Clearwater Historical Society Museum and Cultural Center

MuseumClearwater, FloridaHours

Explore Clearwater history within the citys oldest school building

About

Clearwater Historical Society Museum and Cultural Center is a museum in Clearwater that houses historical information and artifacts. Our team offers exhibits on early settlers, local businesses, and founding families, with a rotating display room. We showcase specific restaurant exhibits, including items from Kapok Tree Inn, Dairy Kurl, and Capogna's Dugout. We also have a gift shop and accept tax-deductible donations to support our preservation efforts.

JEN ESCO
4 months ago

Great location, we really enjoyed it! A lot of historical information inside, and David was great! Thank you so much. 😊

Rachel Green
8 months ago

This is a wonderful hidden gem for anyone interested in local history. Housed in Clearwater’s oldest school building, the museum is full of charm and character. The exhibits are well organized and packed with meaningful artifacts and photos. It’s especially enjoyable if you grew up in the area or have ties to Clearwater. The old classrooms, library, and cafeteria really bring the past to life. Staff and volunteers are friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about the museum. Guided tours add great insight and personal stories you won’t find on plaques alone. I loved the displays on early settlers and local businesses from years past. Admission is free, which makes it an easy stop for families or visitors. Donations are encouraged and well deserved to help preserve this space. Some exhibits are small, but still engaging and thoughtfully presented. Overall, it’s a meaningful, educational visit and well worth your time.

Silent Slayer Ghost Tours
a year ago

A Must-Visit for History Lovers in Clearwater! I have been working with Allison Dolan, President of the Clearwater Historical Society, on private events for years, and I can’t say enough great things about this organization! Dave, the gatekeeper, is always a pleasure to be around, adding to the welcoming atmosphere. Our team has explored both the South Ward School Site and the historic Plumb House, and I highly recommend visiting if you’re looking for something fun to do indoors in Clearwater. The museum is filled with fascinating artifacts, and my personal favorite is the restaurant exhibit, which offers a nostalgic look at local dining history. Whether you're a history buff, a tourist exploring Clearwater, or a local looking for a unique experience, this is the perfect spot to dive into the area’s rich past. Thank you to the Clearwater Historical Society for all you do to preserve our history! Cynthia Dominick Silent Slayer Ghost Tours

David Troyer
2 years ago

An opportunity to explore the halls of Clearwater's oldest school building which houses a great deal of historical artifacts and information. The old cafeteria and library are now open for use as event space and building one houses several rooms full of displays and informational signage. One room features information on the wide variety of restaurants currently and previously available. The Dairy Kurl and Capogna's Dugout are two that I visit often when I'm in town. The Kapok Tree Inn is one of my favorite restaurants which is no longer open. The display here has glasses, ashtrays, and a variety of other items from the Kapok Tree. Another room is dedicated to the founding families of the city of Clearwater. A 3rd room has some general history on the city as well as some of the inventions and items which have been donated. The 4th room is used to rotate through a variety of traveling displays. During my last visit it was set up for Women's History Month. As noted on the poster in my photos, charity events are held here as well. The Clearwater Historical Society is located at the old South Ward Elementary School location. They have a gift shop, offer memberships, and accept tax deductible donations in order to help preserve the history of Clearwater, Florida.

Daniel Marignoni
3 years ago

Glad they saved the elementary school and transformed it into a cool little stop. I urge everyone to stop in and walk through Clearwater history. I especially liked the Coast Guard display and the restaurants of yesteryear!

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    • Mon – TueClosed
    • Wed – Sat10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    • SundayClosed

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