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The Anna Maria Island Historical Society
The Anna Maria Island Historical Society was formed in 1990 by Pat Copeland and Carolyne Norwood: both reporters for the Islander newspaper. Mayor Ray Simches gave them the idea. They knew something must be done to preserve Island artifacts, which were being lost. Soon more residents joined to support this goal. The nonprofit, educational organization was incorporated in 1991.
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2010 Scholarship recipients. L-R: Shawn Carper with daughter Paige. Saul, Daniel and Debra Landesberg. Catherine, Watson and Jean Dimanche.
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The mission of the group is to collect, research, preserve and exhibit materials relating to the early days of Anna Maria Island.
The educational program is of great importance, helping to preserve the heritage of this beautiful seven-mile jewel. Historical Society members visit schools, churches, and civic organizations to make the history of the Island come alive to students.
Each year the Society awards three scholarships to graduating high school seniors who plans to pursue a college education. Students in all county schools are encouraged to use the museum to research their history projects. The Society gives two awards every year to winners of the Manatee County History Fair in the Anna Maria Island category.
A large library is available to the public in the museum. It is full of biographies of noteworthy Island residents and scrapbooks covering the history of each of the three Island cities. Also to be found are historical stories about fishing, churches, schools and the environment. Without the preserved photographs and many books filled with newspaper clippings our link with the past would be lost forever.
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| The gardens at AMIHS provide a perfect place to host a variety of AMIHS sponsored events |
Volunteers help in a variety of ways. They act as docents in the museum, which is open six days a week, year round, except on holidays. They help with special events such as the AMIHS Heritage Day Festival, "Bayfest", and artsHOP; the Island's only cultural weekend event. They also man the well-stocked gift shop.
Faithful bread bakers provide tasty Early Settlers Bread on Wednesdays during the season. Customers are usually waiting for the doors to open at 10 a.m.
The Historical Society appreciates the use of an Anna Maria City building as its museum and the beautiful gardens that surround it.
The museum is FREE and open to the public Tuesday to Saturday. From October through April the museum hours are 10 AM to 4 PM and from May to September they are 10 AM to 1 PM.
Admission isfree; however, donations are gratefully accepted. Proceeds from the sale of our museum shop will go toward the maintaining the museum and its displays, Belle Haven cottage, our scholarship program and the many events we participate in. All donations to the AMIHS are tax deductible and gratefully accepted.
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First Saturday in March AMIHS hosts
its annual Heritage Day Festival. Attended by
Islanders and tourists alike.
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AMIHS has become wildly known for the food they
dish out at all their events. They host chamber
business card events and members meetings.
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Live music, arts and crafts vendors, antique
dealers food vendors, Privateers and even
Conquistadors attend the annual event.
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