Read the Article By Kay Kipling December 2, 2025 Published in the December 2025 issue of Sarasota Magazine
Architectural Renditions have been released of the new 30,000-square-foot History Center building adjacent to the Fruitville Public Library at 100 Apex Road, just east of Interstate 75. The new center is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2026.
Temporarily, the History Center is located at the old Osprey Schoolhouse on the Tamiami Trail. The address is: 337 N Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL 34229 The most frequently used materials from the History Center’s collection reside with the staff at the Osprey location, while the rest of the collection is stored in secure, climate-controlled county buildings elsewhere. Public access to the full collection will continue even during this phase. Staff will make regular trips to the temporary storage facilities to retrieve materials requested by the public for research purposes.
Visit the History Center website HERE
This beautiful 1927 building was previously a school house and it is currently the home of the History Center and the Osprey Public Library.
The Sarasota County History Center is your one-stop shop for information and resources about Sarasota County’s remarkable past. The History Center is also the headquarters for Sarasota County’s historic preservation programs, which aim to identify and protect significant historic buildings and archaeological sites.
The History Center’s large collection of archival records, historical newspapers, photographs, maps, and other materials are open to the public for research and enjoyment. Here’s a little bit about their team:
- The Preservation Specialist reviews permits and works with local architects and builders to help preserve our county’s historic buildings and structures.
- The County Archaeologist reviews known and potential archaeological sites to ensure that our pre-historic heritage remains understood and protected.
- The Collections Curator works to preserve and maintain collections of materials which document Sarasota County’s history. From digitizing to processing incoming donations, the Collections Curator works diligently so that more people can enjoy Sarasota County’s history both now and in the future.
- The Assistant Manager schedules and assists with tours and research inquiries. If you are interested in a tour or conducting research at the History Center, please reach out to the Assistant Manager to get started.
The History Center offers a wide variety of presentations and research tutorials throughout the year. More info HERE
