Fort Meade Historical Museum

The Fort Meade Historical Museum is a picture into the city's past.

Restored since hurricanes damaged it in 2004, the museum welcomes visitors to experience and view a part of the city's history.

Among the artifacts, the museum displays pictures, clothing and items from pioneer families, teaching utensils, farm tools and early newspaper clippings.

Uniforms of past Fort Meade military men are also on display.

In January, the museum remodeled the first floor's front room and made it the citrus room, equipped with artifacts and displays pertaining to the citrus industry.

Guests can also see a phosphate display with fossils and shark teeth.

The museum occupies a 19th-century, two-story wood structure thought to be the home of the first indoor school in the city.

Outside the museum, a locomotive with diner, sleeper and caboose is on display, donated by the phosphate companies.

The sleeper has been cleaned out, and can be used to hold birthday parties and other events.

On the walls of the car are murals showing the city's history.

The Fort Meade Historical Museum is at Broadway and Tecumseh Avenue.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Admission is free.

The Fort Meade Historical Society accepts donations for the museum.

Checks may be sent to: The Fort Meade Historical Society, P.O. Box 1021, Fort Meade, FL 33841.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Don Marchman, the president of the Historical Society, by writing the historical society. The museum's number is 863-285-7474 or 863-559-1012.