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Manatee County Historical Commission, Inc.
A 501(c)3 Nonprofit
Manatee Village Historical Park operates thanks to a unique public-private partnership. This partnership exists through the support of the Historical Resources Department of the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, and the Manatee County Historical Commission, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit community benefit organization.
The funding received through the Manatee County Clerk's Office provides a modest operating budget for administrative support, regular maintenance, and educational programming, exhibits, and events that are produced for the public benefit. But that does not pay the full extent of all that we do here!
The Manatee County Historical Commission, Inc. conducts fundraising to help further their mission of preserving Manatee County's pioneer history. The Historical Commission achieves this through advocacy, preservation, and education. Initiatives supported by MCHC include restoration efforts at the museum, care and maintenance of objects in the museum's collections, and educational programming, exhibits, and events.
For example, the latest project spearheaded by MCHC is to save Old Cabbage Head. MCHC is applying to grants and raising money to build a cover over the 1913 locomotive and then hire a professional conservator to conserve the train.
Old Cabbage Head, 2017
Old Cabbage Head under newly constructed pavilion
Our meetings are open to the public and guests are welcome.
Meetings are typically held at noon, on the second Friday of each month, in the Wiggins Store building at Manatee Village Historical Park.
The Manatee County Historical Commission also has several standing committees, which focus on specific needs of Manatee Village Historical Park. Anyone can serve on a committee; Historical Commission membership is not required.
For more information about the Manatee County Historical Commission or to receive an application to join, contact us via email at manatee.village@manateeclerk.com or
call 941-749-7165.
2023 Historical Commission Members
Jeffrey Downing
Chairperson
Keith Van Leuven
Secretary
Michael Herring
Kristy Zinna
Vice Chairperson
Ciara Cosby
Heather Sniffen
Joseph DesRosier
Treasurer
Madison Easterling
Angelina “Angel” Colonneso
Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller
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