Anna Maria Island Historical Complex...
If you are visiting Anna Maria Island, be sure to visit the Anna Maria Island Historical Complex, located at 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria City.
The Anna Maria Historical Museum, built in 1920 as an icehouse, features displays of life on a barrier island from 1890 to 1950.
For starters, you can visit the famous old island jail, “no doors, no windows, no roof, no bars”.
You can also tour Belle Haven Cottage, a beautifully restored 1920 cracker house filled with period antiques and furnishings. Outside the cottage, stroll along the “mangrove walk,” a natural Florida garden landscaped with tropical plants and trees.
Anna Maria Island Historical Society
The Anna Maria Island Historical Society was formed in 1990 by Anna Maria residents Pat Copeland and Carolyne Norwood. Mayor Ray Simches gave them the idea. They knew something must be done to preserve Island artifacts, which were being lost. It was only a matter of time before more residents joined in the cause and began supporting their goal.
The non-profit, educational organization was incorporated in 1991.
Mission of the Anna Maria Island Historical Society
The mission of the Anna Maria Island Historical Society is to collect, research, preserve, and exhibit materials relating to the early days of Anna Maria Island. The educational program is of great importance, helping to preserve schools the heritage of this beautiful seven-mile jewel.
Historical Society members visit churches, and civic organizations to make the history of the Island come alive to students.
On September 1, 1992, the Anna Maria Island Historical Society moved artifacts and records into the building at 402 Pine Avenue. The building, which belongs to the city, was built in 1920 as an ice house. Since that time, it has served as an automotive garage, city offices, police and fire departments, and the Turtle House.
Now, housed in the museum are rare old photographs, maps, records from the early 1900s, clippings from newspapers, and videos of old times. There are collections indigenous to the Island, e.g. shells, fossils, old post office equipment, tools, fishing items, aerial photos of the Island, and more.
Directions to the
Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum
Take Manatee Avenue (Rt. 64) onto Anna Maria Island. Go right at the 2nd light on Gulf Drive. Go right at the next light on Marina Drive. Proceed north to the stop sign at Pine Avenue. Go right. The museum is on your left at #402.
Hours: Tue., Wed., Thu., Fri., and Sat.
- October 1st through April 30th 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- May 1st through September 30th 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Call 941-778-0492 for more information or visit the Anna Maria Island Historical Society website at www.amihs.org.
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