Stalk prehistoric mastodons with Florida’s first big-game hunters, or travel even further back in time, when colossal sharks cruised the warm tropical seas that once covered Southwest Florida. See ancient shell tools and ceremonial masks and dig up the facts about the Calusa Indian civilization that flourished here centuries before European explorers first set foot on the Gulf coast. Trace America’s little-known wars in South Florida, the heroic journey of the Seminole people, and the origins behind traditional crafts like patchwork, once laboriously stitched together on hand-cranked sewing machines. Experience the daily lives – and utter isolation – of the first settlers and their families as they arrived on this watery frontier a hundred years ago, and share in the vision of a self-made multi-millionaire who dreamed of taming a wilderness swampland the size of Delaware. Along the way, we’ll introduce you to the hardy and colorful folk – the cattlemen, clam diggers, trail blazers, plume hunters, hermits, loggers, railroaders, rum runners, Crackers and Indian traders – who wrote the pioneer history of Collier County. Nestled on five acres of native Florida landscaping, our flagship museum at the County Government center in Naples offers newly created exhibits and galleries that capture the full panorama of local history. Pack a picnic and linger a while in the museum’s shady backyard. Then do a little exploring on your own in our native gardens, restored Naples cottages, the archaeology lab, Seminole village or Calusa Indian camp. Enlarged twice, the museum’s main gallery offers over 10,000 square feet of displays, plus a traveling exhibit room, and lecture hall.
Naples, FL
Region(s):
Southwest
County:
Collier
Type(s):
History
The Mattie Kelly Arts Center preserves, protects, and disseminates material culture associated with the public service of Robert “Bob” Sikes from 1940 to 1979, and dedicated the Congressman Sikes Museum in June of 2024. Sikes served as the longest-tenured representative of Florida’s 1st Congressional District, helping to develop the region into the thriving one it is today. Open during business hours. Contact MKAC Galleries, 850-729-6044, [email protected]
Crestview, FL
Region(s):
Northwest
County:
Okaloosa
Type(s):
History
The Coral Gables Museum fosters an appreciation for the Civic Arts in Coral Gables. It explores and celebrates the history, vision, urban and environmental design, and cultural landscape of the City Beautiful within a broad audience that goes from children, families, and community members to national and international visitors.
Coral Gables, FL
Region(s):
Southeast
County:
Miami-Dade
Type(s):
Art
For more than 60 years, the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens has been committed to engaging and inspiring through the arts, gardens, and education. A permanent collection of more than 5,000 objects and historic gardens on a riverfront campus offers nearly 150,000 annual visitors a truly unique experience on the First Coast. Nationally recognized education programs serve adults and children of all abilities. For further information, including hours, visit www.cummermuseum.org.
Jacksonville, FL
Region(s):
Northeast
County:
Duval
Type(s):
Art
Founded during the centennial anniversary of Arcadia and DeSoto County, Florida, the DeSoto County Historical Society is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of DeSoto County for future generations. To fulfill this mission, the Society opens to the public the John Morgan Ingraham House Museum and the Howard and Velma Melton Historical Research Library in the Ingraham Seed House.
Arcadia, FL
Region(s):
Southwest
County:
DeSoto
Type(s):
History
Located inside the Florida Public Archaeology Network headquarters in downtown Pensacola, the Destination Archaeology Resource Center is an archaeology museum open to the public. Inside you will learn about the amazing archaeological sites that you can visit and experience throughout the state. Our exhibits include displays about both land and underwater archaeology sites. We showcase heritage sites open to the public within the eight regions of the FPAN with traditional and interactive displays, including touchscreens, tablet computers and artifacts. Additionally, our museum hosts a variety of free exhibits, events, and programs throughout the year.
Pensacola, FL
Region(s):
Northwest
County:
Escambia
Type(s):
History
Science
Other
The Doolittle Raid was a strategic air raid by the United States on the Japanese islands during WWII. This exhibit opened in 2013 during the April anniversary, with three Raiders present for the inspirational tradition “Turning of the Cup” ceremonies. There are roughly 750 items in the collection maintained in the NWFSC College Library in the Susan Myers Learning Research Commons, Building 500, Niceville Campus. Open before Raider events.
Niceville, FL
Region(s):
Northwest
County:
Okaloosa
Type(s):
History
The Historical Society of Martin County operates the Elliott and House of Refuge Museums. Built in 1875, the House of Refuge is the oldest building in Martin County, and the only remaining House of Refuge in Florida. The Elliott Museum is a 48,000 sq. ft, state of the art facility with classic cars, a large Americana collection, Baseball Gallery, and local history exhibits including an archival library.
Stuart, FL
Region(s):
Southeast
County:
Martin
Type(s):
Art
Historic Home
History
House
Other
Step outside the box and experience science firsthand in our interactive museum including a STEAM Makerspace, SMALLab Learning, animal presentations, and more at the Emerald Coast Science Center! The center strives to inspire and grow a scientifically engaged community, and it has promoted STEAM education and public outreach in Okaloosa County and beyond for over 30 years. The Emerald Coast Science Center is committed to serving children and families through excellent programming and exhibits that allow patrons to capture the difference a hands-on encounter with science can make. Home to over 40 exotic animals, amazing robotics exhibits, and immersive programming, come discover the element of surprise at the Emerald Coast Science Center.
Fort Walton Beach, FL
Region(s):
Northwest
County:
Okaloosa
Type(s):
Science
Enterprise Museum is owned and operated by the non profit organization, the Enterprise Preservation Society, Inc. The museum houses our local history and has events all year long.
Enterprise, FL
Region(s):
Central
County:
Volusia
Type(s):
History