EXPLORE MANATEE HERITAGE

 

Anna Maria Island Historical Society

402 Pine Ave (P.O. Box 4315), Anna Maria, FL 34216

Tuesday-Saturday | January-March 10AM-4PM | April-December 10AM-1PM

The Anna Maria Island Historical Society collects, researches, preserves, and exhibits materials and artifacts relating to the history of Anna Maria Island. Learn about Anna Maria Island’s rich history, including its settlers, characters, the original city jail, and a historic cottage that sat on the City Pier but fell into the Bay.

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Manatee Village Historical Park

1404 Manatee Ave East, Bradenton, FL 34208

Monday-Friday and the 2nd & 4th Saturdays of the month, 9am-4pm

Manatee Village Historical Park is a collection of historical buildings and replicas representing the pioneering spirit of early settlers in this area. Established in 1976, the Museum's mission is to preserve and share the heritage of Manatee County's founding period from 1840-1918. Structures include the 1903 Wiggins General store, 1912 Stephens Settler's home, 1887 Church, 1860 Courthouse, 1908 Bunker Hill Schoolhouse, Fogarty Boatworks, and blacksmith shop. All are presented with period furnishings.

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Manatee County Agricultural Museum

1015 6th Street West, Palmetto, FL 34221

Tuesday-Friday and the 1st & 3rd Saturdays of the month, 10am-4pm

Agriculture has always been part of Manatee County's history as well as a stable force and major contributor to the County's economy. At the Manatee County Agricultural Museum, exhibits focus on the County's primary commodities. The Museum features displays of tools, equipment, photographs and exhibits that reflect the area's rich heritage. Located within the Palmetto Historical Park, the Ag Museum often partners with them on school programs, special exhibits, and events.

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Palmetto Historical Park

515 10th Ave West, Palmetto, FL 34221

Tuesday-Friday and the 1st & 3rd Saturdays of the month, 10am-12pm and 1-4pm

Visiting the Palmetto Historical Park is like stepping back in time to a bygone era. Stroll along brick pathways surrounded by a butterfly garden and quaint historical buildings. During regular operating hours, the Carnegie Library welcomes the public to indulge their curiosity just as it did one hundred years ago. In addition to permanent exhibits and a children's hands-on corner, the Carnegie Library boasts the Alice V. Myers Archive Center—a repository of unique historical documents pertaining to Manatee County as a whole, with a special focus on the areas north of the Manatee River.

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Manatee County Historical Records Library

1405 4th Ave West, Bradenton, FL 34205

Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm

The library houses Manatee County's government records dating back to the county's formation in 1855. The collections include aerial photographs, a historic postcard collection, school attendance and tax records, historic marriage licenses. Family, land and historical researchers are welcome to utilize our files, most of which are open to the public.