PALMETTO — Learn about a moonshine still that operated in Parrish until the 1980s, the original citrus and vegetable farms on which housing developments now stand and the outlawed tools used by local commercial fishermen at the Palmetto Historical Park.
At the Manatee County Agricultural Museum, an art exhibit by Regina Stahl Briskey features works inspired by the state’s landscapes, wildlife and pioneer heritage, on display through Friday, Oct. 23. Among her local subjects are the Manatee River and the Harllee Barn, a picturesque roadside favorite of artists for decades. The paintings are paired with historical artifacts from the museum’s collection, inviting visitors to explore Florida’s agricultural heritage.
The museum, 1015 Sixth St. W., open since 2002, is only one of the historic buildings at the Palmetto Historical Park, 515 10th Ave. W., which includes several structures that have been restored and moved to the park.
The park is anchored by the museum and the Carnegie Library, one of the first libraries built in South Florida, which also once served as the city’s Town Hall.
Heritage Station was Palmetto’s first free-standing post office, built for Mrs. Mary Nettles, Palmetto’s second and fourth postmaster, who served from 1880-89 and from 1893-97. During her service and through the turn of the century, mail destined for Palmetto traveled first by rail to Cedar Key, then 125 miles south by steamer and into the Manatee River to Palmetto.
The Schoolhouse was once a kindergarten building, moved onto the Palmetto Elementary School property in 1936 and relocated to the park.
The Cottage Museum was the Joe Stephens home, a typical 1900 family home that has been refurbished with the help of several families who lived there.
The Cypress House Military Museum opened in 2004, and was originally located on Longboat Key in the mid-1930s, one of several cypress cottages used during WWII to house military personnel who brought their families to the beach for vacation.
The Heritage Chapel, the only building in the park that is not an original building, is based on the designs of the first three churches in Palmetto, the first Baptist, first Methodist and first Presbyterian churches.
Guided tours of the park buildings are available, and recommended as only the museum and library are open regular hours. The Palmetto Historical Park is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and the first and third Saturdays of the month. For more information, call 941-723-4991.
Museum Events
• Ag After Dark: An Adults-Only Evening at the Ag Museum, on Tuesday, Sept. 29 from 5-7 p.m. Roll up your sleeves and get gardening tips, learn palm frond weaving and more. $12 members; $15 non-members.
• The History of Tropicana and the Man Behind the Iconic Carton, on Tuesday, Oct. 6. Join the Manatee County Agricultural Museum’s Community Engagement Coordinator Kel Roth on a fascinating journey into the rise of Tropicana and the citrus legacy that shaped our region. Get an in-depth look at the life of Tropicana’s founder, Anthony T. Rossi, and his journey from taxicab driver to tomato farmer to Tropicana. Registration is required for this free event.
• The Art of Wine Making in Florida, Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. Learn about the history of wine making in Manatee County including the Fiorelli Winery, discuss the book “The French Winemaker’s Daughter” at the Palmetto Branch Library then enjoy a guided tour of the museum across the street.
• Hands-On Homeschool Morning, Friday, Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon. Explore agriculture and history at hands-on stations throughout Palmetto Historical Park & the Manatee County Agricultural Museum.
For more information on tours, visit www.ManateeCountyAgMuseum.com or call 941-721-2034.