Dunedin History Museum facts for kids
The Dunedin History Museum is a cool place in downtown Dunedin, Florida, where you can learn all about the past! It started in 1970 and is located in an old train station built way back in 1924. Imagine, this building used to be a busy spot for trains! The old train tracks are now part of the Pinellas Trail, a popular path for walking and biking.
The museum has over 2,000 old items, 2,500 photos, and a library full of books. All these things tell amazing stories about Dunedin's history. The museum also has special programs for schools and summer camps. Plus, they always have new and exciting exhibits to explore!
The Dunedin History Museum also keeps a full collection of the Dunedin Times newspaper from 1924 to 1966. This is like a time capsule of local news!
Contents
Museum Updates and New Exhibits
Exciting Changes in 2018
From 2017 to 2018, the museum got a big makeover! They added brand new exhibits and a fresh new entrance. The team worked hard to create a modern and fun experience. You can now explore Dunedin's history using cool mixed-media displays.
Exploring History Through Special Shows
The museum often hosts special exhibits that teach visitors about different topics.
Pirates and Hurricanes
In 2020, the museum had a pirate exhibit called A Short Life and a Merry One. It separated real pirate history from the myths we often see in movies. In 2021, to mark 100 years since a big storm, the museum opened A Century of Storms. This exhibit looked at a hundred years of hurricane history in Florida.
Food and Culture in Florida
In February 2022, the museum opened Florida Floodways. This exhibit explored Florida's food history. It also looked at how food connects to culture, money, and historical events.
What You Can Always See
The museum has a special collection of items that are always on display. These items focus on the history of Dunedin.
Life in Early Dunedin
You can see old clothes, tools, and kitchen items used by the first families in Dunedin. These items show what life was like in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The museum also has original items from the Dunedin Post Office. You can even see things from the first Dunedin band and other important local businesses.
The Story of Railroads
Since the museum is in an old train station, it has many railroad items. You can find pictures and information about Florida's railroads. There are also old railroad tools and telegraph equipment. These items show how train companies grew in Dunedin and all over Florida.
Dunedin's Rich Background
Other parts of the museum's collection explore different topics about Dunedin. You can learn about its many cultures and the families who first settled there. There are also exhibits about Mease Hospital, local sports, industries, and the natural places around Dunedin.
Past Fun Exhibits
The museum has hosted many interesting exhibits over the years.
- In 2015, Victorious: Dunedin, Pinellas County, and World War II shared stories from World War II.
- In 2014, Comics: The Superpowered History explored the world of comic books.
- In 2013, the museum hosted Journey Stories from the Smithsonian Institution.
Working Together in the Community
The Dunedin History Museum works closely with the community. They have a special connection with the Dunedin Public Library, which is just a mile away. The library even has a special area for two exhibits. One is for the Dunedin Historical Museum, and the other is for the Armed Forces History Museum.
The museum also partners with San Jose Catholic Church and local schools.
Learning Programs for Schools
The Dunedin Museum offers "History Kits" that schools can borrow. These kits come with photos, old items, and lesson plans. They are great for bringing history to life in the classroom! The museum also offers lectures and "living history" programs. Teachers can ask for these programs to be brought to their classrooms. There's even a special guide about Dunedin History for elementary schools.
The Museum Library
The museum has a library on its second floor. This library has over 200 books. These books are full of cultural and historical information about Dunedin, Pinellas County, and Florida. It's a great place for anyone to learn more!
Easy Access for Everyone
The City of Dunedin has made sure the museum meets all accessibility requirements. This means the museum is welcoming for everyone. People from all backgrounds and with special needs can easily visit. They can learn about Dunedin and Florida history and enjoy everything the museum offers.
See Also
- St. Petersburg station (Amtrak)
- Tarpon Springs Depot
