941-778-0492
Heritage Day Festival
To our Island residents & visitors:
Thank you. You made a difference!
Once again, our annual Heritage Day Festival was a huge success. For over 30 years AMIHS has brought to life the history of three unique cities on beautiful Anna Maria Island.
Thank you for making this possible through your support and generous donations.
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Now open: Tues thru Sat
10am to 1pm
Come visit and see the Island's history like you've never seen it before.
There are many features: a YouTube Channel to hear the old-timers' oral histories, walking and biking tours of the historic cities of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach, an Original Homesteader Map and much more.
Museum Hours
Tuesday - Saturday
January-March
10 am- 4 pm
April-Dec 10am-1pm
Closed Sunday and Monday
Closed the month of September
Museum Location
AMI Trolley Stop "Crescent Drive at Pine Avenue"
402 Pine Avenue
Anna Maria, Florida 34216
941-778-0492
Museum Admission
Free admission! Donations are appreciated.
*Group Tour rates may apply.
More About Us
Like us on Facebook.
View our archives on eHive.
Watch oral histories on our Youtube Channel.
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Link to past editions of The Islander https://original-ufdc.uflib.ufl.edu/fdnl/results/?t=anna%20maria
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To arrange a private tour for your group, contact us at 941 778 0492 or amihs4315@gmail.com
Group Tour rates may apply.
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AMIHS Museum
Our museum building was constructed in 1920 as an icehouse. It went on to serve as an automotive garage, a sea turtle hatchery, and a public administration building. In 1992, the City of Anna Maria began leasing the building to the Historical Society for use as a museum.
The museum's exhibits tell the story of the first settlers on the Island and the legacy they left behind. It also covers the Island's fishing and baseball history. It includes archives of records and newspapers for research into families and businesses.
By Island Artist Marlane Wurzbach
Belle Haven
This historical cottage was originally built on the City Pier in 1920. In 1926, the cottage fell into the bay. It was pulled from the waters and became a family home on the Island for almost 50 years. In 2001, the cottage was moved to the Historical Park to save it from demolition. Lovingly restored in 2006 with money raised by the
AMI Historical Society, the Belle Haven Cottage is now furnished with heirlooms and antiques demonstrating early island life.
Mangrove Walk
The Historical Park is the site of one of the original fresh water wells established on the Island. It was a park used for picnics in the early 1900s.
The Historical Park is now planted with drought and disease resistant native plants. The goal of this park is to educate the public on native plants and provide an example of eco-friendly landscaping.
The Old City Jail
The city jail was built in 1927 to "quarter the rowdies" who had had a bit too much to drink at the local tavern and dance hall. The jail was used until the 1940s, when it
caught fire. The wooden roof burned away, but the original tabby structure remained. The city decided to use the old jail as a photo op for visitors, so it was left standing and painted with its current slogan.
The jail is one of the most photographed attractions on the Island. Join a now 60 year tradition by taking a picture of yourself with the Old City Jail.
Settler's Bread
December through March: Join us Tuesdays in Anna Maria City at the park across from the City Pier, to purchase
original recipe Settler's Bread.
Proceeds benefit the Pat Copeland Scholarship Fund.
Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum Complex
402 Pine Ave
Anna Maria, Fl
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THE ANNA MARIA ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INC. IS A 501(c)(3) ORGANIZATION – FEDERAL TAX I.D. #65-0248909. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION (#CH37361) AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR AT WWW.FDACS.GOV/CONSUMER-RESOURCES/CHARITIES. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. THIS ORGANIZATION RETAINS 100% OF ALL CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED.