"Dedicated to Preserving Florida's History"
The purpose of The Florida Historical Society is to mark and preserve historic places, acquire items with antique or historical value, to preserve them in or near original form as possible and make these items available for the benefit and education of the public.
The Society strives to impress upon its members and residents the importance of keeping alive our heritage as a source of interest and information for its unique educational value.
Short History of our Society
In 1989 we began with a small group of interested people who appreciated the history related to the Village of Florida and the surrounding area. We were also concerned with the recording, preserving, and sharing of this unique history.
After a tedious process, we were chartered by the New York State Board of Regents in 1994.
The Village of Florida allowed us to use a shed on village property, which was converted into a Greek Revival-style museum for the display and protection of historic items, donated primarily by community members.
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Mr. Raymond Green, a founding member of the Florida Historical Society, hoped that his family home could become a museum honoring the history of the Village of Florida. At his passing, Ray bequeathed the Green family home to the Florida Historical Society. This became the "new" home for our Society.
Birthday celebrations honoring William Henry Seward in May have given the Historical Society, school children, teachers and community members the chance to get together to celebrate local history.
Our first published book, Florida, Orange County, an Early Look at its Faces, Places and, Winding Staircases is available at The Florida Library, Sterling Bank and from the Historical Society (845-651-7466).
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Our second published book, Touching all the Bases, Places and Faces in Early Florida, New York, by J.J. Kimiecik (author and lifetime resident) is also available at The Florida Library, Sterling Bank and from the Historical Society (845-651-7466).
Our motto says, "Dedicated to Preserving Florida's History." We will continue to pursue that goal.
