Bringing History to Life
The Museum of Seminole County History is celebrating as its flagship building – originally known as the Old Folks Home – turns 100
One hundred years ago, Seminole County opened its first public nursing home, commonly referred to by locals as the Old Folks Home. Today, the former home for the elderly and indigent is the flagship building of the Museum of Seminole County History, providing an immersive look into the past.
Two buildings within the museum complex in Sanford – including the Old Folks Home (which remains as it was in 1926) – contain countless artifacts, maps, documents, and photographs that transport visitors on a fascinating journey through the county’s fabled history. The exhibits also include detailed descriptions of each local town’s timeline.
A Stellar Collection
The complex’s third structure is a newly opened, renovated warehouse that is home to the Bill Nygren Buggy Collection, the largest exhibit of its kind in Florida. The collection features a dazzling display of nearly three dozen horse-drawn carriages built and used by families from 1790 through the early 1900s.
The late William “Bill” Carl Nygren of Geneva donated the carriages, which were unveiled to the public in September after a lengthy restoration process. Bill passed away in 2022 at the age of 75, but he knew the carriages would one day be a significant part of the museum.
Seminole County Commissioner Jay Zembower, who has an affinity for history, spearheaded the buggy donation. He understands the importance of preserving cultural and historical collections such as Bill’s carriages.
“My family and children cherish museums,” says Jay, a native Floridian who has lived in Seminole County for decades. “The Seminole County History Museum tells the story of the community to where it is today. Future generations need to understand that this is their history.”
A Shared Identity
Dr. Deborah Bauer, chair of the Seminole County Historical Commission, agrees.
“The museum is a living and breathing reminder of where we have been and where Seminole County is going in the future,” says Deborah. “It helps us remember our identity and helps share that knowledge with people who are new to the area.”
In addition to the carriages, she says, some of the museum’s highlights include the Senator tree exhibit, which highlights the life and demise of the county’s 3,500-year-old bald cypress; artifacts from the former Flea World market in Sanford; and salvaged items from the demolition of the historic Rosenwald School, built for African American students in 1931 in East Altamonte Springs.
Another interesting tidbit: Museum lore has it that former residents of the original building haunt some of the rooms there.
“I have learned to be courteous to the spirits in those rooms,” says Carlos Rivera, a museum tour guide. “They don’t like when you speak ill of anything.”
This Old House
When the Old Folks Home opened in 1926, Seminole County was in its infancy, having been founded in 1913. Those who resided there were tended to by an in-house nurse. They shared chores and mostly lived off the land. The grounds had an orange grove, dairy cows, chickens, and a vegetable garden.
By 1965, residency declined as the number of private nursing homes increased. That year, the Old Folks Home became the Seminole County IFAS (Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences) Extension building. In 1982, the IFAS relocated, and the county began repurposing the building into a local history museum. The Museum of Seminole County History officially opened in November 1983.
The original building, constructed with a once-popular pebble dash exterior finish, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.
“What makes the museum so special is that the Old Folks Home is one of the oldest buildings standing in Seminole County that has been preserved and is still in active use by the community,” says Deborah. “It’s a place to learn and grow and have fun, because the museum is more than a repository for artifacts. It’s the roots of our past where history comes alive for us all.”
An exhibit celebrating the building’s 100 years is on display until November 14 at the museum, located at 330 Eslinger Way in Sanford. Hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
To learn more, call 407-665-2489 or visit SeminoleCountyFL.gov/museum.