Museums & Historical Societies
Indian River County is bountiful in its history and culture. There has been tremendous effort through various organizations and museums to educate, maintain and preserve the important historical events in our county.
There is no better way to delve into the history of Indian River County than to take a trip to one of our many museums. The Indian River Citrus Museum, complete with historical photographs and artifacts from our county’s citrus industry, is a guaranteed way to learn about how Indian River County became renowned for their amazing citrus. Although small in square footage, it is immense in history.
The McLarty Treasure Museum focuses its displays around Spanish treasure found from a fleet shipwreck in our area that occurred back in 1715. The exhibits include gold, silver, pottery and many other artifacts. This museum shows firsthand why we have been named the Treasure Coast.
In similar fashion, the Mel Fisher Treasure Museum displays millions of dollars worth of found treasure from the Nuestra Senora de Atocha, Santa Margarita and the Henrietta Marie Spanish fleet findings. Mel Fisher was noted for being a dedicated treasure hunter and found his success in 1985 when his team discovered the $450 million fortune that had previously gone undiscovered since its sinking in 1715. He ensued over 140 court hearings and before the U.S. Supreme Court, he was granted ownership of his findings. Mel’s operations donated 20% of all of the artifacts to the state of Florida in order for them to maintain safekeeping within museums.
While visiting the Vero Beach Museum of Art, you can find various types of art ranging from 1900 through the present day. Since it’s opening in 1986, it has provided educational programs and appreciation of historic art.
For heritage relics native to the Sebastian area, try going to the Sebastian Historical Museum and the Sebastian Fishing Museum. The Fishing Museum commemorates the rich fishing history of Sebastian and the integral role the industry played on survival. The Historical Museum houses items from the Ais Indians, clothing and daily items from the natives. It has a plethora of information and artifacts to explore.
The Heritage Center in historic downtown Vero Beach offers their facilities for weddings, meetings and miscellaneous parties. They also house musical and entertainment events for the public to enjoy.
In addition, the Indian River County Historical Society strives to maintain and preserve our overall historical integrity. One of their many features are the three notable properties that they have obtained for the public to view free of charge. There is the Vero Beach Railroad Station built in 1903, the 1915 Marian Fell Library in Fellsmere and the Hallstrom House constructed on Old Dixie Highway in 1918. These landmarks each reflect different aspects of Indian River’s background. The historical society is always looking for volunteers to assist with various tasks both large and small. You can do your part in keeping Indian River’s history alive and strong!
