anna maria island historical museum

capefans

Some would skip this Museum thinking - boring - but don't!It is so well laid out with history of the island and so much memorbilla from the time period. We enjoyed poking around here and seeing how things looked back in the day. They have great arield pictures of the island and the staff have wonderful stories to tell.

TillieMToiler

This museum is operated by volunteers that love to help you get the most from your visit. History comes alive with pictures!

NancyJ011

We started our visit with a drop in here. The women who work here can explain the displays or tell you more about what you should see while on the island. Interesting. Small place, doesn't take long to look around.

53lynnw

Residents and visitors of Anna Maria are fortunate that someone had the foresight to begin saving some of its history. This small museum is a treasure trove of AMI memorabilia. The museum is free, just accepts donations. The docents who were here the day we visited were excellent! They were so knowledgeable and happy to share AMI history with any and all. The museum is a little cramped, but that is a good thing. It means that they have a lot to share. It is amazing that this site includes the Belle Haven Cottage that was floating in Tampa Bay at one time and was saved from the wrecking ball another time. The old jail, also on the site, provides a good photo op. If you have a day on AMI that is too cool for the beach and an interest in AMI history, this is the place for you. Don't forget to leave a donation!

Chrissy1113

What a wonderful place to visit...its free, donations excepted. Very knowledgeable and friendly volunteers

153miken

Ok It's free...donations excepted...that's a cool thing before anything else.The history dating back to 1900's in this historic museum is beautifully done and well maintained. The volunteer staff is very helpful and knowledgeable.A must see when you visit this 7 mile island.

WorldTraveler196148

The Island has a "quaint old fashioned feel about it". With it's pleasant houses and streets, to it's old fishing pier. A nice place to relax and while away a few hours.

pyzon

We stopped in one day on our way back to our place. It was very interesting to here the history of the island and the little house that was part of the city pier.

Chrismart

We called in to the museum on the last day of our holiday and were pleasantly surprised. Lovely gentleman was there to tell us all about the history of AMI. Don't miss out on a visit to the city jail - no roof, no windows just mossies to eat the occasional prisoner. Worth a visit.

NancyA509

Learn about the history of Anna Maria Island, Take photos at the old jail, purchase some old settler's bread, tour the property-- a wonderful experience -- no visit to Anna Maria is complete without a visit here

884kennyh

The museum is very interesting and gives a lot of information about the island. They had an exhibit about baseball history on the island while we were there which was a lot of fun. The old time jail outside is a perfect family photo spot and worth the stop during your visit!

gregory5220

The museum is a great place to visit if you are not familiar with the area. You can learn interesting facts about Anna Maria and local things to see and do. Not as big as it could be.

dicksmith24

Take an hour and visit this small but well done historic island museum. It is full of photos and objects illustrating how Anna Maria grew over the years. Covers the early settlers, importance of the pier and fishing through the years. Very interesting for young and old. Staff is informed and very friendly.

Chasar5

Take an hour and drop by this museum. It's got some Esther Williams paraphanelia. We learned a lot of interesting history of the island.

JAJJ2014

We decided to visit the museum to find out more about the island. Info great and an enjoyable scavenger hunt for the kids. Staff engaged with us and very informative. A real must do activity if visiting Anna Maria island.