Community gatherings in historical Sarasota County happened anywhere a few folk met, but especially on the shaded porches of pioneers’ homes or the church grounds. These events were full of music, good food, trading and swapping, and fun for the children.

Join us on Saturday, November 12, from 10 to 4 as the Historical Society continues this grand, yet informal and relaxed tradition, once a year on our grounds in Pioneer Park. Pioneer Day in Pioneer Park at the Historical Society is eagerly awaited every year. Stroll among vendors, tap your toes to some wonderful music wafting off the breezy front porch, and enjoy the shade of the pines and hickories. Wander down to Hog Creek, watch historic crafts demonstrations, take a peek at the 1882 Bidwell-Wood House (the oldest in the county!) and admire the local crafts, art, and antiques in the 1902 Crocker Church. Join us on Saturday, November 12, from 10 to 4.

Print out the flyer and post a few in your community gathering places.

As the perfect start to a perfect day, hop on the Trolley at our front door for a renowned, narrated tour of downtown Sarasota right at 10am: reservations a must. $25.00 per person, call our Site Manager Monday – Friday   10:00AM – 2:00 PM  at  941-364-9076 to assure yourself of a spot on this wonderful tour.

After the tour, visit not only our vendors both inside and out, but our Museum Shop in the Bidwell-Wood Kitchen building. The Shop is filled with local handcrafts, art work, vintage linens, books by local authors, jewelry, toys and more. It’s a perfect place to get your holiday gift shopping started, since all proceeds help us preserve and cherish two of Sarasota’s most historic buildings. Your holiday gifts can do double good!

Join a tour of the Pioneer Cemetery next door and tours of the oldest house in Sarasota. Feel free to bring a lawn chair and spend the day enjoying the swirls of activity, entertainment, and good companionship. Nealski’s BBQ will be cooking on-site.

There is no admission fee, but, in keeping with our special display of USA “Historic Foods” that your grandmother would have found on her grocer’s shelves and are still found in today’s supermarkets, bring a donation of canned or dry food. All food will be be donated at 4pm to the Mayor’s Feed the Hungry Campaign.  Mayor Suzanne Atwell, Vice Mayor Terry Turner and Commissioner Willie Shaw will be on hand to accept our donations.

Parking is free. Donations accepted, to help with the upkeep of two of the most prized buildings of Pioneer Sarasota. And of course, when you join the Historical Society, you help preserve not just the past, but the future of Sarasota County.

Click for the Google map and directions

Want to help the Historical Society of Sarasota County reach out to the community? Great! Print out this flyer and post a few in your community gathering places… and we’ll see you and your friends at Pioneer Park, just east of Tamiami Trail and 12th Street, Saturday, November 12!