Get schooled in the Bradenton area’s culture at the Folk School

With school on the minds of many as we approach mid-August, I am happy to share some information about one of our area’s most unique schools, located within Cortez Fishing Village and honoring the Bradenton area’s fishing and maritime heritage: The Folk School at the Florida Maritime Museum.

Studies show that learning about the past creates a stronger sense of connection to a place, giving residents a sense of pride in their home and visitors another reason to return.

Yet, folk skills and heritage crafts, unfortunately, are at risk of becoming obsolete – especially in the Bradenton area, where we celebrate our Old Florida roots and pride ourselves on maintaining a deep connection to our past.

Thankfully, the Folk School offers heritage-related programs designed to provide opportunities for students to immerse themselves in the activities of our settlers and ancestors, including traditional crafts such as quilting, canning, soap-making, woodcrafting, candle-making and kid’s crafts.

In addition, there are activities with direct ties to the fishing and maritime heritage ingrained in our destination: net mending, fish filleting and more.

Classes run 1 to 2 1/2 hours year-round and can be taken by groups or individuals.

The Folk School is one of the many highlights of Cortez Fishing Village. The Florida Maritime Museum offers free 45-minute guided tours and Cortez boasts a 94-acre F.I.S.H. Preserve with native Florida plants and wildlife.

Those who work up an appetite can enjoy omelets and coffee at Cortez Café, some of the area’s freshest seafood at Starfish Company, or drinks at Swordfish Grill for sunset.

Next door, Captain Cathe offers two-hour boat tours of Sarasota Bay. Best of all, all of these activities are located within the two-mile historic Cortez Fishing Village, making it the perfect place to spend the entire day.

With something for guest of all ages – all designed to honor our area’s fishing and maritime heritage – Cortez is truly one of the Bradenton area’s hidden gems.

I hope many take the time to explore the Village and take a class with the Folk School to connect with our past. For those who do, I am sure the Folk School will become one kids (and parents) look forward to returning to time and time again.

This story was originally published August 6, 2017 at 8:35 AM with the headline "Get schooled in the Bradenton area’s culture at the Folk School."