Outreach

The Sarasota County History Center offers a wide variety of presentations and research tutorials throughout the year. Some are scheduled by History Center staff at public venues around the county, but organizations may also request a presentation for their members. Most presentations can be offered either virtually or in person. There is no charge for this service, but it is subject to staff and resource availability. To request a presentation, contact us by phone at 941-861-6090 or by email at historycenter@scgov.net.

The Sarasota County History Center: What Will You Discover? – The Sarasota County History Center holds the largest collection available of archival records, artifacts, and reference materials documenting the history and culture of Sarasota County. But how do you get access to this collection, and what can you learn from it? Join the staff for a workshop outlining the History Center’s holdings and showing off some of our most interesting artifacts. We’ll also discuss ways you can help us achieve our mission by donating relevant materials or volunteering. (Length: 45 minutes) 

Preserving and Commemorating Historical Resources

Ad Valorem Tax Exemptions for Historic Properties in Sarasota County – Sarasota County offers a valuable incentive for property owners who invest in improving their historic homes. Owners may apply for a ten-year 100% exemption on county ad valorem taxes levied on qualifying rehabilitation or restoration work. Learn more about the requirements and the application process in this tutorial from the staff of the Sarasota County History Center. (Length: 45 minutes – 1 hour)

Historical Markers 101 – Sarasota County has erected more than 70 historical markers since the program began back in the 1970s. Anyone can propose a new historical marker, but how do you get started? What kinds of information are needed for the application, and how does it get approved? Join the staff of the Sarasota County History Center for a step-by-step explanation of the historical marker approval process, plus a brief history of the program itself. (Length: 30-45 minutes)

Historic Preservation Basics – Sarasota County has several valuable tools for recognizing and protecting historic properties, including a local register of historic places and an approval process for making certain kinds of alterations to properties on the list. Join the staff of the Sarasota County History Center for an overview of the county’s historic preservation programs, including the right steps to take to protect a historic property of your own. (Length: 1 hour)

Preserving Family Treasures at Home – Family photographs, home movies, scrapbooks, and heirlooms provide lots of joy, but as they get older it is essential that they be cared for properly to prevent damage or loss. To complicate matters, many store-bought photo albums, storage boxes and display products are made of materials that can actually harm these priceless objects. Join the staff of the Sarasota County History Center for a tutorial on best practices for preserving your family collections at home. We’ll discuss strategies for providing the best possible environment for your keepsakes and using the best possible storage materials to ensure their longevity. We’ll focus on photographs, film, paper documents, and computer files, but there will be time to discuss other kinds of artifacts as desired. (1 hour)

Local and Regional History
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The Leading Ladies of Sarasota County – Sarasota County has been profoundly shaped by the contributions of local women in business, education, philanthropy, and political leadership. In this program, we’ll explore the stories of some of the county’s most inspiring leading ladies, ranging from newspaper editor Rose Phillips Wilson to educators Emma Booker and Eugenie Clark to philanthropists Marie Selby and Mable Ringling, and of course the innovative businesswoman and developer Bertha Palmer. We’ll use photographs, correspondence, and other archival records from the collections of the Sarasota County History Center to help illuminate the lives of these remarkable citizens. (Length: 1 hour)

The Many Origins of Sarasota – How old is Sarasota? That depends on what you're asking. Sarasota is a city, a county, and a bay - each with its own origin story. Join the staff of the Sarasota County History Center for a closer look at the history of Sarasota in all its forms, a story that stretches back to the Spanish colonial era and ties in with some of the most exciting developments of Florida's fascinating past. The program will feature maps, photographs, and archival records from the History Center's collections. (Length: 1 hour)

Sarasota’s Sails: Racing Through History on the Bay - Sarasota’s history has always been shaped by the water, and sailing has played a central role in life on Sarasota Bay for centuries. This program uses photographs, oral histories and archival records from the Sarasota County History Center to explore the development of local sailing traditions from early yacht clubs and community regattas to youth programs and grassroots sailing organizations. Participants will also be introduced to basic sailing terminology through a brief hands-on activity. (Length: 1 hour)