Historical Society of Sarasota County

The Historical Society of Sarasota County in Pioneer Park.

We’re so happy that the selection of books by local authors and on local subjects is growing every day in our Gift Shop!Watch our Pinterest “Books Worth Reading” for new books, and stop in, Monday-Friday from 10 to 2, plus an hour before our second Tuesday Conversations at the Crocker, to pick up these… and so many wonderful hand-, local-, lovingly-crafted gift items.

 

What’s coming soon at the Historical Society? Click here.
View our Calendar of Events. Click here.

THROUGH THE PORTALS OF THE PAST WE VIEW THE FUTURE

The Bidwell-Wood House is the oldest residence in Sarasota County, built in 1882.

SARASOTA – Native tribes claimed this land. Explorers sailed the bays. Through the years of Seminole Indian Wars, the coming of the hardy pioneers who fished the waters and cultivated the land, the Crackers who herded the cattle, and the visionaries who built a city unique in its diversity, Sarasota remains a home to be desired; a place of proud heritage.

Sign up for the Historical Society’s Complimentary Email Newsletter We hate spam as much as you do; we never divulge your address to anyone.

Crocker Memorial Church, built in 1901.

We acknowledge and are grateful for the sacrifices made and creative energies expended by those who came before us. We admire and pay homage to all of those who labored to form this Sarasota home. Conserving our heritage is the Historical Society’s primary concern. Beginning in 1927 with a citizens group’s collection of historical materials and the forming of the Office of County Historian in the early 1950’s, a Sarasota County Historical Society evolved in 1959. The Society reorganized in 1977 as a not-for-profit corporation.

HSOSC

The Mission of the Historical Society of Sarasota County is to foster public awareness of the rich historical heritage of Sarasota County and the state of Florida, encourage inquiry and research into this history, promote collection and preservation of memorabilia, develop a broader appreciation of its historical communities, and protect its historic sites and structures.

Click for the larger map and directions

Membership in The Historical Society of Sarasota County is open to any person interested in the history of this area and the State of Florida upon payment of dues. The Historical Society is a 501(C) (3) non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible. Click here for our membership form, print it, mail it, and join us today! Those wishing to pay tribute to family or friends through contributions are encouraged to contact us for details. Phone: 941-364-9076 Call today and become a part of history.

Note: On our site and social media pages, we use illustrations and vintage photographs to engage and amuse. Some of these images are stored and preserved by governmental bodies and/or private non-profit historical or genealogical groups. We mention these sources when feasible; if we cannot specifically verify the originator of an electronic image, we invite them to contact us so that we may publish an Internet original source for said image.