Historical Society of Sarasota County

About Historical Society of Sarasota County

The Historical Society of Sarasota County preserves and interprets the region's heritage through its historic campus in Sarasota. Visitors explore two restored buildings that illustrate different eras of local history. The Bidwell-Wood House, built in 1882, is the oldest residence in Sarasota and demonstrates what frontier life looked like in nineteenth-century Florida. The Crocker Memorial Church, dating to the early twentieth century, has served the community for over a century and continues to host educational gatherings and social events. The Society offers lectures and conversations about Sarasota County history, maintains a blog with historical content, and provides information through social media. The historic campus is open weekdays, and both buildings are available for community events and celebrations. A visit suits anyone interested in understanding how Native tribes, explorers, Seminole Indians, pioneers, cattle herders, and later visionaries shaped this Florida community.