Community Corner

County Prepares for 34th Annual Heritage Days

Learn about Manatee County's history throughout the month of March.

Think you know Manatee County history?

You'll get a chance to test just how much you know during this year's 34th annual Heritage Days, a month-long celebration of Manatee County's history.

 

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Throughout March, historical sites and organizations will celebrate the community’s heritage by providing opportunities for residents and visitors to experience the past.  Reenactments, special exhibits, lectures, open houses and family programming will highlight the month’s events. 

For thirty-four years, the Manatee Heritage Association has sponsored Heritage Days. Originally a week in length, Heritage Days grew to nine days, and in 1995, Manatee Heritage Days expanded to a month long event. 

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The activities are as varied as walking tours and concerts.  Events take place throughout Manatee County in many different communities. Through these events at area historical sites, participants will experience the pioneer lifestyle and learn how Manatee County has grown and developed.

Following is a schedule for events.  Most are free, though some require a reservation or admission fee. 

Manatee Heritage Days 2013

 

Every Day throughout March

Camp Uzita Living History: DeSoto National Memorial, 8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy.  Visitors get a unique look into Spanish and Native American life in the 16th Century. Park staff offer talks and demonstrations on the lasting impact De Soto would have on the history of America and the native people.   Free!  For more information, call (941) 792-0458 or visit www.nps.gov/deso.

Manatee County Central Library Special Exhibits, “Baseball Season in Florida!” courtesy of the Anna Maria Island Historical Society and “Viva Florida 500: Spanish Florida 1513-2013”, 1301 Barcarrota Boulevard West.  Hours:  Monday 10 a.m. to 8p.m.; Tuesday 10a.m. to 6p.m., Wednesday noon to 8p.m., Thursday 9 a.m. to 5p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to  5 p.m. FREE.  For information, call (941) 748-5555

South Florida Museum at Sixty-five:  A Window to the World, 201 10th St. W. Celebrate the Museum’s history as a community institution over the past 65 years. As a cultural anchor in our region, the changes and additions to South Florida Museum during this time have made it possible to fulfill its mission daily: To engage and inspire learners of all ages; protect, interpret and communicate scientific and cultural knowledge of Florida, the world, and universe. Come experience something different at this introspective look into our community and South Florida Museum.   Exhibition is included with general admission – Adults - $15.95, Seniors (65+) $13.95 and children (4-12) $11.95 Contact information:  info@southfloridamuseum.org, www.SouthFloridaMuseum.org or call, 941-746-4131 ext. 0.

Wednesdays, March 6, 13, 20, 27

Tours of the Crosley Estate, 8374 N. Tamiami Trail, across from the Sarasota Bradenton Airport, west of US 41, hourly at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and noon. Advance reservations are required. No walk-ins accepted.  Conducted tour of the 11,500 square foot, 21 room winter home of Powel Crosley Jr. built in 1929. Docents will tell of the entrepreneur’s innovation of autos, radios, airplanes, fax machines, Voice of America, baseball and much more. Special exhibits of Crosley memorabilia will be on display in the Carriage House.  Tours last about an hour and are fully accessible. FREE, but donations to the Crosley Estate Foundation accepted. For tour reservations, call (941) 722-3244, ext. 0 during business hours – Monday thru Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. www.powelcrosleyestate.com

 

Scheduled Daily Events

Saturday, March 2

Parrish Heritage Days Parade and Festival with 2nd Annual Chili Cook Off. Parade starts behind the fire department at 10:30 a.m., travels up 121st Avenue and ends at the Florida Gulf Coast Railroad Museum on Highway 301.    The Parade is FREE! Festival starts at 11 a.m. on the grounds of the FRRM. There is a $5 charge to get into the festival where there will be food and entertainment.  Anyone interested in participating in the parade should call and leave a message, 941-812-5291.  To enter a team in the chili cook off, contact Ron Hecox at 914-6164. For Festival information, call 941-232-0104.

