Old Courthouse Heritage Museum

Movie on the Square: Follow that Dream
2022-01-28 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
Join us on the Square on Friday evening, January 28th at 6:30 p.m. for a free outdoor screening of our favorite film, Follow that Dream with Elvis Presley. As many locals will tell you, Presley filmed the majority of the movie right here in Citrus County and surrounding parts of central Florida in 1961. Spoiler Alert! The final scenes of the movie take place in a courtroom–OUR courtroom to be exact. Shortly after Presley and his Hollywood movie crew left, a growing Citrus County remodeled the interior of the courthouse. In the 1990s, the people of Citrus County had a dream to restore the 1912 Courthouse to its original glory. This film helped restore this amazing piece of our local history and we want to share it with you!
This free outdoor screening will be held right outside the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum on the square. Be sure to bring a blanket, a few lawn chairs, and a friend and join us for an unforgettable evening of fun.
A special thank you to the City of Inverness for sponsoring this event through their COVID Relief Event Program!

CCHS Monthly Board Meeting
2022-01-10 17:30 - 18:30, 2021-12-13 17:30 - 19:00, 2021-11-08 17:30 - 19:00, 2021-10-11 17:30 - 19:00 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
The Citrus County Historical Society is a non-profit 501(c)3 dedicated to the preservation and protection of the history of Citrus County.
Board meetings are held monthly on the second Monday of the month, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum unless otherwise specified.

Inverness Walks! Historic Downtown Walking Tour
2021-12-15 09:00 - 10:30 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
Hear stories of early and present-day Inverness as your guide shows you a small town rich with history. Experience the walk-able downtown and its historic buildings, learning about at least 10 historic sites, including a complete tour, top to bottom, of the museum itself. Complimentary light refreshments are available as well. Even locals will be surprised at what they learn!
All proceeds benefit the exhibition, programs, and operations of the Inverness Cultural Heritage Council at the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum.
Register online HERE or call 352-341-6428. Spots are limited so book early!

*SOLD OUT* Music at the Museum: Greta Pope Holiday Concert and Tree Lighting
2021-12-05 16:00 - 18:30 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
For the tree lighting this year, the Citrus County Historical Society is doing something special. They are holding a free holiday concert on Sunday, December 5th from 4-6 p.m. with renowned performer Greta Pope. The free concert is meant to spread holiday cheer and say, “Thank You!” to our community that has continued to support the society and the museum during these trying times. Greta Pope and her trio will perform the Holiday Edition of the Great American Songbook, with many of your holiday favorites. Greta Pope always sells out fast and space is limited so reserve your free seat today HERE or by calling 352-341-6428.

Historical Resources Advisory Board Meeting
2021-12-01 16:00 - 17:00, 2021-10-06 16:00 - 17:00, 2021-08-04 16:00 - 17:00, 2021-06-02 16:00 - 17:00 | Lecanto Government Building, 3600 W Sovereign Path, Lecanto, FL, 34461, United States
The Historical Resources Advisory Board maintains its commitment to its partnerships among federal, state, local government, and the citizens of Citrus County to identify, evaluate and protect historic properties.

Lunch & Learn: The Amazing History of Aprons
2021-12-01 12:00 - 13:30 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
Lunch and Learn brings Marnie Ward and Sue Collins from UF/IFAS Extension to talk on the traditions of aprons. Sue is a 4-H Club leader and gifted seamstress; and Marnie is the Citrus County 4-H Agent. Both will share aprons from their personal collections and invite you to bring one of your own to share with the group.
The earliest aprons were worn with a purpose. They kept clothes clean and were a catchall for errands and tasks throughout the day. Worn by bakers, cobblers, blacksmiths, butchers, nurses, waiters and waitresses they were practical, and task focused. Worn by generations of working folks and woven into the fabric of the family they became something more. Come to learn the rich history of aprons and how we are passing it on to future generations in our community. Sign up for this free program HERE or call 352-341-6428.

Christmas Trees on the Square Set-Up
2021-11-27 09:00 - 11:00 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
This year marks the 28th Anniversary of Christmas Trees Around the Square. Twenty trees, each representing one of the amazing non-profits or service organizations in Citrus County, will shine throughout the holiday season. The trees will be put up and decorated on Saturday, November 27 at 9 a.m. by Santa’s elves! Any members of the public are welcome to join in the decorating with the historical society and museum staff! There will be coffee, cocoa, and donuts provided for all of Santa’s Elves! Call 352-341-6428 for any questions.

