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)

Using Land Records for Family History Research – There’s no feeling quite like being able to put your own two feet on a plot of land your ancestor once called home. Achieving this can be easier than you think, thanks to public land records. A growing number of these records are even available online! Join the staff of the Sarasota County History Center for a workshop exploring how to find and use the most common types of federal, state, and local land records. (Length: 1 ½ hours)

Using Tax Rolls for Family History Research - Even the most routine, mundane records can be a big help when you are searching for clues about an ancestor. Tax rolls are one of the unsung heroes of genealogical research! Unlike the census, tax rolls are usually created every year, and they can contain all kinds of interesting data about a person's possessions and activities. Join the staff of the Sarasota County History Center for a closer look at these important records, including how to read them and where you can find them online or in the original. (Length: 1 hour 15 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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A Bit of the Old World in the New: Mediterranean Revival Architecture in Sarasota County – Many of the oldest buildings in Sarasota County feature charming references to Spanish and Italian themes—stucco walls, archways, barrel-tile roofs, and elaborate ornamentation. But where did this fascination with the Old World come from, and how did it arrive in our area? There’s more to it than just the venerable beauty of the buildings—this Mediterranean Revival style of architecture has a uniquely Floridian backstory. Join the staff of the Sarasota County History Center for an exploration of the history of Mediterranean Revival architecture and its role in building the Sarasota County we know today. (Length: 1 hour)

Designing for the Sunshine State: How Creative Architecture Made Florida More Livable - Florida lives in most American imaginations as a place with sunny weather, luxurious beachfront homes and endless fun and ease. The reality isn’t too far from that, but there are some trade-offs. Florida’s climate can be hot, humid and stormy at times, not to mention the occasional threat of thunderstorms, hurricanes and forest fires. For centuries, builders have found creative ways to account for these conditions in their designs, evidence of which is still visible today if you know where to look! Join the staff of the Sarasota County History Center for a closer look at how Florida’s unique environment has influenced its architecture over the years. (Length: 1 hour)

From Horse and Chaise to Venice: A History - The town of Venice, Florida was incorporated in 1926, but the history of its settlement stretches back much farther and involves a whole cast of fascinating characters. Join the staff of the Sarasota County History Center for a closer look at the unique origins of this vibrant Gulf coast community. (Length: 1 hour)

A History of North Port – North Port is now one of the largest and fastest-growing communities in Florida. Before 1959, however, virtually the only residents were cows and pine trees tapped for turpentine. Who was behind the establishment of North Port, and how did it spring to life so quickly? Join the staff of the Sarasota County History Center for a look at how this growing Sarasota County metropolis got its start.

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)

Shaping the Islands of Sarasota Bay - Every square foot of Florida has some kind of interesting story attached to it, and the islands of Sarasota Bay are no different. Early developers shaped not only the character, but also the very boundaries of the land to create the keys as we know them today. Join the staff of the Sarasota County History Center for a deeper dive into the history of these patches of paradise. (Length: 1 hour, 15 minutes)

The Tamiami Trail and the Development of Florida’s Gulf Coast in the 1920s – The 275-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 41 between Tampa and Miami is called the Tamiami Trail. To the casual observer it looks like every other major highway in the area, but this strip of pavement played a big role in the development of Florida’s Gulf coast. Because of its route through the Everglades, it was in many ways an engineering marvel of its time, and it even resulted in the creation of a new county! Join the staff of the Sarasota County History Center for a closer look at the fascinating history of this iconic scenic Florida byway and its impact on the Gulf coast. (Length: 1 hour)