The Florida Pioneer Museum, 826 N. Krome Ave. in Florida City, will reopen for the season on Saturday, Nov. 14. Again this season entry will be free to the public. Museum hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays.
The museum occupies the 1904 Florida East Coast Railway Station Agent’s house. The wood frame structure was the epitome of good living in early 20th Century South Florida when other families lived in tents, lean-tos and log cabins. The early station agents’ families lived well. It is easily recognized by its “Flagler Yellow” paint scheme.
A visit to the museum shows what family life was like between 1904 and about 1940. Highlights are the quilt collection, the kitchen with its utensils, the tool and agricultural room and the display of early tourism articles. The Native American archeological display introduces visitors to very early Florida. A large photo display gives a glimpse into early Florida City and Homestead as they developed from small agricultural towns into cities. Early typewriters and business machines are a new featured display.
A quilt show featuring antique quilts from the museum’s collection and from other owners will take place on Feb. 20 and 21, 2016. The show will take place in the replica of the 1904 Florida East Coast Railway Depot which is directly behind the museum.
The museum is owned by the City of Florida City and operated for the city by the Florida Pioneer Museum Association. It is staffed by a group of dedicated volunteers who are the twin cities’ most informed docents.
For more information check the Internet site at floridapioneermuseum.org and Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FloridaPioneerMuseum.FloridaCity on a regular basis.