*FULL* Inverness Walks! Historic Downtown Walking Tour
2021-11-17 09:00 - 10:30 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
Hear stories of early and present-day Inverness as your guide shows you a small town rich with history. Experience the walk-able downtown and its historic buildings, learning about at least 10 historic sites, including a complete tour, top to bottom, of the museum itself. Complimentary light refreshments are available as well. Even locals will be surprised at what they learn!
All proceeds benefit the exhibition, programs, and operations of the Inverness Cultural Heritage Council at the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum.

New Exhibit Opening: Tie One On...An Apron of Course!
2021-11-10 - 2022-01-07 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
The apron has been taken for granted by many art and social historians. However, this fascinating exhibit will reevaluate these unique objects as an important piece of our social history.
Featuring 50 vintage and contemporary examples, this exhibit reviews the apron’s role as an emotionally charged vehicle for expression with a rich and varied craft history that is still relevant today.
Featuring aprons dating from the 1900s through present, the exhibition chronicles changing attitudes toward women and domestic work. It also surveys the wide range of design and craft techniques apron-makers have used to express themselves, while still working within creative venues traditionally available to women. Elaborately embroidered aprons of delicate cotton, for example, were worn by well-heeled women of the 1920s. In contrast, the Depression and war years of the 1930s and 1940s inspired sturdy, calico bib aprons. The post-war 1940s and 1950s—the June Cleaver era—stand out as the acknowledged heyday of the apron, when commercial and intricately hand-decorated aprons flourished as symbols of family and motherhood.
Today, artists continue using aprons to explore cultural myths and realities, as well as their individual experiences with American domesticity. Though not as widespread as they once were, aprons remain as functional and protective garments for men and women alike.

Coffee and Conversations: Citrus County Mosquito Control Then and Now
2021-11-04 19:00 - 20:30 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
Do you remember running behind the mosquito control fog truck as a kid? A lot has changed since the Citrus County Mosquito Control District was established in 1953. Explore the rich history behind mosquito controls in Florida and see original photos from the early days of mosquito control here in Citrus County. We’ll also discuss our current day practices, and how you can help in your very own backyard!
Coffee and Conversations brings Tarolyn Plumley from the Citrus County Mosquito Control District to talk on the history of mosquito control in the county and current day practices. Plumley is an entomologist and public education specialist with our district with much to share.
This program is free and open to the public. Guests may attend the talk in person at the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum or join our livestream and watch from the comfort of your own home. Register online HERE or call 352-341-6428.

*FULL* Old Time Radio's Spookiest Stories
2021-10-28 19:00 - 21:00 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
“Tune In” to Old Time Radio at the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum
Enjoy two rousing radio stories performed on stage at the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum just like it was done in the golden age of old time radio!
The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum is excited to announce that Old Time Radio’s Spookiest Stories will be coming to the courthouse for your listening AND viewing pleasure on Thursday, October 28 at 7 p.m. The Citrus County Players will be performing two old time radio dramas including Oscar Wilde’s comedic masterpiece, The Canterville Ghost. These spooky stories are just in time for Halloween and we invite you to come and enjoy the festivities at the museum.
This program is free and open to the public, but donations are welcomed. All your donations benefit the Citrus County Historical Society and the Inverness Cultural Heritage Council and support the preservation of history and culture in your community. This is a hybrid program. Guests may join us in-person at the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, where we will serve coffee and light refreshments or watch the livestream of the event from the comfort of their own home. Register online HERE or call 352-341-6428 to reserve your spot today.
Thanks to Our Sponsors!
The Citrus County Chronicle
Seafood Sellers Restaurant and Cafe at 300 SE US Hwy 19, Crystal River, FL.
“OMG! GET the gumbo and the beignets!”- The Cast
Grannies Country Cookin’ Restaurant at 1712 SE US Hwy 19, Crystal River, FL.
“OMG! Get the chicken and dumplins and potato pancakes!”- The Cast

