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Manatee County Historical Society
4501 Manatee Avenue West, #303
Bradenton, FL 34200-3952

The Manatee County Historical Society (MCHS) was chartered March 18, 1946 and is the oldest local historical society. Our purpose is to collect, record and preserve the story of Manatee County.

The Society hosts 7 luncheon meetings during its October-to-May program season, and records the lectures. Transcribed copies of the speeches and of the oral history interviews are available in the Eaton Room of the Manatee County Central Library.

The Society has long had a program of identifying historical sites and events and erecting historical markers to commemorate them. Over the years, more than 50 markers have been placed.

In the mid-1960’s, the Society began copying old photographs from early families. In 1977, these completed images were turned over to the local library system. The Society’s original 6,250 historical images now form the base of more than 32,900 images now found on the Manatee County Library System’s internet homepage.

The society sponsors an annual scholarship for a Manatee County high school graduate wishing to obtain a college degree in history. A history degree is also useful for those planning a career in international business, law, public broadcasting, journalism, or diplomacy. The Society supports the Manatee Village Historical Park and the Gamble Mansion Preservation Alliance and other local historical groups. Members participate in the annual Manatee County History Fair in conjunction with the Manatee County Historical Commission and the Board of Education.

Luncheon Meetings are held at Noon, the 3_rd Wednesday of October, November, and January through May, at the Renaissance on 9th, the Meals on Wheels Senior Center. Reservations are required by the Friday before the luncheon.

For Reservations, call Liz Boling at (941)748-5788 or Lorraine Tetlus at (941) 748-6694.