Imagine a subtropical barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, untouched except for its vast bays, mangroves, swamps, and wetlands, along with the wildlife that calls it home. Today, this seven-mile-long island is a popular vacation destination with a coast dotted by Anna Maria Island vacation rentals, attracting almost a million visitors every year.
White-sand beaches may be the initial allure of staying at an Anna Maria Island rental, but the small barrier island is also known for its rich history. A visit to the Anna Maria Island Historical Society is a great place to learn more about how the island has evolved.
Photo from Pixabay
What is the Anna Maria Island Historical Society?
For more than three decades, the Anna Maria Island Historical Society has worked to document and preserve the history of Anna Maria Island and educate visitors and locals alike. The historical society was started in 1990 by Pat Copeland and Carolyne Norwood. Two years later, the group opened the Anna Maria Island museum, which houses collected items that tell the story of the island. They also run an educational program, visiting churches and civic centers to share their knowledge with students of all ages, including visitors to the island. For vacationers looking to get a feel for old Florida, historical society facilities like the island museum and the Old City Jail are must-see attractions.
Exhibits
AMIHS Museum:
Watch years of Anna Maria Island history unfold before your eyes through artifacts, photographs, and maps at the historical society’s Pine Avenue museum. Travel back in time to the 19th century when the island was a Native American fishing camp and, in 1893, the first settler homesteaders arrived to start a life on the island. Immerse yourself in the island during the Roaring Twenties, a time of prosperity and celebration in the U.S.
Many years later, the island would become known for its role as host to wintering baseball players in the 1950s to 1970s. The museum brings history to life for kids with scavenger hunts, where they can find alligator dolls, rattlesnake skins, and other quirky old Florida artifacts. The building itself has its own unique history. It was originally built as an icehouse in 1920, before serving as an auto garage, sea turtle hatchery, and administrative building. Before you go, listen to some of the oral histories from the island’s “old timers,” which can be streamed on The Historical Society’s YouTube channel.
The facility is located on Pine Avenue in the city of Anna Maria on the island’s north end, less than a 10-minute drive from our Holmes Beach rentals on Anna Maria Island. The museum is relatively small and can be visited in an hour or two. Admission is free, but donations to the historical society are appreciated.
Don’t leave without visiting the gift shop. Selling items such as prints of vintage photographs, maps, t-shirts, books by local authors, and jewelry by local artists.
Belle Haven Cottage:
In 1926, the Belle Haven cottage fell off the City Pier, it’s original home, into the bay. About 100 years later, it’s still standing. The cottage was rescued from the water, and used as a family home for nearly 50 years until it was adopted by the historical foundation after being rescued once again, this time from demolition. The cottage has since been restored and furnished with antiques typical of the period.
Mangrove Walk
This one’s for the nature nerds. Home to one of the first freshwater wells on the island, the historical park was used for picnics in the 18th century. Today, it is home to many native plant species, all of which are resistant to drought and disease. Walk the short trail through the park to learn about the island’s native flora and marvel at its beautiful, eco-friendly landscaping.
The Old City Jail
Don’t miss out on a photo of yourself “in jail” at the long-defunct city lockup, a 60-year tradition among visitors to Anna Maria Island. Built in 1927, the jail was used to lock up folks who’d gotten too rowdy after a night on the town. It was shut down after it caught fire in the 1940s, and turned into a tourist attraction for visitors to the island.
Settler’s Bread
There is a recipe, but they don’t give it out. As the only revenue stream for a local scholarship initiated by the historical society, it’s a valuable secret. This coveted loaf can be purchased at the Pine Avenue farmer’s market every Tuesday morning from November to March. All proceeds from sales fund a scholarship for an Anna Maria Island high school senior named after Pat Copeland, co-founder of the historical society.
Walking Tours
After a visit to the museum, take a self-guided tour on foot or by bike to observe Anna Maria Island’s historic cities through new eyes. The city of Anna Maria tour begins at Bayfront Park, land was given to the city by original developers Anna Maria Beach Company in place of taxation. The tour makes stops at two piers, the island’s first motel, a 1913 church, and several homes and cottages owned by early settlers. Tour Holmes Beach to see the island’s first business, a boat builder, and the former Foodway Store, medical center, and library. Bradenton Beach’s recommended starting point is historic Bridge Street, currently home to shops and Anna Maria Island restaurants. Stop at the nearby pier, a 70-year-old trailer park, and Bridge Tender Inn, an establishment more than 100 years old that still operates as a pub.
All tours and maps, which can be downloaded online or picked up in the gift shop, are free of charge. Visitors can also use the free island trolley for Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach tours.
Where To Stay
With Anna Maria Island vacation rentals available in all three historic cities, you’ll be close to the action, both past and present. Immerse yourself in the history of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, or Bradenton Beach by choosing a local vacation rental. Given the island is just seven miles long, you can easily visit the other cities throughout your stay. Anna Maria Island beachfront rentals offer stunning views of the ocean and easy access to the beach, browse our selection and find your perfect match today!
Choose a waterfront vacation rental for easy access to sand and surf. Or, opt for a tranquil gulf-front rental, ideal for boaters, fishers, and folks who prefer a quieter way of life. There’s something for everyone at our top island properties. Wherever you visit the island, you’ll never be far from Anna Maria beaches, restaurants, shopping, and activities. Couples and small families will enjoy our one- and two-bedroom cottages and suites. We have rentals with five or more bedrooms for large groups of friends and multi-generational families.
Kids will love our rentals with heated pools and lawn games, like table tennis and bocce ball. Book one of our several Anna Maria Island pet-friendly rentals so your four-legged family members don’t have to miss out on Florida fun. Island rentals are close to the white-sand beaches