Historical River Cruise aboard the Island Pearl: Two hour trips leave from Pier 22, 1200 First Avenue West, Bradenton, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. They will be narrated by local historian, Cathy Slusser, who will tell stories of the river’s history and the people who lived along its banks. The cruise will be aboard the Island Pearl, an ex-US Navy "Liberty Launch" originally built in 1991 by Willard Marine in California for the carrier USS ESSEX. In 2004, the Island Pearl was completely converted into an elegant launch style vessel. The Island Pearl only seats 49 people so purchase tickets in advance. Ticket prices are $30 each with a portion going to Manatee County Historical Resources. For reservations, call 941-780-8010.

 

Sunday, March 3

Gamble Plantation Historic State Park 50th Annual Open House, one mile west of I-75 (exit #224) on US 301, Ellenton, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Travel back to the Old South during the day through the many lifestyle demonstrations of that time period. The ladies of the United Daughters of the Confederacy will be wearing costumes reminiscent of the era of the 1840’s through 1870’s while providing a narrative of the Gamble Mansion’s history.  The 4th Florida Volunteer Infantry will be dressed in military uniforms re-enacting a Confederate encampment.  Music, crafts and more await attendees.  Sponsored by the Judah P. Benjamin Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy and the Florida Park Service. FREE. For additional information, please contact the park office at (941)723-4536.  For ADA assistance, please contact the park office.

Historical Tour of Terra Ceia Island leaves from the Terra Ceia Village Improvement Association Hall, 1505 Center Road, Terra Ceia, 2 p.m. Bring your own golf cart, other small motorized vehicle or bicycle for a historic tour of Terra Ceia Island. The two and a half hour tour will highlight historic buildings and archaeological sites. FREE. For more information, call, the Manatee County Historical Records Library, (941) 741-4070.

 

Monday, March 4

Walking Tours of the Manatee Settlement, 4:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.  Join Reflections of Manatee’s costumed volunteers on Historic Tours of the Manatee Settlement. This two hour tour begins at the Manatee Mineral Spring Park located at 1312 2nd Ave. E. and 14th St. E. (Two blocks North of SR 64). Learn the history of the Spanish Occupation of Florida through the Boon era. Visit Manatee County’s first settlement, see a sugarcane field and learn of the sugar culture that brought settlers to the area in the 1840’s. See where Branch Stockade was located and learn of the Seminole uprisings. Walk under the canopy of oaks and see the Curry Museum Houses, the first house to be electrified, and where the Trolley ran. FREE. Contact, Trudy Williams (941) 746-2035 or go to www.reflectionsofmanatee.com.

 

Tuesday, March 5

Historical River Cruise aboard the Island Pearl: Two hour trips leave from Pier 22, 1200 First Avenue West, Bradenton, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. They will be narrated by local historian, Cathy Slusser, who will tell stories of the river’s history and the people who lived along its banks. The cruise will be aboard the Island Pearl, an ex-US Navy "Liberty Launch" originally built in 1991 by Willard Marine in California for the carrier USS ESSEX. In 2004, the Island Pearl was completely converted into an elegant launch style vessel. The Island Pearl only seats 49 people so purchase tickets in advance. Ticket prices are $30 each with a portion going to Manatee County Historical Resources. For reservations, call 941-780-8010.

Manatee Genealogical Society meeting at the Manatee County Central Library, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd. W, 9:30 a.m. to noon. Featured speaker is Bryan Mulcahy, Reference Librarian for the Fort Myers-Lee County Library in Fort Myers in a presentation on “Land Records and Tax Records.” FREE!  Use the auditorium entrance on 2nd Avenue between 13 th and 14th streets. The Society welcomes new members. Information: Jean Morris 941-722-5156. Web: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~flmgs/

 

Wednesday, March 6

Walking Tour of Fogartyville, leaves from Lewis Park, 3100 block of 1st Ave. W. 2:00 p.m. This walk will be approximately 2 hours and will highlight some of the historic homes and historic sites in the town once called Fogartyville.  Wear comfortable shoes.  FREE.  For more information, call, the Manatee County Historical Records Library, (941) 741-4070.

