Halifax Historical Museum – A Local Gem!

History Comes Alive on Beach Street!

Since 1986 the Halifax Historical Museum has been housed in the 105 year old former Merchant's Bank Building located in the heart of the downtown historical district of Daytona Beach. Housed in the former 1910 Merchants Bank building, the two-story interior walls are decorated with hand-painted murals depicting area scenes, and highlighted by Beaux Arts styling of stained glass windows and lighting. The building is a destination in itself!

The museum and its impressive collections are one of the best kept secrets in the North Central Florida area. The museum's permanent exhibits outline the history of the greater Daytona Beach area known as Halifax Country with artifacts dating from 5,000 B.C.E.

Some of these exhibits include history of the local Native Americans - the Timucuans, the Spanish and British colonial eras, early pioneer families, beach/road auto racing, World War I & II, and vintage toys and clothing for children. 

A 20-minute movie is shown continuously throughout the day covering 130,000 years of local history!

The museum also offers a research facility with old city directories and documents as well as an extensive photographic and postcard collection.

A current exhibit, which will run through mid-November of this year, is of Paul Rebmann, Wildlife Photographer, featuring wild animals and local fauna in East Volusia County. 

 

When you visit the museum, you can get a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants along Beach Street, grab a cup of coffee at Sweet Marlay’s or a glass of wine at Wine Me. The museum is right next door to our city’s iconic Cinematique, where you can stop in for a movie in a café setting!  And these are just a few suggestions to make an afternoon or evening out of your Halifax Historical Museum visit!

Museum hours are Tuesday - Friday: 10:30 am - 4:30 pm and Saturday: 10 am - 4:00 pm - 252 S Beach St, Daytona Beach

Admission is $5 Adults, $1 Children 12 & under! Thursdays - Admission is by donation.

Saturdays - Adults $5 - Children 12 & under are free!

Parking in the Palmetto Avenue Parking lot.The museum is wheelchair accessible.

 

Creative Florida Living 

Janet Sells! 

The Casements in Ormond Beach

Things to do in the summer

In the spirit of finding fun, (mostly free) indoor events to escape the Florida heat!

To visit the Casements, we are venturing a little bit north to Ormond Beach. Whether you are relocating to coastal central Florida, already live here part of the year, all of the year, or are just visiting, Ormond offers fantastic options for dining and shopping, as well as miles of our famous beaches.  

The Casements, named for the large hand-cut casement windows that adorn the mansion, has been beautifully restored to function as the Cultural Center for the City of Ormond Beach. Set on the shore of the Halifax River, and just two blocks from the Atlantic Ocean, the late John D. Rockefeller's winter home is known as "The Jewel of Ormond Beach."

The Casements welcomes visitors Monday through Friday from 1-4 pm, and Saturday from 10:00am to 12pm. Tours are conducted on the hour. Come learn about the history of the mansion and grounds for free! Visit special displays including Boy Scouts of America historical memorabilia and a collection of Hungarian festival costumes and artifacts. The Casements also hosts numerous events throughout the year, including monthly movies under the stars, cooking classes, festivals, and more.

Monthly Gallery Exhibits:

Each month the Casements’ Gallery displays various local artists and photographers. The exhibits open with a free public reception on the First Friday of every month from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Please call The Casements (386) 676-3216 for information.

25 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach, Florida 32176 – Visit their website.

 

Creative Florida Living 

Janet's Real Estate Site 

Ponce Inlet Lighthouse

Being mostly surrounded by water, Florida has many lighthouses. The tallest of them all is the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, right here in the Greater Daytona Beach Area! It was completed in 1887 and is 175 feet tall. You can find it in the darling little town of Ponce Inlet that has a lot more to offer than only this majestic lighthouse. 

Alicia Keenon Photography

To visit, you can climb the 203 steps to the top and enjoy a 360 degree stunning view of the ocean and the land, including protected sand dunes. On the grounds, you can find a rare Fresnel Lens Exhibit, artifacts of the life of the lighthouse keeper of yore, shipwreck pieces, and a nifty gift shop.

International Museum Day at the Lighthouse

The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is proud to be a part of the International Museum community.  Museums are the story-tellers of a community's cultural heritage and collective memory.  On May 16, visit the lighthouse for activities and workshops designed for children and families – regular admission applies.

Alicia Keenon Photography

Climb to the Moon!

Sunday, May 3^rd - 6:45 PM to 8:30 PM

Climb to the Moon is offered only once a lunar month when the moon is at its fullest. Participation is limited to 25 guests per event. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are $25 per person. The old lighthouse keeper will lead you on your journey into the past to discover the unique history of this National Historic Landmark. Ascend the 203 steps to the top to witness the moon rising at 7:47 p.m. and the sun setting at 8:01 p.m.

Alicia Keenon Photography

The Ponce de Leon Lighthouse is open daily from 10am-5pm with extended summer hours. Admission is $5 for adults and includes access to all sights on the grounds.

Lighthouse Website

While you’re there, take a leisurely stroll and discover boat ramps, casual restaurants, the Marine Science Center, the Ponce Inlet itself, the jetty -  not to mention the beautiful beach!

Creative Florida Living

Janet's Real Estate Site