About Anna Maria Island Historical Society

OUR STORY

For more than 30 years, the Anna Maria Island Historical Society has collected, researched, and shared the stories that define our Island’s heritage. Our mission is to preserve our legacy and share the history of our three unique cities — Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach — from early settlers to post‑war development to the recent past that continues to shape Island life today.
Our free museum and historical park, home to the restored 1920s cottage Belle Haven and the beloved Old City Jail, welcomes visitors of all ages. The museum has recently been thoughtfully refreshed with updated exhibits and improved spaces that help us tell the Island’s story with clarity, care, and authenticity.
Our work is powered by volunteers and community pride.

- MUSEUM HOURS -

Tuesday - Saturday

JAN-MAR, 10AM-4PM

APR-DEC, 10AM-1PM

Closed Sunday and Monday

Closed September

ABOUT THE MUSEUM

Now that you have fallen in love with Anna Maria Island, come learn about its rich history. The Anna Maria Island Historical Society was founded in 1990 by Pat Copeland and Carolyne Norwood to preserve the Island's unique story. The Historical Society opened the museum in 1992 and continues to manage it today.

A visit to the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum is a trip back into old Florida. Our museum displays artifacts, photographs and maps that show the Island's history as it spans from its earliest times as an Indian fishing camp; to the first homesteader in 1893; to the Island's roaring twenties culture; to the baseball players who once wintered here in the 1950s-70s. The historical complex features the original City Jail, the Belle Haven cottage that once sat on the Anna Maria City Pier, and a garden of plants native to Anna Maria Island.

We have scavenger hunts for the kids (and the kid in all of us). Find the alligator dolls, rattlesnake skin and many other unique artifacts. Join in the fun!