Coffee and Conversations: Weeki Wachee the City of Mermaids with Lu Vickers
2021-10-21 19:00 - 20:30 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
Lu Vickers has been awarded a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship for fiction for excerpts for a novel in progress. She has also been the recipient of two Florida Book awards and three Florida Individual Artist Fellowships for fiction. In addition to writing Remembering Paradise Park (with C. Graham), she has written the novel Breathing Underwater and three other Florida history books: Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids, Cypress Gardens, America’s Tropical Wonderland, and Weeki Wachee, Thirty Years of Underwater Photography, with Bonnie Georgiadis.
Weeki Wachee: City of Mermaids
The fascinating history of Weeki Wachee Springs told through vintage photographs of the mermaids from their earliest days performing silent ballets to the heyday when ABC built them a million-dollar theater. When Newt Perry sank a theater into the edge of the spring in 1947, he had no idea his mermaids would become world-famous Florida icons.
This program is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. A virtual livestream is also available for viewers at home!

*FULL* Inverness Walks! Historic Downtown Walking Tour
2021-10-20 09:00 - 22:00 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
October’s Inverness Walks is full!
Hear stories of early and present-day Inverness as your guide shows you a small town rich with history. Experience the walk-able downtown and its historic buildings, learning about at least 10 historic sites, including a complete tour, top to bottom, of the museum itself. Complimentary light refreshments are available as well. Even locals will be surprised at what they learn!
All proceeds benefit the exhibition, programs, and operations of the Inverness Cultural Heritage Council at the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum.

Register online HERE or call 352-341-6428. Spots are limited to book early!

New Exhibit: Rotary of Inverness Celebrates 50 Years
2021-10-18 08:00 - 2021-10-29 17:00 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
Come view the latest community exhibit featuring the highlights of the last 50 years of Rotary Club service in our community and around the world. The Rotary Club of Inverness was the main force behind establishing Whispering Pines Park and now is partnering with the City of Inverness to add many updates to Bryant Park. This service club’s rich history of projects includes providing scholarships each year to deserving local students, feeding the hungry, improving the environment, and helping the homeless. We celebrate the Rotary Club of Inverness and its 50 years of “Service Above Self.”

Coffee and Conversations: Sacred Waters with Dr. Victoria Machado
2021-09-25 14:00 - 15:30 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
This presentation explores efforts to restore Florida’s waterways. We will investigate the motivations of environmentalists who love and advocate for these water bodies. By focusing on issues related to springs and the Everglades, we will dive into the conversations that arise when Floridians view water as essential to their quality of life.
This program is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. A virtual livestream is also available for viewers at home!

Citrus County Historical Society Annual Meeting
2021-09-24 11:30 - 13:30 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
The Citrus County Historical Society, Inc. will hold its annual meeting on Friday, September 24 in the 2nd floor courtroom at the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum in Inverness. All Historical Society members are welcome.
Lunch will precede the business meeting, and begin at 11:30 a.m. Lunch will be $10 per person.
The meeting will include the election of officers and directors for 2021 -2022, the installation of officers, and the presentation of annual awards.
If you would like to attend the lunch, please call (352) 341-6428 to RSVP and pay the $10. There is no charge to attend only the meeting. Please call and reserve a seat, just the same. See you on September 24, 2021

New Exhibit: Cinema in the Sunshine State
2021-08-30 08:00 - 2021-10-13 17:00 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
We roll our the red carpet for this traveling exhibit! Many films throughout Hollywood’s history have been shot on location in the sunshine state. Florida’s long film history is explored in this exciting exhibit from classics such as a the Monster of the Black Lagoon, to local legends like Elvis Presley filming Follow that Dream right here in the museum in 1961!

Music at the Museum: Elvis Presley Tribute with Peter Alden and the Corvairs
2021-08-19 18:00 - 21:00 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
The Music at the Museum Concert Series is one of Citrus County’s best-kept secrets. Hosted in the gorgeous second floor courtroom of the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, where Elvis Presley was filmed in the courtroom scene of the movie Follow That Dream, these concerts will blow you away.
When Peter Alden performs at the Old Courthouse, its proof that Elvis never left the building! Be ready for an amazing performance and heartwarming experience on Thursday, August 19!
*Doors open at 6 PM and concert starts at 7 PM*
All shows take place at the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum located at 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL 34450

