Matheson History Museum — Attraction in Gainesville

Not a huge museum, but it is packed full of cool stuff related to Gainesville FL history specifically. If you're into late 19th century history then this is the place to visit. Cool replication of a general goods store of the era.

There is also an amazing library of newspaper archives, old yearbooks from local schools (including UF) and various other papers here. The staff here is wonderfully helpful and will chat with you about all of the exhibits.

There is also a great outdoor walking area, plus a few other houses and exhibitions in the area surrounding the main museum building. You'll need to call ahead and make an appointment in order to tour the ancillary buildings though.

As of this review the museum is renovating another building across the street which will house the library and archives which will open space in the main building for new exhibits. Keep an eye...

I was very impressed and pleased with my visit to the Matheson History Museum. We arranged for a guided tour with the museum director, who seemed happy to comply with our request and was extremely well-informed about the history of Gainesville in general and the individuals and items highlighted in the specific displays, as well as the Matheson’s, and the Matheson house and tool shed. The main gallery is currently hosting displays featuring women who were historically significant in Gainesville and the surrounding area and are quite well done and interesting. The Matheson house has unique rooms, each with furniture and decor (not original, unfortunately) from a certain time period. Bottom line: I really enjoyed my tour of the museum and, if you’re at all interested in Gainesville, you will as well! FYI: admission is by donation so bring...

Matheson History Museum located in the heart of downtown Gainesville, the Matheson History Museum is home to the Historic Matheson House, permanent and temporary exhibits on Alachua County and Florida history, and a local history library and archives filled with resources for the researcher and the curious alike. Throughout the year we host a variety of programs on local and Florida history. ...