For a small, free museum on local history, the depth of information was very impressive! There were…read moremany interesting exhibits related to local history, city planning, the railroads, riverboats, agriculture, business, and sports achievements.
The founder of the City of Sanford was Henry S. Sanford. Sanford was a distinguished diplomat and businessman. After he passed his personal papers were donated to the city by his daughter, Carola Sanford Dow. The Sanford Museum opened in 1957 as The Henry Shelton Sanford Memorial Library and Museum. The building was expanded in 1974 and again in 1993. On display are Henry Sanford's personal items that include European and American paintings, furniture, objects and books from 1820-1890.
The Chase Gallery was added to the museum in 1993. It is named in honor of Sydney O. and Margaret Chase. The gallery has many exhibits pertinent to local history. Topics covered include: steamboats, The Senator which was a champion bald Cypress tree, businesses from the town's history, Native American history, African-American history in Goldsboro, early police and fire departments, the Great Freeze of 1895, Swedish immigration in Upsala, Naval Station Sanford, 19th Century funeral practices, and local sports history.
My favorite exhibits were on Old Bob, the funeral horse who transported bodies to Lakeview Cemetery for 28 years before being laid to rest there, the Native American history that included a dug out canoe found in Loch Low believed to be from the year 800, and the recreation of the library from Henry Sanford's home in Derby, Connecticut. At the museum you can learn how the town of Sanford sprang up from Fort Mellon during the Second Seminole War and how after the Great Freeze it became strongly identified with celery.
I had previously visited the Seminole County Museum which was helpful in understanding some of the exhibits here. The lady who was working on the day I visited said the two museums sometimes work collaboratively. The Sanford Museum has lectures and events and you can find out more about dates and times on their website. They can also point you in the direction of significant historical sites all throughout town. If you want to know more about the history of Sanford, this is the perfect place to start. Don't forget to stop by their small but carefully curated gift shop area where you can pick up maps and brochures and they sell unique items like celery earrings and Sanford key chains.
