Updates from The Heritage Center & Indian River Citrus Museum | | | |
Note from the Director
In 2025, we celebrated our building's 90th birthday. This year will mark our 33rd anniversary as a non-profit created to restore and preserve the building. On January 19th, we celebrate 33 years on the National Register of Historic Places.
Over the last few years, our dedicated board and staff have worked to deliver thoughtful and engaging programming for the community and raise the funds needed to make long-overdue improvements to our historic building.
While there is still much we hope to accomplish, we are truly humbled by the generosity, encouragement and enthusiasm of those who believe in our mission. Thank you for making 2025 a phenomenal year—we look forward to a productive and inspiring 2026.
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Santa Claus Came to Town
As we do each year, Vero Heritage became ground zero for the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on historic 14th Avenue, hosted by the Indian River Chamber of Commerce. We know lots of people got goodies at our Museum Gift Shop in their stockings.
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AND THE WINNER IS . . .
We were surprised and delighted when Louis Schacht, 3rd generation citrus grower in Vero, pulled the winning raffle ticket for our marvelous paddleboard.
Many thanks to everyone who purchased raffle tickets and a big shout-out to Dragonfly Boatworks, for making and donating the paddleboard and cooler to us as well as to D’s Wraps, for transforming both into extraordinary works of art.
CONGRATULATIONS to LOUIS SCHACHT
| | | A First Time for Everything
The Heritage Center entered a float in the annual OCEAN DRIVE CHRISTMAS PARADE for the first time. Vero Heritage Board member Ryan Butler created the marvelous float that carried several board members, guests, and the star of the show, MISS FLORIDA CITRUS 2025, Halle Burton! We didn’t win a prize, but we all had a ball. | |
Historic Preservation
In December, we completed important maintenance to our 90-year-old Dade Pine floors and underwent termite fumigation to protect this historic building for generations to come. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our donors, sponsors and participants of our 2025 Deeply Rooted fundraising event. Your generosity and commitment to historic preservation made this essential work possible.
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Monthly Farm+Maker Markets
Last Friday Each Month Until May
Beginning in October with Heritage Harvest Weekend and continuing each month during Downtown Friday, we've thoroughly enjoyed hosting local farmers and artisan vendors for our Farm + Maker Markets!
Downtown Friday just so happens to fall on both Halloween and Black Friday, and boy does Vero Beach make the most of it! More than 500 people toured and shopped in the museum and market during Black Friday, discovering lovely gifts and locally made treasures and treats.
Markets will continue alongside Downtown Friday until May. If you're interested in becoming a vendor, email lmckenzie@veroheritage.org.
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Bluegrass is Back!
Free Community Concerts on the Third Wednesday of Each Month Until May
Vero Heritage, Inc., in collaboration with Hibiscus Vintage Music and George E. Warren, is thrilled to host the Heritage Bluegrass Series. The series kicked off in October with Ian Lane & Southern Flavor, followed by Penny Creek Bluegrass Band in November and The Flattlanders in December. Concerts will continue through May.
There is a jam session following each concert, so bring your instrument and join in!
Each concert includes a 50/50 raffle with all proceeds donated to a local music education program.
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Our BLUEGRASS events have been so successful that at the November concert, WE RAN OUT OF CHAIRS!
This has never happened at the Heritage Center, and while it’s good news that so many people were there, we of course realized the immediate need for more seating.
Enter our loyal supporters, GEORGE & TONI HAMNER, who provided funds for a truckload of brand-new chairs.
Now no one will have to stand at our events, and we extend our sincere thanks to George and Toni for their generosity and support.
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Historic Downtown Walking Tour
Join local historian and Vero Heritage Vice President Barbara Secor as she brings Vero’s early days to life, from pioneers to architecture.
March 11 at 10:00 AM
90-minute tour begins at the Indian River Citrus Museum. Click below to reserve your spot today.
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Deeply Rooted Gala
We’re excited to introduce the theme of our Deeply Rooted celebration on April 11th: Next Generation - A tribute to the young leaders who continue the legacy of Vero’s earliest pioneer families.
We are searching for community members who:
- Are under 55 years old
- Are actively involved in the same industry or business their pre-1925 pioneer family established.
- Carry forward the traditions, craftsmanship, agriculture, citrus heritage, or entrepreneurial spirit that helped build Vero Beach
Click below to submit a nomination by January 28th.
Please include the nominee’s name, pioneer family, industry/business, and a brief description of their role today.
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Community Matters
2nd Friday Every Month 8:00 AM
Laura Moss will host a lively, informative monthly community discussion, where folks can get to know the issues and each other better.
COMMUNITY MATTERS will be held the second Friday of every month from 8:00 am - 9:00 am at The Heritage Center. Everyone with an interest in our local community is invited to attend.
Coffeehouse 1420 coffee and other complimentary refreshments will be available.
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Audrey's Feed and Tack Monthly Barn Dance
Treat yourself to a pair of boots from Audrey's and come dance with us! Featuring live music by Sandy Feet Bluegrass Pickers with Caller - John Rogers, this monthly family-friendly barn dance series brings the community together for lively, easy-to-follow folk dancing and unforgettable evenings of music and fun.
Admission is $10 adults/$1 kids
For more details and family/group discounts, please call Mary Rose-Weston (317) 445-9941.
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Sound Bath Meditation with Anthony Profeta
Join us as meditation teacher, Anthony Profeta, uses the sounds of Crystal Bowls, Himalayan Singing Bowls, and other instruments to wash away our stress, fill us with inner peace, and allow us to bring healing to your body, mind & soul. Don’t wait to experience this unique and powerful form of meditation. Give yourself the gift of peace! Sign up today and step into the tranquility you’ve been seeking.
January 7th
February 3rd
April 22nd
May 15th
WHAT TO BRING: Yoga Mat, Pillow, Blankets, anything else you might need to get comfortable. Chairs will be provided.
TICKETS: Can be purchased ahead of time through ticket link.
TICKETS: Adult $25 (Prepaid) / Adult $30 at the door / Child (Ages 5-15): $10
QUESTIONS:Email: AnthonyProfetaMeditation@outlook.com
Call or Text: (914) 319-3477
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