Having a lot of really interesting items. They were displayed nicely. An opportunity to revisit this museum would afford more great revelations.
If you're in the Gainesville area or Micanopy proper do not miss this jewel of a museum. Allow plenty of time and take advantage of the knowledgeable volunteers who staff the museum.
The museum was originally The Thrasher Warehouse built in 1890. It served as a branch of the Atlantic Coast Line RR till 1950. The museum has a wonderful collection of the Micanopy area in the early 1900s. It is staffed by local volunteers ,has no admission fee -but donations are welcomed. It is on The National Register of Historic places. Open daily 1:pm to 4 :pm
I've made 3 trips to Micanopy. 1was on a weekend, city was decked out for visitors. It's almost as though the town gussies itself up to portray what we expect from an "Old Florida" town - banjo music, decorated storefronts, friendly locals - on the weekend.That all changes during the week. I went back, thinking to drive around and snap some photos. Got out and walked along the main street - man, did people stare at me. Imagine, a 50ish woman...having the audacity to be out on the street during the middle of the week. I did not feel welcome. Thought maybe it was a fluke, so I went back. I swear, I felt like people were writing down my license plate info. Nothing scary or strange about me. Nobody offered a hello or even nod of the head. My advice: If you want to spend an hour there (really all it takes), then be sure to go on a weekend, preferably a holiday weekend. I am not going to return.
It was well laid out and the staff was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. Lots of interesting displays to see and read about.
So nice to see a trace of what used to be. A quiet little town off the beaten track. Only a couple of blocks from US441, well worth the stop. Lots of antique shops, an ice cream parlor, the old Thrasher museum, some really neat old homes. Had a visit with the gentleman at the Historical society, oh boy, does he know is history. The cemetery has a lot of history also. So nice to see the old times, get away from the present.
This local museum is truly a little gem. It is worth taking a few moments to walk through the delightful collection of objects and information to get a better feel for local history and the persons involved with making Micanopy the charming little town it is today. The docent is particularly helpful and very willing to phone in questions to local history experts if she doesn't have the answer herself. I'd recommend visiting the museum 1st to get better acquainted with the area. We didn't do this, but I wish we had. I really can say I was impressed with this little museum!
The pictures, furniture and other rare finds from Old Micanopy are collected together in one place, so you can experience and feel some of the events from long ago. There is just a $4 Donation Requested
This museum is one of Micanopy's hidden gems. Take the time to see it and explore the rest of the town. There is an awesome old book store in the town as well
My Grandson, Bubba is 5th Generation in beautiful Micanopy! FERGUSON HOMESTEAD still stands south of Micanopy:) Our Fergusons arent buried here tho...I'm hoping to be The First one to be buried at Micanopy Historical Cemetery:)...a tribute!