The City of Venice Division of Historical Resources will launch Saturday hours on Oct. 4 with an Archives Open House and special programming across its downtown venues.
The Venice Museum, 351 Nassau St. S., will begin opening to the public every first and third Saturday through April. Hours will be 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Opening Day highlights include a new exhibit previewing the city’s upcoming centennial, offering context on milestones that shaped Venice’s growth and identity.
Across the street, the Julia Cousins Laning & Dale Laning Archives & Research Center, 224 Milan Ave. W., will welcome visitors for an open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Staff will provide a behind-the-scenes look at how archival materials are collected, cataloged and preserved, and share guidance on donating family items or safeguarding personal collections. Hands-on activities and displays are planned to appeal to a range of ages.
The Old Betsy Museum will feature longtime caretaker Earl Midlam discussing the history of “Old Betsy,” the city’s 1926 American LaFrance pumper. The program will trace the firetruck’s service and restoration, illustrating how early equipment aided community safety during a period of rapid local development.
The coordinated events mark the start of expanded weekend access intended to make the city’s collections more available to residents and visitors during the peak season. Officials say the schedule is designed to encourage families to experience multiple sites in one trip and to highlight the role Historical Resources plays in preservation, education and community outreach.
For details, contact Venice Historical Resources Manager Harry Klinkhamer at hklinkhamer@venicefl.gov or 941-486-2490.
