ABOUT THE MUSEUM
The Historic Homestead Town Hall Museum is located at 41 North Krome Avenue in the original 1917 City of Homestead Town Hall. Situated across the street from Losner Park, the building is just a short distance from the restored Seminole Theater.
Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Admission is free.
MISSION
The mission of the Historic Homestead Town Hall Museum is to collect, preserve, display, and make accessible materials of permanent historical value pertaining to the City of Homestead and the surrounding region for the enrichment of present and future generations.
The Historic Homestead Town Hall Museum is a 501(c)3 organization. Your tax-deductible contributions are greatly appreciated.
On exhibit are historical artifacts and copies of photographs depicting people, families, buildings and events that helped shape Homestead history. The library and archives are open to researchers by appointment. The museum store has books, cards, and other items for sale. For further information contact museum staff at 305-242-4463.
Through the efforts of Ruth Campbell and others, the museum opened in 1994. Ruth was the wife of Harold “Pete” Campbell, a grandson of Thomas Alexander Campbell for whom Campbell Drive is named. She served Homestead as a city councilperson and vice-mayor. After 23 years of active service, Ruth retired from the museum in June of 2017. She died on May 7, 2019, shortly before her 99th birthday–June 20, 2019. Click on Ruth’s picture to view a 2013 video produced by Doug La Rue, the owner of radio station WKLG, in which she tells the story of the museum.
Hover over the Resources tab in the menu bar to find historic resources pertaining to the history of Homestead. Click on the Articles tab in the menu bar to read articles about early Homestead. Additional articles and research material may be found on Jeff Blakley’s website, Historic South Dade.
Scroll down to check the Bulletin Board, below the photograph of the fire engine, for items of interest.
Click history of the building to learn more about the structure that houses the Museum.
One of the museum’s most popular exhibits is the City of Homestead’s original 1924 American LaFrance fire truck, which was partially restored by firefighting enthusiasts in the Tampa Bay area.
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This comprehensive history of Everglades National Park, web-published by Robert W. Blythe, who placed it in the public domain, is based on extensive research in federal, state, and conservation organization archives. The publication contains information not found elsewhere and will likely remain an important history of the park.
Wilderness on the Edge: A History of Everglades National Park is 640 pages long and includes dozens of historic photos and about two dozen maps created especially for this work. Author Robert W. Blythe prepared a comprehensive index and appendices that include Park legislation, visitation figures, a chronology, and a glossary of names.
To download this book, click on the link in the drop down menu under the Resources tab.
Very interesting site! I am the oldest grandson of Horace “Hoppy” Bell and Hazel (Pennington) Bell, and both my parents attended South Dade High in the late 50’s. My mom was Linda Lee (Bell) Nyary. Her dad owned Hoppy’s Gulf gas station in downtown Homestead for many years, which I remember visiting as a young boy. I was wondering if there were any old pictures of the station somewhere.
Hello Scott, I remember going to Hoppy’s Gulf station many times when I was younger. He and the guys working there always were able to help with mechanical issues I had. A great crew there and my dad knew the Bell family well since he grew up here. On a sad note I remember the day that Hoppy died as a result of a hunting accident. By the way my grandmother was a Pennington before she married my grandfather Charles Caves, I was wondering if there is a relation there. Perhaps you know.
Can I bring my dog to the museum?
Only service animals are permitted in the museum.