Settle in, grab some popcorn, explore Sarasota County and Florida history from many sources.
The Historical Society of Sarasota County has gathered these here for your entertainment and education; we may not agree with all they say, but you are a discerning watcher, we know.
Armchair Sarasota History Tour
Matthew Greenwood created this video from his collection of historic Sarasota sights.
Sarasota History Alive’s video on our own Bidwell-Wood House, filmed before the current restoration was completed.
The Miss Florida contestants visit Sarasota locales, including (of course) the Lido Casino. And drink Pepsi.
Sarasota History Alive‘s videos are first class
Oral histories of many Sarasota County residents
A 1983 look at Sarasota history
The uniquely American story of the circus king and his wife.
Ghost Hotel: Ringling’s Ritz-Carlton.
Florida Frontiers TV from the Florida Historical Society
Reflections a History of Sarasota
County Libraries’ Centennial history
Cracker Cowmen (read our article too!)
More? Sure! Listen in while Lizzie Webb Guptill, as portrayed by HSoSC volunteer Kate Holmes, talks about growing up with our county in From Wilderness to County. Then David (the statue) narrates a film about himself. How about Indian Mounds in Englewood, as presented by Dr. Steve Koski. Florida Memory has wonders to explore, including a 1950-some “Museum that a Circus Built” and speaking of the 1950s, how’s fishing? (Great bayshore shots) and Florida as a tourist attraction. And some home movies and 1944 Sarasota Army Airfield training films.
Even more: There’s also the Community Video Archives: CVA videos can be borrowed like books from any Sarasota County public library, the Jane Cook Library at New College, and the Sarasota County History Center.
The Historical Society of Sarasota County 