The Museum of Seminole County History highlights Seminole County, the historical gateway to interior Central Florida. The area has gone through periods of great importance militarily and as the area's transportation hub, and more recently as an agricultural leader.

The Museum of Seminole County History is comprised of two buildings situated on 2 acres of beautifully Landscaped grounds.

The main building is the original "Old Folks Home". This one of a kind building has become an endearing part of the history of Seminole County. It was constructed in 1926 when the county was only 12 years old.

In 1925, the Board of County Commissioners approved the purchase of 82 acres of land in a remote area several miles from Sanford, the County Seat. One year later the commission approved the construction of two buildings to serve as living quarters for those persons who were in need of a place to stay or had no one to care for them.

Each resident had a private room and there was a sharing of chores and activities that established a family atmosphere. A large orange grove provided some income, and a vegetable garden, chickens and dairy cows helped to make the home almost self sufficient.

By 1940 the number of residents had declined and all were placed in the main building. The second building became the Infirmary for Home residents and the nearby convict camp. All buildings were closed in 1964.

In 1965 this building was converted into offices for the County Agricultural and the Home Demonstration Agent. It was known as the Agricultural Center until November 1980, when the new agricultural building was completed and this building was vacated. In 1982 the County Commission approved the establishment of a Historical Museum in the vacant building. The formal opening was November 1983.

In June of 1999, the Museum was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Camphor trees, an import from China, have become indigenous to Florida. The large tree on the right as you enter the building is the second largest in the state of Florida and is recognized as a Florida Champion Tree. It is believed to have been planted in the mid 1880's.






The museum has an extensive collection of reference materials available to the public during regular scheduled museum hours. If you are planning to visit the Museum to conduct research, we would like to offer the following tips to help you get the most out of your visit.

Reference materials include the Sanford Herald and Seminole Herald newspapers, on microfilm, from August 1908 forward. Other reference items include assorted Sanford City directories, reference books and some Seminole family histories.

We suggest you bring paper, pencils, and change for the microfilm reader (the machine only accepts nickel coins - 10 cents per copy) or photocopies (10 cents per copy).

If you feel that you will require an hour or more to use the microfilm reader, we suggest that you call in advance to discuss the machine's availability.

Seminole County Historical Commission is a fifteen (15) member board that is appointed by the BCC and is an advisory board to the BCC concerning the Museum.