We appreciate your donation to the Historical Society of Sarasota County.

As you know, we are a private nonprofit group dedicated to preserving, protecting, and presenting the two historic buildings we manage in Pioneer Park at 1260 12th Street in Sarasota Florida. Our funds come from memberships, grants, and donations.

The Bidwell-Wood House, we feel, shows the spirit of the individuals who came to this area in the late 1800s. Alfred Bidwell was originally from upstate New York, and the Wood family, having been winter residents for a few years, moved here from New England in the 1890s. We are honored to present the house as part of the history of our county.

The Crocker Memorial Church, while no longer a house of worship, remains as it has always been: a place for the community to gather, to join together, and to celebrate. Peter Crocker, for whom the Church is named, served in the Union Army during the Civil War, being present at the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorville, and Gettysburg. After his discharge, he became a lighthouse keeper at Key West and Dry Bank FL, finally settling here in 1873.

As you can imagine, keeping up with two old wooden buildings in our climate is time- and funds-consuming. We have spent over $100,000 so far to maintain these buildings for contemporary use and such conservation is an ongoing expense.

We are so appreciative of your participation in preserving, protecting, and presenting these structures that tie the Sarasota of today to that which sheltered and nurtured Sarasotans in the past.

And we look forward to seeing you at our educational and recreational events soon!