The Founding of Heritage Village Museum & Park: A Legacy of Preservation

Join Monica Drake, Operations Manager of Pinellas County’s open-air historic museum, Heritage Village, for a behind-the-scenes look at 50 years of collecting, preserving, and sharing Pinellas County history. Through original documents from the Pinellas County Historical Commission, this presentation tells the story of the community leaders and advocates whose passion and persistence helped establish Heritage Village in 1976. Drake will also explore how the national Bicentennial movement sparked a powerful local response—shaping preservation efforts right here at home. Come celebrate 50 years of Heritage Village and the enduring legacy of those who built it, with an eye toward the next 50 years ahead.

Photo: Presenting Bicentennial flag to Heritage Village; far left George Gambling; holding flag Cliff Stephens and Don Jones, 1976.