In order to appreciate how far we've come, it's important to understand our past. Manatee County has a rich heritage and more than its share of museums and historical sites that are devoted to preserving the past and educating people about its traditions. Here we take a closer look at three museums in north Manatee County that are sure to delight history buffs of all ages.
Gamble Plantation Historic State Park
This antebellum mansion makes you take a second look as you drive past on US 301. Shaded by mature trees and set back from the busy highway by a long driveway, the stately home was once the headquarters of an extensive sugar plantation. It's difficult to imagine the surrounding area as it must have been then - all fields and wilderness. The riverfront property was claimed in 1843 by Major Robert Gamble, who built his home over six years using slave labor and local craftsmen. Gamble eventually accumulated 3500 acres but lost his fortune and sold the plantation in 1859. The house was then owned by Captain Archibald McNeill, a famous Confederate blockade runner. One interesting point of history: the house is believed to have been the refuge of Confederate Secretary of State Judah P. Benjamin who, fearing trial for treason, fled the country in 1865 at the end of the Civil War.
The property fell into disrepair in the early 1900s until the house and 16 acres were purchased by the United Daughters of the Confederacy in 1925 and donated to the state. The mansion was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
Today the mansion is the only surviving plantation house in South Florida and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Special events are held throughout the year, including open houses, reenactments, demonstrations and period crafts. The park grounds include two shaded picnic areas and a gazebo that are available for weddings, receptions and picnics.
Guided tours of the mansion are given six times a day, Thursday through Monday. Admission to the grounds is free, and the visitors' center is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Florida Railroad Museum
There's something about trains that appeals to the kid in all of us. The Florida Railroad Museum gives visitors a chance to experience an old-fashioned train ride as it existed in the 1940s and 50s and even serve as the train's engineer.
Located in Parrish, the Florida Railroad Museum is dedicated to preserving Florida's railroad history. The museum operates a six-mile rural line between Parrish and Willow, which was actually the first rail line to be built in Manatee County. Every weekend, the museum's diesel locomotives take eager visitors for a 90-minute roundtrip ride in open-window coaches, a covered gondola, and an air-conditioned coach and lounge car. Special events are held throughout the year, such as train robberies, World War II reenactments, and a holiday trip to the North Pole.
Trains may be chartered for special events, groups and field trips - either the whole train or a single car. The Birthday Caboose is popular for weekend birthday parties. For those who would rather drive than ride, adults with valid driver licenses may opt to operate the locomotive themselves, after a brief instructional period, of course.
The Florida Railroad Museum is run entirely by volunteers. Long-range plans include expanding facilities in Willow, restoring vintage equipment and creating permanent displays and exhibits.
Palmetto Historical Park
Like a peaceful village from a bygone era, the Palmetto Historical Park offers a glimpse into what life might have been like here in the early 1900s. Located in downtown Palmetto, the park is a charming collection of vintage-era buildings that hold local historical significance. Among them are the Carnegie Library, circa 1914, and The Schoolhouse, a 1935 building that served as Palmetto's first public kindergarten. Another favorite is the Heritage Station Post Office. Built in 1880, it was Palmetto's first free-standing post office. Originally located along Riverside Drive, it was moved to its current location in 1982 and became the cornerstone for forming the historical park. Nearby is the Cottage Museum, constructed in 1910, now home to a collection of antique dolls, radios and sewing machines. A newer addition to the park is the Heritage Chapel, which is actually a composite of the original three churches in Palmetto that were all located within one block of the site. The chapel may be rented for weddings and special events.
One of the most popular attractions of the park is the Manatee County Agricultural Museum. Housed in what was Palmetto's first public works building, the barn-style museum includes an Agricultural Hall of Fame and a working windmill. Visitors can explore five rooms featuring the county's primary commodities - Livestock, Vegetables, Citrus, Horticulture and Commercial Fishing. Each room houses interesting tools, equipment, photographs and exhibits, many of which have been donated by local farmers and residents. The museum is a hit with local schools as a field trip destination and includes Junior Ag Spots throughout with hands-on activities and games geared for youngsters.
The museum is also home to a research library, farm shop, a barn showcasing larger pieces of farm equipment, and a garage with a restored 1925 Model T pickup truck on display.
Upcoming special events planned at the museum include a Wildlife Social and Book Fair, scheduled to run June 28th through July 11th, and a Summer Social on August 2nd that will feature toys and activities from the 1950s. Admission to the museum is free. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, as well as the first and third Saturday of the month.
Resources:
Florida Railroad Museum
12210 83rd Street East, Parrish
877-869-0800 / www.frrm.org
Gamble Plantation Historic State Park
3708 Patten Avenue, Ellenton
941-723-4536 / www.floridastateparks.org
Manatee County Agricultural Museum
1015 Sixth Street West, Palmetto
941-721-2034 / www.manateeclerk.com
Palmetto Historical Commission and Park
515 10th Avenue West, Palmetto
941-723-4991 / www.manateeclerk.com
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