 

Saturday, March 9

Palmetto Heritage Day Open House: Palmetto Historical Park & the Manatee County Agricultural Museum, 515 10th Ave. West, Palmetto,  10 a.m. to 3 p.m.   Heritage Station Post Office will be open for business and a special one-day cancellation will be affixed to all outgoing mail. Exhibit by local photographer Ed Parker, storyteller, music, food vendor, demonstrations, children’s activities and crafts. No admission to event, but charge for the Chicken & Yellow Rice Luncheon to be held at the Woman's Club of Palmetto from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  For information, call (941) 723-4991 or (941) 721-2034.

Music on the Porch, Florida Maritime Museum at Cortez, 4415 119th Street West, Cortez, noon - 4 p.m. Enjoy the music of multiple musicians on the porch of the historic Burton Store, or bring an instrument and join in with musical host Rick Quimby.  “Florida Highway Women” plein aire painters will be on site painting, and an exhibit of their works is hosted in the museum. Children are invited to make musical instruments — supplies provided for a small fee. The food vendor is Banana Cabana. FREE.  For more information, call (941) 708-6120 or email amaracocilovo@manateeclerk.com

Pirate Fest, at historic McKechnie Field, 1611 9th Street West, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.   Join the Major League baseball players for a carnival-like block party in front of McKechnie Field prior to the game. Fun and Games for the whole family, autograph opportunities, sponsor booths, DJ, and concessions. Cost is free to attend Pirate Fest, a Spring Training game will follow at regular pricing at 1:05 vs. the Minnesota Twins. Get more information at www.BradentonMarauders.com.

 

Sunday, March 10

Historic Horses Saving Historical School, 32755 Singletary Road, Myakka City, 4 p.m. (Gates open at 3:00 PM).  Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan Stallions Dress Performance to benefit the Myakka City Historical Society’s efforts to restore the 1914 Myakka City Schoolhouse.  Tickets required, $12 per adult; $6 per child. For information, call (941) 322-1304.

 

Monday, March 11

Walking Tours of the Manatee Settlement, 4:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.  Join Reflections of Manatee’s costumed volunteers on Historic Tours of the Manatee Settlement. This two hour tour begins at the Manatee Mineral Spring Park located at 1312 2nd Ave. E. and 14th St. E. (Two blocks North of SR 64). Learn the history of the Spanish Occupation of Florida through the Boon era. Visit Manatee County’s first settlement, see a sugarcane field and learn of the sugar culture that brought settlers to the area in the 1840’s. See where Branch Stockade was located and learn of the Seminole uprisings. Walk under the canopy of oaks and see the Curry Museum Houses, the first house to be electrified, and where the Trolley ran. FREE. Contact, Trudy Williams (941) 746-2035 or go to www.reflectionsofmanatee.com.

 

Wednesday, March 13

Exploring Emerson Point: Oyster Eaters and Mound Builders, Emerson Point Preserve, 5801 17th Street West, Palmetto, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.  Join master naturalist Jane Hamlin for the first in the series of classes on Emerson Point’s wonderful oysters. What was Florida like thousands of years ago? Who were the mound builders of Emerson Point and what was the importance of the oyster to their existence? Get a new perspective on the history of these delicious shellfish. Program suitable for all ages. FREE.  Reservations are required! Please call 941-748-4501 ext. 4605.

Walking Tour of Palmetto, leaves from the Palmetto Historical Park, 10th Avenue and 6th Street West, Palmetto, 2 p.m. This walk, about 2 hours, will highlight some of the historic buildings along the riverfront in Palmetto and includes a tour of the Palmetto Riverfront Bed and Breakfast. The Bed and Breakfast was a Sears and Roebuck house, built by town founder’s son, J.A. Lamb. Wear comfortable shoes. FREE. For more information, call the Palmetto Historical Park, (941) 723-4991.

 

Saturday, March 16

ArchaeologyFest!, New College Public Archaeology Lab, West Side of New College Campus, 5800 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, 10 a.m. to  1 p.m.  A celebration and exploration of regional archaeology and history. Fun for all ages with hands-on activities, demonstrations, lab tours, lectures, and a children’s gutter regatta.  FREE. Sponsored in conjunction with Time Sifters Archaeology Society. For more information, e-mail, ssvekis@ncf.edu.  

