Baker Block Museum facts for kids
The Baker Block Museum is a fun place in Baker, Florida. It's like a time machine that shows you the history of the Florida panhandle. This museum focuses on the past of Okaloosa County. It helps us learn about how people lived long ago in this part of Florida.
Contents
Discovering Florida's Past
The main goal of the museum is to keep old items and documents safe. These items show how the Florida panhandle developed over many years. The museum also teaches everyone about technology and important historical events.
Learning About Early Cultures
You can learn about the early cultures that shaped Florida. This includes the Spanish, French, Dutch, and Native American people. They all played a big part in the area's history.
Industries and Transportation
The museum also teaches about important industries. You can discover the naval stores industry, which made things like tar and pitch from pine trees. There's also information about the rail transportation industry. Trains were very important for moving goods and people. You can also learn about military bases in Florida, especially near the Yellow and Shoal Rivers. The timber industry, pioneer communities, and fishing are also covered.
What You Can See at the Museum
The Baker Block Museum has many cool things to explore. It's like walking through history!
Inside the Museum
Inside, you'll find lots of old items and tools. There are also displays that show what rooms looked like in different time periods. It helps you imagine life in the past.
The Heritage Park
Outside the main building, there's a special area called the Heritage Park. It's like a small village from long ago! You can see:
- A real old post office
- A mill
- A log cabin, just like pioneers lived in
- A blacksmith shop, where metal was shaped
- A corn crib for storing corn
- An outhouse (an old outdoor toilet)
The museum is easy to find. It's located right where State Roads 189 and 4 meet in Baker.
How the Museum Works
The Baker Block Museum is a non-profit organization. This means it's run by people who want to help the community, not make money.
The North Okaloosa Historical Association
The museum is managed by the North Okaloosa Historical Association, Inc. (NOHA). Jeanette and Charles Henderson started this group in 1992. A group of directors meets every month to make decisions for the museum. They plan new exhibits and make sure everything runs smoothly.
Support and Volunteers
The museum gets help from the state and county governments. It also relies on sponsors and many wonderful volunteers. These volunteers give their time to help the museum operate. Their hard work makes it possible for everyone to visit and learn.
Visiting the Museum
It's free to visit the Baker Block Museum! You don't need to buy a ticket.
Museum Hours
The museum is open:
- Tuesday through Friday: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Every third Saturday of the month: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
It's a great place to spend an afternoon learning about Florida's rich history!
