Venice History Museum

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Venice History Museum The Venice History Museum preserves the cultural heritage of Venice, Nokomis, Laurel, and Osprey. The museum has temporary and permanent exhibits year round.

General Information
The mission of the Venice History Museum) is to collect, preserve, and interpret historical and prehistorical material relating to the city of Venice and its neighboring communities. Permanent exhibits include "Venice’s Inhabitants: The Unique Cultural Heritage of the Land on the Gulf," "A Land Before Time" fossils from the Burgess Collection, and "Dr. Fred H. Albee: A New Beginning for Nokomis and Venice." A portion of the museum collection database is available for online research at venicemuseum.org. The Venice History Museum is housed in a charming, 1927 boarding house listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It is located 3.5 blocks from downtown Venice at 351 Nassau St. S at the west entrance of the Venice Cultural Campus. The Cultural Campus also includes the Venice Public Library, Venice Art Center and Venice Community Center. The Arboretum at West Blalock Park is across the street. The museum is owned and operated by the City of Venice.

Did you know ?
10/28/2026

Did you know ?

HISTORY CONTINUES: If you know Venice, you probably know Old Betsy.

The city is going to celebrate the firetruck's long history as it (the city and firetruck) both turn 100 years old.

READ MORE IN THE FIRST COMMENT ⤵️

💯 Celebrate our Centennial with the Venice Centennial coffee table book, a beautiful collection of photos and historical...
10/26/2026

💯 Celebrate our Centennial with the Venice Centennial coffee table book, a beautiful collection of photos and historical highlights that captures 100 years of Venice's unique character, culture, and community spirit, and offers a look ahead to the next century.

The book will be available starting Tuesday, Oct. 27 at the Venice History Museum and the Cashier's Office at City Hall. Cost is $20 plus tax.

Whether you're a lifelong resident, a history enthusiast, or looking for the perfect gift, this limited-edition book offer a unique way to celebrate and share Venice's rich heritage. Don't miss your chance to own this special piece of Venice history!

📷   🐘 🐘 🐘 With the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus moving its winter quarters elsewhere, famed animal trainer ...
10/22/2026

📷 🐘 🐘 🐘 With the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus moving its winter quarters elsewhere, famed animal trainer Gunther Gebel-Williams, while performing nearby in Tampa, wanted his elephants to see Venice one last time. Special arrangements were made to bring them via train to the Venice depot, where 18 elephants disembarked and walked along City streets to the Circus Arena and back. Photo circa 1991.

❓Can you guess the Venice resident leading the pachyderms?

📖 As part of Venice, Florida Municipal Government’s 18-month Centennial celebration, the City is releasing a limited-edi...
10/14/2026

📖 As part of Venice, Florida Municipal Government’s 18-month Centennial celebration, the City is releasing a limited-edition coffee table book, "Venice Centennial — 100 Years of the City on the Gulf." The 161-page keepsake book includes photos taken throughout the years; historical milestones; letters from Mayor Nick Pachota and City Manager James Clinch; lyrics to the official Centennial song, "Venice, Forever Home"; and a look ahead to the next 100 years.

“This book brings together the past, present, and future of Venice," said Historical Resources Manager Harry Klinkhamer, who wrote and organized the book's sections and photos along with Public Information Officer Lorraine Anderson. "Packed full of beautiful imagery and a thorough timeline, this is a must-have for anyone who loves our City.”

Said Mayor Pachota, "While it's difficult to capture 100 years of history, I think this book gives one of best presentations of Venice, showcasing a century of our culture."

💳 📱"Venice Centennial" will be available for purchase beginning Tuesday, Oct. 27 at the Cashier's Office at City Hall, 401 W. Venice Ave.; and the Venice History Museum, 351 Nassau St. S., at a cost of $20 per book plus tax, payable by credit/debit card or Apple/Google Pay/Samsung Wallet ONLY (no cash or checks accepted). Pop-up sales will also be available at the Venice FL Farmers Market at City Hall on select Saturdays, Oct. 31, Nov. 14, and Nov. 21 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; at the Old Betsy Birthday Bash from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7 at 343 Nassau St. S.; and prior to the Holiday Parade on Saturday, Nov. 28, from approximately 2-6 p.m. in Centennial Park.

💯 As Venice celebrates its first century, this commemorative coffee table book preserves the memories that built our community and inspires the next chapter of our story. Whether you're a longtime resident or a newcomer, "Venice Centennial" offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of City history! 📚

Mayor Nick Pachota presents longtime Venice resident Larry Humes with the Mayor's Pillar of the Community Award during T...
10/13/2026

Mayor Nick Pachota presents longtime Venice resident Larry Humes with the Mayor's Pillar of the Community Award during Tuesday's City Council meeting. Larry, a journalist, historian, and author, first came to Venice as a 14-year-old cadet with the Kentucky Military Institute when KMI's winter quarters were located here. His book "Venice - A Century on the Gulf" was released for Venice's Centennial and can be purchased at the Venice Museum, and most recently he participated in WEDU PBS's documentary series "Greater" for a segment on Venice that can be viewed here: wedu.org/shows/greater. Congrats Larry!

🚒🎂 A century of service deserves a celebration!As we celebrate the City’s Centennial, we’re teaming up with Venice Herit...
10/09/2026

🚒🎂 A century of service deserves a celebration!

As we celebrate the City’s Centennial, we’re teaming up with Venice Heritage Inc. and Venice FL Fire Rescue to recognize 100 years of fire service and wish Old Betsy a happy 100th birthday! 🔥🚒

Join us for live music, kids’ activities, antique and modern fire equipment, birthday cake, food trucks and more!

📅 Saturday, Nov. 7
⏰ 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
📍 Old Betsy Museum, 343 Nassau St. S.

Come make memories and celebrate a beloved piece of Venice’s history! 🎉

This Friday at Venice Library, presented by Venice Heritage Inc.
10/06/2026

This Friday at Venice Library, presented by Venice Heritage Inc.

10/01/2026
10/01/2026

We’re turning 50!

50 years of good times, great food, and unforgettable views.

From 1976 to 2026 we have been honored to be a part of some of your favorite moments!

Join us October 5th- 11th to celebrate a half century in Venice, with special prizes, 50% off deals, and so much more!

Come raise a glass with us, reservations are recommended.

09/30/2026

Address

351 Nassau Street S
Venice, FL
34285

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

(941) 486-2487

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