Jiggs Landing Preserve Open House sponsored by the Old Braden River Historical Society, Inc, 6106 63rd Street East, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Historical Cabin will be open for tours. Refreshments provided.  Entertainment to be announced.  Free!  Visit www.oldbradenriver.org  for more information or call 941-320-8811.

Manatee Village Historical Park Open House, 1404 Manatee Avenue East, (State Road 64) 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Walk back in time.  Blacksmiths, boat wrights, heritage artisans. Special exhibits by the Tin Can Tourist Vintage Trailer and Motor Coach Club and the Carousel Organ Association of America.   Keynote entertainment features Smithsonian recording artists Bob and Sheila Everhart, world-wide performers of America’s Old Time Music. Funding for this program was provided through a grant from the Florida Humanities Council with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Craft and food vendors also on site.  FREE admission and parking.  For information, call (941) 741-4076.

 

Tuesday, March 19

Imaging in Cortez, Florida Maritime Museum at Cortez, 4415 119th Street West, Cortez, 9 AM. Walking photo tour of the Cortez Village and the grounds of the Florida Maritime Museum. Nature photographer Richard Estabrook will guide you as you capture historic images off the beaten track. Bring camera equipment and wear sturdy walking shoes. Non-photographers are welcome. FREE! Class size limited to twelve, call (941) 708-6120 for reservations.

 

Wednesday, March 20

Manatee County Historical Society Luncheon, Renaissance on 9th, 1816 9th Street West, noon.  As part of the statewide, “Viva Florida 500, 1513-2013” celebration, our speaker is from DeSoto National Memorial, where it all began locally in 1539.  $15.00 for luncheon.  Reservations Required by Friday, March 15.  Call for reservation, (941) 748-5788 or (941) 748-6694.

Walking Tour of Point Pleasant, leaves from the Manatee County Historical Records Library, 1405 4th Avenue West, Bradenton, 2 p.m. This walk, about 2 hours, will highlight historic homes along Ware’s Creek and the Manatee River.  Wear comfortable shoes. FREE. For more information call the Manatee County Historical Records Library, (941) 741-4070.

 

Friday, March 22

“Gather Round the Steeple” Gospel Concert, First Baptist Church of Palmetto, 1020 4th Street West, Palmetto, 7 p.m. Headliners: Henry Lawrence, the Wares Creek Boys, The Redeemed and other gospel groups. $20 per person. Attend and help save the 1887 Old Meeting House Church steeple at Manatee Village Historical Park. For ticket availability call 941-741-4076.

 

Wednesday, March 27

Walking Tour of Downtown Bradenton, leaves from the Manatee County Historical Records Library, 1405 4th Avenue West, 2 p.m. This walk, about 2 hours, will highlight historic buildings along Main Street and around the Manatee County Courthouse. Wear comfortable shoes. FREE.  For more information, call, the Manatee County Historical Records Library, (941) 741-4070.

 

Friday, March 29

Historical River Cruise aboard the Island Pearl, Two hour trips leave from Pier 22, 1200 First Avenue West, Bradenton, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. They will be narrated by local historian, Cathy Slusser, who will tell stories of the river’s history and the people who lived along its banks. The cruise will be aboard the Island Pearl, an ex-US Navy "Liberty Launch" originally built in 1991 by Willard Marine in California for the carrier USS ESSEX. In 2004, the Island Pearl was completely converted into an elegant launch style vessel. The Island Pearl only seats 49 people so purchase tickets in advance. Ticket prices are $30 each with a portion going to Manatee County Historical Resources. For reservations, call 941-780-8010.

 

Saturday, March 30

Five Centuries of Florida History, Desoto National Memorial, North end of 75th Street Northwest, 10 a.m. to  3 p.m.   De Soto Memorial brings together re-enactor groups from all over Florida for a timeline event spanning 500 years of history. FREE. For more information, call (941) 792-0458 or visit www.nps.gov/deso.


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