Museum of Seminole County History — Attraction in Sanford

This structure built in 1926 is believed to be the only county "Old Folks Home" still standing in Florida. The unique exterior finish called "pebble dash" qualified the building to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.

In 1925, social security did not exist, so local residents who could not care for themselves needed a place to live. To provide a home for these people in need, the Seminole County Board of Commissioners approved $9,020.00 to purchase 82 acres where a County Home for the poor would be located. The following year, the board spent $35,306.00 to build the home with separate quarters and dining rooms for white and black residents.

Local people called this farm-type home "The Old Folks Home." Like other county homes at the time, each resident had a private room and shared in the chores and activities, which provided a family atmosphere. To help provide for others living in the home, residents who were able to work tended an orange grove, a vegetable garden, chickens, dairy cattle, and hogs. In 1840, all residents of the home were moved into the main building.

The black residents' building became the infirmary for all residents. Miss Rachael Lee, a black nurse from Mississippi, was in charge of the infirmary until the home closed in 1964.

The main building became the county Agricultural Center in 1964 with offices for the County Agricultural And Home Demonstration Agents and other county agencies. In 1980, a new agricultural center was built. The Board of County Commissioners approved the establishment of the Museum of Seminole County History at this...

I am writing to formally express my concern regarding the conduct of Ashlee Woodard, Vice Chair of the Parks and Preservation Advisory Committee. Unfortunately, my recent interaction with her was deeply disappointing and unprofessional.

Ms. Woodard demonstrated a consistently negative attitude during our conversation, which not only hindered productive dialogue but also led me to seek assistance from a different organization altogether. More disturbingly, I overheard inappropriate and racially insensitive remarks made under her breath, which I believe were not intended for me to hear but were nonetheless entirely unacceptable.

Given that I am aware of similar complaints from other individuals, I feel this is part of a troubling pattern. Ms. Woodard’s behavior does not reflect the values and standards that should be expected from a representative of Seminole County Government. I urge the appropriate parties to investigate this matter seriously and take immediate action.

I will also be sharing my experience with local media outlets, as I believe this issue deserves...

Wow, where to start on this 5 star window into Seminole history? Jonathan, our tour guide, was out of this world. Jonathan knows more about Seminole county than anyone I know. He is a veritable fount of information. His wisdom is shocking. Jonathan gave us a tour of such quality that it was totally life changing. He is an absolute expert, he knew the museum like the back of his hand, and treasured every exhibit. You could tell how much he loved being there and how deeply affected his heart was by the history of Seminole county. I think he almost cried at one point. Such genuine passion, it was so moving to see. Unfortunately Jonathan only moonlights as a museum tour guide. We feel extremely lucky to have had this mind blowing experience at the Seminole...