Coffee & Conversations: Florida Water Stories with Dr. Steve Noll
2021-08-12 19:00 - 20:30 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
Master Lecturer Steven Noll is a one-of-a-kind teacher, with an unbridled enthusiasm for history and a passion for helping students find their way at the University of Florida. He joined the University of Florida Department of History in 1992 and teaches both American History survey courses as well as courses on the Gilded Age and Progressive Era, the history of disability in America and Florida history. Dr. Noll is also the lead scholar for the Florida Humanities and the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum on Main Street Traveling Exhibition, which brought the Water/Ways exhibition to the state of Florida.
In this program, the energetic Dr. Noll will explore Florida’s long and difficult relationship with water, its attempts to turn land into water and water into land, and the contentious issues involving the Everglades, the Ocklawaha River, political battles with Alabama and Georgia, and the potential impact of sea-level rise.
This program is free and open to the public. Dr. Noll will deliver his presentation by Zoom and guests may watch from home or join us for a special live screening of the program at the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, where the galleries, including the Smithsonian Water/Ways exhibit, will be open for after hours viewing from 5 p.m. to the end of the program at 8:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

Register to Vote!
2021-08-05 10:00 - 12:00 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
The Supervisor of Elections Office is coming to the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum. Register to vote, update your voter information, or request a vote-by-mail ballot. Stop by and say hello!

Postponed: Music at the Museum: Garth Brooks Tribute
2021-07-15 18:00 - 21:00 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
The Kip Sweeney Garth Brooks Tribute Show will be postponed until the fall. Check back soon for a new date!
The Music at the Museum Concert Series is one of Citrus County’s best-kept secrets. Hosted in the gorgeous second floor courtroom of the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, where Elvis Presley was filmed in the courtroom scene of the movie Follow That Dream, these concerts will blow you away.
Kip Sweeney’s got “friends in low places” and he knows how to have a good time! With his live band, Kip performs all your favorite Garth Brooks songs on Thursday July 15!
*Doors open at 6 PM and concert starts at 7 PM*
All shows take place at the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum located at 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL 34450

Meet the Artists: 13 Ways of Looking at a Blackbird
2021-05-27 17:00 - 19:00 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
Our opening reception for “13 Ways of Looking at a Blackbird” will be Thursday, March 27 from 5-7 p.m. Come and enjoy a relaxing evening of art and entertainment and take the opportunity to meet with the artists themselves!

New Exhibit: 13 Ways of Looking at a Blackbird
2021-05-26 08:00 - 2021-06-18 17:00 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
13 Ways of Looking at a Blackbird
May 26, 2021 – June 18, 2021
Calling themselves “bird of a feather” a group of local artists have come together to display this inspired and unique art exhibition. Using Wallace Stevens’ poem “13 Ways of Looking at a Blackbird” as inspiration, seven local artist will be sharing their work in a variety of different artistic mediums. Enjoy over 25 2D and over 10 3D art pieces that will make you think about how you look at the world around you.

Sea Level Rise in Citrus County: An Assessment of Current and Future Impacts, and Discussion of Possible Responses
2021-05-13 19:00 - 20:30 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
With 8,440 miles of coastline, Florida is under immense threat from sea level rise and is now poised to begin working with local governments to plan for “resilience”. What might that mean for a coastal community like Citrus County? What are the likely consequences of sea level rise, and how should we respond? We will look at some of the impacts that are already evident, predictions of what the future might hol, and consider some possible strategies for minimizing the long-term environmental and economic impacts on our community.
Gene is a Conservation Biologist with a long history of working to conserve natural Florida. He worked as the Environmental Lands Planner for the Southwest Florida Water Management District where he helped identify lands to be protected through the Save Our Rivers, Preservation 2000 and Florida Forever land acquisition programs, and also played the lead role in writing land management and public use plans for the acquired properties. After 16 years at SWFWMD, he spent 5 years serving as the Conservation Planner for the Florida Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. His work there included conducting a comprehensive assessment of projected climate change impacts in Florida, including an emphasis on sea level rise. He then spent several years working as a wildlife biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. He is currently semi-retired, but remains actively involved with the Florida Native Plant Society, where her currently serves on the Board of Directors as Chair of the Policy and Legislation Committee, with the Adventure Coast Group of the Sierra Club where he serves as Outings Chair, and with the Citizen’s Climate Lobby. Investigating the impacts of sea level rise is a continuing interest.
