Cracker Trail Museum

WELCOME TO THE CRACKER TRAIL MUSEUM

Since its beginning in 1967, Cracker Trail Museum has collected over 4,000 items related to pioneer-era Florida history. Each item is maintained either within glass enclosed cases or strategically placed around the floor of the museum. Many of the larger items are provided in a setting that would be reminiscent of pioneer living. The items are identified with a tag that not only gives its description, but includes the name of the person who donated it. Proper records are maintained, so at any time, a guest may inquire about a certain item donated by a family member and its location can be retrieved through its computer data base. This procedure is used many times within the course of a month to assist family members for viewing a loved one's acquisition.

Cracker Trail Museum was started by the Peace River Valley Historical Society in 1967. A grant in the amount of $20,000 was procured from the Florida Game & Fresh Water Fish Commission with technical help from the U.S. Soil Conservation Service and a building was constructed at what is now Pioneer Park in Zolfo Springs. It was originally known as Pioneer Park Museum.

The objectives of the newly established museum was to serve the public interest of the Peace River Valley by providing a means for the collection, preservation and interpretation of collections of significant historic objects from the area served by the museum. In addition, its primary obligation was to guarantee adequate preservation of the collections and effective use of their contents.

The dedication of the museum was held on June 24, 1967 with a number of dignitaries in attendance including Joe Dan Osceola, President of the Seminole Tribe. A Fish-a-thon was held for the children and antique vehicles were on display furnished by local antique automobile clubs. The guest register for the day of festivities grew to 650 guests.

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