National Register of Historic Places Multiple Property Submissions in Florida facts for kids

Florida is full of amazing history, from ancient Native American sites to important buildings from the past. To help protect these special places, the United States has something called the National Register of Historic Places. Think of it like a special list of places that are super important to our country's story.

In Florida, there are more than 1,500 places on this list! Sometimes, many historic places are connected by a similar story or theme. When this happens, they can be grouped together under something called a "Multiple Property Submission" (MPS). Florida has 58 of these special groups, which include about 400 individual historic spots.

What are Historic Places?

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of buildings, sites, objects, and districts that are important in American history. These places could be important because of their history, their amazing architecture, or even because of what they tell us about how people lived long ago.

Why Do We Protect Them?

Protecting historic places helps us learn about the past. It's like having a giant outdoor museum! These places teach us about the people, events, and ideas that shaped our world. They also help us understand where we came from and how our communities grew. Keeping them safe means future generations can also explore and learn from them.

Understanding Multiple Property Submissions (MPS)

A Multiple Property Submission (MPS) is a way to list several related historic places on the National Register at once. Instead of listing each old house or site individually, if they all share a common theme, they can be grouped. For example, all the lighthouses in Florida might be part of one MPS because they all served a similar purpose and share a similar history.

Why Group Them Together?

Grouping places into an MPS makes it easier to understand their shared history. It also helps experts study and protect them more efficiently. It shows how different places are connected and how they tell a bigger story about Florida's past.

Amazing Examples of Florida's MPS Groups

Florida's Multiple Property Submissions cover a wide range of fascinating topics. Here are just a few examples that show how diverse and interesting our state's history is:

Shipwrecks and Underwater Treasures

Imagine ships filled with treasure sinking off the coast! The 1733 Spanish Plate Fleet Shipwrecks MPS includes 13 underwater sites. These are the remains of Spanish ships that sank during a hurricane in 1733. They tell us about early trade and sea travel.

Protecting Ancient Sites

Florida has many ancient places where Native Americans lived. The Archeological Resources of Everglades National Park MPS protects 7 sites within the famous Everglades. These sites help us learn about the people who lived there thousands of years ago. Another group, the Archeological Resources of the 18th-Century Smyrnea Settlement of Dr. Andrew Turnbull MPS, focuses on 13 sites from an early European settlement near New Smyrna Beach.

Historic Buildings and Neighborhoods

Many MPS groups focus on special buildings or entire neighborhoods. The Bartow MPS protects 6 historic places in the city of Bartow. The Daytona Beach Multiple Property Submission includes 9 important spots in Daytona Beach. These groups help preserve the unique look and feel of these towns.

Unique Florida Stories

• Florida's Historic Lighthouses MPS: This group includes the Amelia Island Lighthouse, which is a very old and important lighthouse that guided ships safely to shore.
• Florida's Historic Black Public Schools MPS: This group includes 5 schools that were important for African American education in Florida's past.
• John F. Kennedy Space Center MPS: This group includes 11 sites at the famous space center in Titusville. These places are important because of their role in space exploration and science.
• Tarpon Springs Sponge Boats MPS: This group includes 5 historic sponge boats from Tarpon Springs. These boats were used in the city's famous sponge diving industry.

These are just a few of the many ways Florida's history is preserved through Multiple Property Submissions. Each MPS tells a unique part of Florida's amazing story!