Friends of the Sarasota County History Center

Friends of the Sarasota County History Center Inc. is a Florida nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and sharing the history of Sarasota County. It works alongside the History Center and promotes local heritage through educational resources, community events, and preservation initiatives. Visitors can explore historical articles, books, timelines, photographs, videos, and information about notable people and places. The organization also offers self-guided auto tours and historical marker resources, helping residents and visitors discover the county’s past.

Friends supports public engagement through lectures, live storytelling, newsletters, membership opportunities, and events such as Friends Fest, which features entertainment, activities, and a silent auction. Donations and sponsorships help fund its work, with event proceeds benefiting the organization. The group also highlights preservation services available through the History Center, including a free Memory Lab where people can digitize family photographs, documents, and video tapes. Through these programs and resources, Friends encourages people to learn about, preserve, and share Sarasota County’s history.