Events: Meet the Team

Upcoming Events

Cemetery Scavenger Hunt:

All September & October

Grab a scavenger sheet and head into the 1850 Manatee Burying Ground to see what you can discover! Search for the oldest headstone, spot unique symbols carved in stone, and uncover fascinating pieces of Manatee County’s past. It’s a hands-on history adventure you can enjoy at your own pace all September and October!

Cemetery Tours

Saturday, September 13 & 27, 2025 | 10 - 11 am

Join us for a free hour-long tour of the 1850 Manatee Burying Grounds led by a member of Manatee Village's staff. Tours cover different facets of life during Manatee's Founding Period (1840-1918) as well as stories of those buried in the burying grounds. Topics vary depending on the staff member leading the tour.

Lecture: Manatee County Law & Crime

Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 2 - 3 pm

Explore the early history of law enforcement in Manatee County and beyond. This presentation covers the development of local justice systems, crimes, forms of criminal punishment, and notable cases from 1855 to 1900, offering a glimpse into how crime and order were handled in Florida’s early days.

Image courtesy: Manatee County Public Library Historical Digital Collection

Cemetery Tours

Saturday, October 11, 2025 |

9:30 - 10:30 am & 11 am - 12 pm

Discover how the Homestead Act of 1862 shaped Florida’s landscape, communities, and spirit of independence. From the challenges of early pioneers to today’s backyard gardens, this engaging talk blends rich history with practical modern homesteading tips—seed packets, grow zones, and seasonal planting—showing how the legacy of self-reliance is still alive in Florida

Image courtesy: Manatee County Public Library Historical Digital Collection

Cemetery Tours

Saturday, October 25, 2025 |

9:30 - 10:30 am & 11 am - 12 pm

Author Talk with Sandra Gurvis

Saturday, November 8, 2025 | 1:30 - 3:30 pm

Manatee Village Historical Park invites you to a special visit from Sandra Gurvis, author of Three Ringling Circus and 17 other published books. She’ll share fascinating and little-known stories about early Florida history—from Indigenous peoples, African American communities, and settlers, to the rise of the Ringling family and their forward-thinking approach to circus life. You’ll also hear the behind-the-scenes tales of how the iconic Art Museum and Ca’ d’Zan came to be. Author Talks are formatted as Drop-Ins. Come anytime during the time listed and have a discussion with the author.

Lecture: From Swampland to Self-Sufficiency: Florida Homesteading

Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 2 - 3 pm

Manatee Village Historical Park invites you to a special visit from Peggy Donoho, a fifth generation Manatee County resident who co-authored “Miguel’s Bay” with Ron Prouty. Join them for a discussion on the story of two immigrants, Miguel Guerrero, from Menorca, Spain, and Frederica Kramer, a young woman from Bavaria, seeking a new life in America and found it together on the island of Terra Ceia. Their pioneer story is one of enduring love in the face of overwhelming difficulties. Author Talks are formatted as Drop-Ins. Come anytime during the time listed and have a discussion with the authors

Author Talk with Peggy Donoho and Ron Prouty

Friday, November 14, 2025 | 2:00 - 3:45 pm

Celebrate the Season at An Old Florida Christmas! Enjoy a festive day filled with local vendors, delicious food trucks, family-friendly activities, and entertainment that captures the spirit of the season. Don’t forget to stop by the Whistle Stop Gift Shop, open with unique gifts and holiday treasures.

Free admission, no tickets or reservations required!
This event is open to the public and perfect for all ages.