Uncover the History of Okaloosa County at These Cultural Gems
Thousands of years of history can be explored at museums across Okaloosa County. Whether it’s the fastest airplane in the world or the early fishing supplies used by Okaloosa County pioneers, artifacts and exhibits found at these museums give kids and adults an opportunity to learn while having fun.
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1. Baker Block Museum
The quaint brick building that houses the Baker Block Museum dates to 1907. The building was home to the Baker Mercantile Store for nearly 90 years, and today, it stands as a tribute to the area’s pioneering past. Visitors can experience different eras of Okaloosa County history as they walk through displays showcasing Native American artifacts, a homemade copper moonshine still, Civil War memorabilia and tributes to the area’s turpentine and timber industry. The museum also hosts the Baker Arts Festival in the spring and Baker Heritage Day in the fall.
2. Emerald Coast Science Center
This family-friendly museum prioritizes fun for all ages. Its unique slate of programs includes one over-21 event every month so adults can continue to foster learning and curiosity.
Diane Fraser, director of the Emerald Coast Science Center, says that creating opportunities of wonder for visitors of all ages is part of what makes her love her job.
“Curiosity can bring you wonder, and wonder brings you joy,” Fraser says.
The museum is home to exotic rescue animals from all over Florida and beyond, from Burmese pythons to lionfish and so many more. Each animal is named after a notable scientist, giving kids a chance to get curious about scientists from diverse backgrounds.
3. Air Force Armament Museum
The Air Force Armament Museum near Eglin Air Force Base features artifacts that span decades of war and technological advancement. Free to the public, the museum is an immersive display of some of the largest and fastest aircraft in the world, from the huge Lockheed AC-130 gunship nicknamed “The First Lady” to the sleek Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird.
“There are not very many museums around the world that you can go to and visit any one of these aircraft,” says Tricia Flaherty, director of operations for the Armament Museum Foundation.
With aircraft, munitions and interactive displays, the museum provides an informative experience for anyone curious about Eglin Air Force Base’s history of research and development.
4. Destin History and Fishing Museum
Known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin has been a center of fishing since its namesake, Capt. Leonard Destin, began fishing these waters in the 1850s. For an in-depth look at the history of the fishing industry in Okaloosa County, check out the Destin History and Fishing Museum. The museum is packed with artifacts, historic photographs and over 100 unique fish mounts that tell the story of the community’s seafaring past and present.
5. Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park & Cultural Center
This unique complex encompasses four different museums: the Indian Temple Mound Museum and the mound itself (which is 12 feet high, 223 feet wide and still treasured by the Fort Walton Beach community), Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum, Garnier Post Office Museum and Civil War Exhibit Building. One ticket gives visitors access to a range of history, spanning from 10,000 years ago to the 1950s. Each building offers a unique hands-on experience, like listening to Civil War-era music or starting a fire with a stick and string.
“I believe that you learn best what you have fun doing,” says Gail Meyer, museum manager. “All of our museums have wonderful hands-on activities, not designed just for children.”
6. Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida
Exhibits at the Heritage Museum span from the region’s Native American roots to its pioneering past. During summer camps and school tours, kids can learn more about the region’s history through interactive activities, like designing a pioneer-style quilt or building a toy catapult. The Discovery Room houses a model, one-room schoolhouse that lets kids imagine what life would have been like during the pioneer days.
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