Events Calendar 2013

VIVA Florida 500

Special exhibitions, lecture programs and family-centered, living history events are offered throughout the year at each Museum facility and provide unique opportunities to learn more about the history and heritage of one of America's last great frontiers.

Upcoming Events and Programs

Please call (239) 252-8476 for information on Museum events and programs.

Watch Videos and Slide Shows of Collier County Museum Events and Programs

VIVA Florida 500

In 2013, Florida commemorates the 500-year anniversary of Ponce de Leon’s journey of discovery and the first recorded landing of European explorers on the North American mainland. Although Florida’s cultural history dates back more than 12,000 years, to the Native American groups that were its first discoverers, Spain’s claim to La Florida in 1513 was a milestone that began a new chapter in our state’s unique history. We invite you to explore and experience the rich heritage and cultures of Southwest Florida through a year-long offering of special exhibitions, programs, demonstrations and events at each of the Collier County Museums.

May 2013

Collier County Museum

May 22

Program: A Brief History of Collier County
In celebration of Collier County’s 90th Anniversary (1923-2013) , this program will discuss the humble beginnings of this once sleepy fishing village and how it has transformed into the busy city and tourist destination that it is today. Program will begin at 2 p.m. For more information, please call (239) 252-8476.

June 2013

Collier County Museum

June 5

Program: The Calusa Indians and the Spanish Explorers
The Calusa Indians thrived in SW Florida for thousands of years before the Spanish Explorers arrived on the sunny coastline. In 1513- 500 years ago- everything changed with Ponce de Leon’s landing when these two very different cultures collided. Discover how expansion of European culture led to the eventual demise of the Native American Tribes of Florida. Program will begin at 2 p.m. For more information, please call (239) 252-8476.

Collier County Museum

June 19

Program: The Unconquered Seminole People and their Traditions
Who are the Seminole people? How did they get to Florida and why did they come here? Find out more about the “unconquered” people and some of their interesting customs and legends. Program will begin at 2 p.m. For more information, please call (239) 252-8476.

July 2013

Collier County Museum

July 3

Program: The Florida Crackers: Pioneer Life in Southwest Florida
Life in early Florida wasn’t for sissies! Early pioneers had to manage the heat without air conditioning and the terrain without bug control or paved roadways. Learn about some of the earliest settlers to Collier County and what life was like for those tough enough to live here before development. The term ‘Florida Cracker’ and its true meaning will also be discussed. Program will begin at 2 p.m. For more information, please call (239) 252-8476.

Collier County Museum

July 17

Program: Florida’s Final Frontier: The History of Transportation to Collier County
Collier County has been dubbed “Florida’s Final Frontier” due to its long-time isolation from lack of transportation to the area prior to the late 1920s. Uncover how the Tamiami Trail opening , the railroad and other transportation methods played an integral role in opening up visitors and residents to the County. Program will begin at 2 p.m. For more information, please call (239) 252-8476.

Collier County Museum

July 31

Program: SW Florida Hurricane History
Southwest Florida has been hit by several damaging hurricanes over the years. Learn more about these destructive forces of nature and how they have shaped our local history. Program will begin at 2 p.m. For more information, please call (239) 252-8476.

August 2013

Collier County Museum

August 7

Program: How the Tamiami Trail Got Its Name: The History of Collier County Place Names
Ever wonder how some of our local places got their names? Who is Gordon Pass named after? How about Doctors Pass? What about Tigertail Beach? Join us in taking a peek at the interesting history behind names of the places in our community that we visit every day. Program will begin at 2 p.m. For more information, please call (239) 252-8476.

Collier County Museum

August 21

Program: From Carnestown to Jerome: The Forgotten Ghost Towns of Collier County
This discussion will take you on a virtual drive down State Road 29 to discover the first towns that popped up in Collier County during the 1920’s along this rural route. Explore some of the sites, people, legends and trivia about the forgotten places of long ago. Learn why they were abandoned and what can still be seen today. Warning: this program may inspire a road trip! Program will begin at 2 p.m. For more information, please call (239) 252-8476.

November

November 11
USO Show at the Naples Depot
Naples' role as an Army Air Corps training base during World War II is remembered each November 11th at the Naples Depot Museum, following the city's Veterans Day ceremony. Although closed to train traffic for the duration, the old station came alive every Saturday night with USO shows and dances designed to boost the morale of soldiers stationed at the nearby army airfield (now Naples Airport).

The Depot's annual USO show faithfully recreates the sights and big band sounds of the 1940s with an afternoon of music and memories that brought the "greatest generation" onto the dance floor. A special ceremony and opening address honors veterans from all of America's armed conflicts.

The USO Show at the Naples Depot will be held immediately following the Veterans Memorial Service in Cambier Park which begins at 10 a.m. The USO show will be from 11:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. A limited number of chairs will be provided, but visitors are encouraged to bring their own. For more information, please call (239) 262-6525.

Other Special Attractions To Be Announced.

Call Us 239-252-8476