July 2021
Newsletter
The Florida East Coast Railway in New Smyrna Beach Episode 1, "The Early Years of Steam".
Join us for a fascinating look back at how New Smyrna became a railroad town in the late 1800s. Episode 1, "The Early Years of Steam" explores the development of the Florida East Coast (FEC) Railway and how New Smyrna developed into a major hub for the entire East Coast Line, impacting employment and transportation for all of Southeast Volusia County. View Video Now
Director's Digest
By Greg Holbrook
Executive Director
New Smyrna Museum of History


Happy 4th of July weekend!


We couldn't be more excited to finally be open to the general public again and beginning to discuss events and programs for future months. It is also great to begin bringing programs back to life that we were forced to put on hold back in early 2020.

One of these is a serviced-based learning initiative that we have partnered with Daytona State College's local history instructor, Lewis Metzker.

The outline of his history courses taught at our local New Smyrna Beach annex for Daytona State require each student to become a volunteer at the museum for a specific portion of their course. It also encourages their involvement in programs such as our Veterans History Project. The students have the opportunity to research existing elements of our museum gallery and share with us through their course work, ways that we can do a better job of sharing these stories and how we might update existing exhibits to meet this challenge.

We view these interactions as an ideal opportunity to foster an understanding of how local museums serve their communities and to involve our young people here at home in discussions that highlight the importance of preserving the historic elements of their own home town.

Have a great 4th of July weekend!
Museum Giftshop
Indigo Seeds Available
Indigo Seeds are back at the Museum of History giftshop, cultivated and cared for by our trusted volunteers. There were times in the past that indigo dye was as sought after as gold. Try your hand at growing the crop that the early settlers of British East Florida grew as their primary cash crop.
New Artwork from local artist Cathy Berse










Cathy Berse, a local area fine artist who specializes in plein air oil paintings, has shared several images related to local area history that we now have available as prints in our gift shop. Inspired by historic photographs each matted print measures approx. 8 X 10 and comes ready to frame or display as is, for only $23.95.

Shown above, the old bait shop at the East end of Canal Street.


The Canova Street Grave, final resting place of Charles Dummett (1844-1860), the 16 year old son of our first beachside resident.
The Friendship Tree.
Located along the East edge of Emory Bennett Park, the friendship tree was created when two young boys, Arnold Fuller and Harry Sams, who were playing in the area located the two seedling trees and entwined them with each other.
The steps to the top of the Old Fort foundation. The foundation in Old Fort Park is one of the most visited and photographed sites in our community. This beautiful print shows the steps leading up the West side of the shell mound that the foundation is interred in.
Phantom On The Tracks.
Featuring our local area rail system, this print celebrates the love of the railway with a phantom image of a train and a young boy, John Putnam, so enthralled with the railway that he applied for a job as soon as he was old enough.
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New Members:
Randy & Victoria Bateman
Elizabeth Drayton
Carroll & Scott Heil
Carol Nelson
Don Pummer
Douglas Toth


Museum Hours
Tuesday - Saturday
10 AM - 4 PM


Adults 18+ $8
Young Adults 11-17 $5
10 & Under Free
Members Free
The New Smyrna Museum of History
120 Sams Ave., New Smyrna Beach Fl. 32168
Phone: 386.478.0052

nsmofhistory@gmail.com
PO Box 968, NSB, Fl. 32168