Always on Display

Chassahowitzka Springs: Changing People, Changing Springs
Brannen Family Gallery

Chassahowitzka Springs, made up of twelve springs, fuels the Chassahowitzka River, which flows through Citrus County into the Gulf of Mexico. These springs are a time capsule of Florida history. This exhibit showcases the artifacts discovered during the 2013 Chassahowitzka Springs Restoration Project, when the Southwest Florida Water Management District teamed with SEARCH archeologists to both clean up the springs and preserve any artifacts left behind by people.

The springs, with their fresh water and abundant fish and game, have always been natural gathering places for people. Beginning with the Paleoindians, who arrived here some 10,000 years ago, to more recent tourists who arrived by steamship and train, people have left tantalizing clues about their sojourns at the Springs. Come discover the most extensive archeological display of artifacts unearthed in Citrus County and the stories of the people who left them behind.