Historical Society Receives Grant for Security Cameras at Two Historic Buildings

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County awards funds to further historic preservation through security cameras at the historic Bidwell-Wood House and the Crocker Memorial Church at Pioneer Park

The Historical Society of Sarasota County is the recipient of a grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County for a security camera system for the historic Bidwell-Wood House (1882) and the Crocker Memorial Church (1901). The grant, in the amount of $3,770, is from the Frances T. Bourne Fund at The Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

“It’s a sad fact that almost any historical site, monument, or even museum in our country can be a target of senseless vandalism,” said Historical Society president Howard Rosenthal, “but we can all be encouraged that through modern security technology, we can discourage and diminish violence to places we strive to preserve for future generations. This grant for security cameras at Sarasota County’s oldest private residence and at the Crocker Memorial Church demonstrates that our community takes pride in Sarasota history and supports the structures that bear witness to our pioneer past. The whole community can be thankful and grateful for this grant from The Community Foundation because it helps Historical Society members preserve and protect these important buildings.”

In 2006 the Bidwell-Wood House and the Crocker Memorial Church were moved by the City of Sarasota to Pioneer Park and placed under the protection of the Historical Society of Sarasota County, a nonprofit community membership organization of approximately 400 annual and life members. The mission of the Historical Society of Sarasota County is to create public awareness of the rich historical heritage of Sarasota and the State of Florida. The Society encourages inquiry, research, memorabilia preservation and protection of historic sites. The Bidwell-Wood House and the Crocker Memorial Church are open for docent-led tours and for community events organized under the auspices of the Historical Society.