of history. At the historical park, we want to educate people on
what life was like for Manatee County settlers. It was a rough
time. People grew their own food and sometimes had to travel
days to reach a general store. Mary Gates, one of the pioneering
founders of Manatee County, even survived yellow fever.”
Determined to preserve real places and tell real stories for
future generations, the Manatee County Historical Commission,
strives to share the heritage of Manatee County’s founding
period, advocates for historic preservation and cultural tourism,
and supports educating the community through a carousel of
lectures, workshops, and special events held throughout the
year at the park.
With tears streaming down their faces, a group of women in
along with a smaller building owned by the congregation (once
to make room for a new sanctuary and parking lot.
and hatched the idea for the Manatee Village Historical Park,
which today draws about 800 visitors a month during the winter.
to approach those churches and say, ‘So, if we get you new
became known as the H.O.M.E. (Heritage of Manatee’s
County Commissioners to reestablish the Manatee County
Historical Commission by ordinance, making the Manatee
County Clerk of Circuit Court a perpetual member.
“Angelina Colonneso, Manatee County Clerk of Court, supports
historical preservation and truly sees the value of it to our
community,” Rohlwing said. “It is good for our community and
tourism. People want to travel to a place that is unique, so the
travel feels worthwhile.”
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