If you find yourself in the historic city of Sanford, Florida, make sure to visit their interesting local museums.
They offer a wealth of knowledge about the area’s past and the people of Seminole County.
Goldsboro Museum
The Goldsboro Museum preserves an important history, heritage, and culture. This small Florida town was the second black incorporated city in the U.S.
The museum features exhibits on Goldsboro with a focus on its early pioneers. One of its exhibits, “Welcome Home Zora!” curated by Francis Oliver, tells the story of Zora Neale Hurston, an American novelist who spent most of her life, and authored many of her famous books, in Sanford. Hurston is best known for her 1937 novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God.
According to historian Altermese Bentley, “The history of Zora Neale Hurston and Sanford should be preserved in Florida and Sanford’s history.”
Museum of Seminole County History
Learn about the area’s rich history at the Museum of Seminole County History. Located at the former Old Folks Home, the building itself is on the National Register of Historic Places for its unique pebble-dash façade.
Through this extensive collection of artifacts, visitors will learn about early inhabitants, settlements, and more.
In addition to the permanent galleries, there are temporary traveling exhibits to give repeat visitors something new to enjoy.
“Forgotten Foundations” is a favorite permanent installment that highlights traditions and technologies of Native Americans and Florida pioneers who worked the land before county lines were drawn.
Sanford Museum
Dive into the history of this Florida town at the Sanford Museum. The exhibits illustrate the city’s past as well as the life and times of its founder, Henry S. Sanford.
The galleries cover everything from the development of the city to local sports history and heroes. This includes an exhibit dedicated to the career of Sanford native Tim Raines, who was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Browse through various research collections, including local history archives containing photographs, maps, city directories, newspapers, and a recreation of Henry S. Sanford’s 1880s library.
Lake Mary Museum
The Lake Mary Museum preserves the rich history of this old Florida town. It houses local photographs, artifacts, and documents that go back to the 1800’s.
Lake Mary wasn’t made an official city until 1973, but still recorded how it adapted and evolved in an ever-changing nation.
Learn all about Frank Evans, the man responsible for keeping Lake Mary on the map and building the location that now serves as the museum in 1926.
2 comments
Looking forward to traveling to this part of our great country in the spring. Haven’t been there in many years.
Let us know if there’s any new museums to add to the list!