Charlotte County Historical Center
Donor Opportunities
Charlotte County Historical Center
at 22959 Bayshore Road on the waterfront in historic Charlotte Harbor, FL
Sponsors and Donors Make a Huge Difference
Corporate sponsors and individual donors are essential partners who advance the work the Charlotte County Historical Center (CCHC) does every day. As one, you and your organization will be a part of heritage education and preserving our historical resources, while enjoying unique community recognition.
Your gift allows our participants to experience fun exhibitions, broad-ranging educational programs, enhancements to the artifact collections and the preservation of significant historical resources throughout the county.
CCHC directly serves thousands of residents and visitors with our exhibits, programs, and events each year. In addition, our historic preservation projects support the efforts of many local historical groups and help to preserve our heritage for future generations.
Our permanent historical exhibit Charlotte County: Telling Our Story explores the full spectrum of area history, from ancient peoples living here thousands of years ago to the post-World War II land development boom. Also on permanent exhibit are 16 Heritage Oil Paintings by Betty Reese, the Bicentennial Time Capsule, and Shopping in Charlotte County near the Live Oak Emporium Gift Shop.
Changing exhibits in the John W. Cole Gallery explore special subjects and themes in depth. Funds are needed to make this possible! Call 941.629.7278.
 The potter’s wheel fascinates children and adults. |
 Face painting and costumes are always fun. |
Florida Frontier Days – Annual outdoor pioneer festival attracts thousands of school children, families and adults over a three-day period. Visitors participate in hands-on crafts and active games, sample authentic foods and learn from costumed wood carvers, candle makers, fur traders, potters, blacksmiths and the like. Sponsors help to pay 15-20 quality artisans and re-enactors a stipend of $175 each, or $3500 to keep pace with recent events. Call 941.629.7278.
 Children try their hands weaving on a real loom. |
 Sack races are popular every year. |
Program Scholarships for Children – CCHC inspires and educates thousands of visitors each year, welcoming many children from underserved communities. A Program Fee Assistance Fund supports disadvantaged families on a case-by-case basis, to attend our educational programs, such as the Club Adventure after-school program and Camp Adventure summer sessions. Can you help us? Call 941.629.7278.
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Bicentennial Time Capsule & Courthouse Exhibit – During the nation’s bicentennial in 1976, plans were made for a Charlotte County time capsule to be set in place at the county’s Memorial Auditorium in Punta Gorda and re-opened after 100 years. The building was damaged beyond repair by Hurricane Charley, but before it was demolished we removed it for safe keeping. Call 941.629.7278.
 Time capsule removed for safe keeping, April 14, 2005. |
 Bicentennial Time Capsule on exhibit |
The Bicentennial Time Capsule is on exhibit at the Charlotte County Historical Center until a permanent place is provided in the new exhibit at the old Charlotte County Courthouse. Sponsors and donors of related artifacts will make this exhibit possible. Call 941.629.7278
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Changing Exhibits - Our changing exhibits in the John W. Cole Gallery explore a variety of fascinating themes and particular people, places and events that shaped our history. Each one is budgeted at $4000 for research, curation, fabrication, shipping, installation and materials, and generous sponsors are needed to make each one happen. Call 941.629.7278.
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The “Cookie House” – the last log cabin from the former Bass Biological Laboratory in Englewood, precursor to today’s Mote Marine Lab in Sarasota, was saved in 2006 by relocating it to Cedar Point Environmental Park. Here we will develop new programs and exhibits related to Cookie House history and scientific study in the Lemon Bay estuary. Program sponsors, exhibit sponsors and artifact donors are needed to develop high quality programs. Call 941.629.7278.
 The move from New Point Comfort Road in 2006 |
Placida Bunk House – In 2005 and 2006, the Charlotte County Historical Center worked to save the only-surviving Charlotte Harbor and Northern Railroad workers' bunk house was relocated from private property to county-owned land, at the Mercer Trailhead of the Cape Haze Pioneer Trail (formerly the railroad bed) at its northerly end off Gasparilla Road (Route 771) in McCall. The historic structure will be rehabilitated and exhibits are planned. Sponsorships and gifts of related artifacts will make a huge difference. Call 941.629.7278.
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Charlotte County Historical Marker Program – The Historical Center works with the Historical Advisory Committee (whose nine members are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners) to research, approve and locate new historical markers at sites important to our history. Each custom-made, weatherproof marker is manufactured in cast aluminum to last for many years and costs $2,000. Sponsors are invited to show their support for our community;s heritage by underwriting a new marker. Call 941.629.7278.
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The Museum Society, Inc., is a local non-profit organization now known as the Charlotte County Historical Center Society (and fondly as the “Society”), our fundraising arm providing thousands of dollars annually toward the CCHC program budget. Over 1450 member households enjoy reduced fees for many educational programs, invitations to special events, free admission at 300+ other museums worldwide, and discounts at our Live Oak Emporium gift shop. Check out a CCHC Society membership, renewal or a gift membership or call 941.629.7278.
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CCHC Volunteer Corps – Some sponsors help provide volunteers. Over 350 wonderful CCHC volunteers donated 6088+ hours to assist the small professional staff with all aspects of planning and presenting historical programs, preparing exhibits and staffing special projects and fundraising events in fiscal year 2006. Some donate their sewing, carpentry and office skills, for example, and others help with annual events and fundraisers.
Some volunteers are available to meet for lunch bi-monthly on the fourth Friday. Can you join us? Call 941.629.7278.
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parks@charlottefl.com
