potential of the "Sunshine State" appeared endless.

Some people moved onto land made from drained swamps. Others bought canal-crossed tracts through what had been dry land. The real estate developments quickly attracted buyers, and land in Florida was sold and resold. Profits and prices for many developers reached inflated levels.

Today, Florida is the home to a number of Statewide Museums, providing residents and visitors with the ability to learn more about the lives of these men and women who shaped the Sunshine State.
The Amelia Island Museum of History is bursting with fascinating stories that are just waiting to be shared with eager visitors and residents. From the Timucua Native American tribe to Spanish and French explorers, from the lawless spirit of pirates to the dignified air of Victorian-era residents, Amelia Island has been home to diverse cultures that have left an exciting heritage.
The Amelia Island Museum sees itself as the caretakers and disseminators of that exciting local history, which it shares not only through a wonderful variety of exhibits, but also by providing a multitude of programs throughout the community for all ages.
904-261-7378 | www.ameliamuseum.org

The Historical Museum of Southern Florida, Miami, tells the stories of South Florida and the Caribbean. The museum promotes understanding of the past in order to inform the present and create a better quality of life.
The Historical Museum is one of the largest private, regional history museums in the country, recognized for excellence in programming and management by the Florida Department of State and national museum services organizations.
The Museum's permanent exhibition, Tropical Dreams: a People's History of South Florida examines human experience in the region from the pre-Colombian period to the present. Four temporary exhibitions are put on display each year.
305-375-1492 | www.hmsf.org

Florida culture and heritage come to life at the Tallahassee Museum. Visitors of all ages stroll through an 1880s farmstead, 14 historical buildings, nature trails and a natural habitat zoo featuring endangered Florida panthers and red wolves. The scenic, shady grounds are set on 52 acres alongside a cypress lake.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Museum revitalized its historic structures, including a 1920s Seaboard caboose and the 1937 Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. The Museum also features an 1890s Concord Schoolhouse and Bellevue plantation house. "Living history" demonstrations include butter-making and cane-splitting.
The Museum offers "animal encounters" with birds of prey, snakes, wild mammals and and farm animals. The habitat zoo is home to indigenous and endangered animals living in natural woodlands. Visitors view the animals from elevated boardwalks.
850-575-8684 | www.tallahasseemuseum.org

In addition to featuring dinosaurs and other special interest or holiday exhibits, Jacksonville's Museum of Science and History (MOSH) can be described as three kinds of attraction areas under one roof. First off, the main collection of exhibits focus on science and history topics of interest or importance to the nature, early settlements, and modern development of Jacksonville, such as manatees, the Timucuan Indians, and historic riverboats sunk during the Civil War. The museum's second main component is the Alexander Brest Planetarium. Here, visitors can learn about the wonders of the night sky, like where to find constellations and planets. The third area is mainly of interest to children. This is where they can interact with a variety of hands-on science experiments dealing with topics such as electricity, optical illusions, and shadows, among others.
904-396-6674 | www.mosh.org

The Alachua County Historic Trust: Matheson Museum, Inc. is a celebration of the rich local history of Gainesville, FL and the surrounding area.
The Matheson Museum, located in Gainesville's 1932 American Legion Hall, houses permanent and temporary exhibitions, which tell the story of Alachua County. Permanent exhibits offer a look at area history from the Timucuan Indians to the Spanish occupation of the region to William Bartram's travels and more, while temporary exhibits highlight various topics, time periods, and historical figures relevant to the area.
In addition to the Museum, visitors can tour the Matheson House and the Tison Tool Museum. Built in 1867, the Matheson House is Gainesville's second oldest house. Period furniture and personal possessions illustrate the family's rich history and also that of Gainesville. The Tison Tool Museum showcases the Museum's antique tool collection. The structure and the tools it preserves honor the skill and artistry that created Alachua County's built environment.
352-378-2280 | www.mathesonmuseum.org