We opened in April of 2009, and since then, residents of the community have generously shared their pictures, genealogy, memories, household and work items to build our collection. Our first artifact was the medical bag of beloved midwife Tillie Miller, donated by Rita Brown Millender and John Brown. From then Carrabelle History Museum has grown to house thousands of items in its collections. Gratefully, we still receive wonderful local artifacts.
The museum is located in the Old Carrabelle City Hall, built by local mason Marvin Justiss in 1933 during the Depression as a work program to employ locals. The museum has exhibits rooms to display collections, a large entry hall for special displays, and a workroom/office for the volunteers to process the incoming artifacts. We have several displays that highlight Local Heroes; the Steamship Tarpon, which was key to building our community in the early 1900's; and Carrabelle's "First People", indigenous people who lived here thousands of years ago.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
History of the Turpentine Industry in North Florida
The Carrabelle History Museum is presenting new educational program entitled, “History of the Turpentine Industry in North Florida” featuring Barbara Clark, Director of the North Central Region for Florida Public Archaeology (FPAN). The program will be held on Saturday, February 12, 2022, from 10 am - 12 pm in the upstairs room at C-Quarters Marina, 501 St. James Ave (Hwy 98), Carrabelle, FL.
Learn about the turpentine and naval stores industry in Florida and the impacts it had on Florida’s history and our local area’s economy. The presentation will include the beginnings of the industry in the Southeast, through the convict leasing program during Reconstruction, and insights into causes that led to the end of the industry in Florida. This presentation is most appropriate for adults, but young people are welcome.
Barbara Clark is a Registered Professional Archaeologist who specializes in historic archaeology of the 19th and early 20th century. Her interests include the turpentine and lumber industry, specifically focusing on the social aspects of "camp life".
Reservations are needed as space and seating is limited, and can be made by contacting 850-697-2141 or carrabellehistorymuseum@gmail.com. Please arrive by 9:50 am so that everyone can be seated. Although there is no fee for this program, donations are gladly accepted to defray costs. (Masks are required for this program. In addition, attendees are asked to follow health guidelines including social distancing and sanitizing hands.)
Programs are sponsored by C-Quarters Marina, Sunset Isle RV Resort and Shaun Donahoe Realty with promotional funding provided by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.
Sponge Diving in Carrabelle and the North Gulf Coast
Exhibit Extended to March 31, 2022!
Funded in part by Franklin County Tourist Development Council