I have lived in Seminole County my entire life - I’ve seen the rite of passages and endured them:

I traipsed the mud walk in 5th grade, I did after hours at Islands of Adventure in middle school, and I looked on high the Coquina walls of St Augustine in elementary school. The best part, I got to reignite the St Augustine memory as I chaperoned for my kid’s field trip there.

But in all my time living in Seminole County, and my time as a student awkwardly bobbling through the fluorescent hallways, I never have been to the Seminole County History Museum! It’s about time we change that, and I’d love if you would come with me!

The Museum sits in the county seat of Sanford located off Eslinger Way, just off 17-92 near the animal shelter and sheriff’s office. It’s a nondescript building, save for its monument sign visible from the road. But I suppose that makes sense. The building itself is historic as it served as a retirement home at its construction in 1930. For context, Seminole County incorporated in April of 1913 after it was apportioned out of Orange County - harkening back to our roots as “North Orlando.”

The Seminole County History Museum from 17-92

The museum features a wide range of Seminole County history including artifacts from the early inception of Seminole, the history of the cities and surrounding boroughs including Goldsboro, Wekiva, and of course all of the current incorporated cities! Be sure to check the quick 1 minute TikTok video below for a quick walking tour. But the most nostalgia inducing memory I saw there was stepping inside the circumference of the charred remains of The Senator. For those who have been here for a long time remember the field trips to Big Tree Park where you could see the largest and oldest Cypress Tree in the world and it was located in Longwood, Florida! In 2012 it was set on fire, accidentally but negligently. It felt like losing an old friend - a local celebrity. But the charred remains are displayed proudly in the glory of the Senators 11 ft circumference, as well as the artwork that was created from its petrified timber dots the walls of the room of the museum.

If you’re free February 10th 2024, I’m hosting a guided tour at the Seminole County History Museum. It seems like a great family friendly thing to do! So if you’re looking to get an affordable activity, come with us! The tour should take around an hour and a half — the museum director said it could go longer if the guests are particularly inquisitive. This is a great opportunity for you to come out and see the history of Seminole from the 1800’s to today!

@kiltedteam Got plans February 2nd? We're doing a community meetup at Seminole County History Museum! DM for details #getinvolved #community #lovewhereyoulive #tour #seminolecounty #floridahistory ♬ original sound - KiltedTeamRealEstate