Pizza Garden- a Free Kids' Event
2024-06-15 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
UF/IFAS Citrus County Extension and The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum present:
Pizza Garden- a Free Kids’ Event
Learn how to plant and grow ingredients for pizza!
Create and munch on a pizza snack!
Play pizza bingo!

For ages 5 and up. Spaces are limited. Please preregister by calling the museum office between Tuesday and Saturday at (352) 341-6428. Accompanying adults must stay and supervise your children for the duration of the event. Stop by the Market at the Depot down the street at Liberty Park before or afterward for music, food, crafts, a playground, and fun on first and third Saturdays.

Free Coffee and Conversations on Florida's Underground Railroad with Magdalena Lamarre
2024-06-20 19:00 - 20:30 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum presents a Free Coffee and Conversations lecture by Magdalena Lamarre on Florida’s Underground Railroad on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 7 pm in celebration of Juneteenth. Join us to listen and enjoy light refreshments. Please RSVP by calling the museum office between Tuesday and Saturday: (352) 341-6428.
The nation’s first Underground Railroad was established in Florida in the late 17th century, servings as a beacon of freedom for runaway slaves from the American South. Existing before the better-known Northern Underground Railroad, enslaved Africans gained their freedom by escaping and earning asylum in Spanish Florida. This presentation focuses on Florida’s early history as a Spanish territory, the escape routes used by runaway slaves, and the black communities they established before the abolition of slavery in the United States.
Magdalena Lamarre was a Full Professor of History and Sociology at Miami-Dade College. Lamarre earned a BA in History and Secondary education from Hunter College, an MA in History Education from Stony Brook university, and completed post-graduate work in Sociology and Education at Florida International University.
This Florida Talks program is a partnership between Florida Humanities and The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum. Funding for this program was provided by Florida Humanities and sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Free Kids' Event: No Such Thing as a Bad Bug
2024-07-06 10:00 - 11:30 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
Join The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum’s newest volunteers, AJ and John Boener from A Wild Family, as they present A Mindful Summer Series of free kids’ events at the museum.
The first event is “No Such Thing as a Bad Bug” on Saturday, July 6th at 10 am and again at 1 pm. Kids will participate in a short story time, will learn the important roles of insects in our lives, and even get a chance to make their own safe bug spray from native plants and oils.

Accompanying parents and adults will choose which session you want to participate in and must supervise your children for the duration of the event. It is recommended for children ages 5 to 12. The program will last between 1 and 2 hours. Seats are limited, so please RSVP in advance to reserve yours. Call (352) 341-6428.

——————————–
More background:
In short…..We (John & AJ) met in 2006, & lived in Plymouth, IN at our permaculture-based, educational farm; Luna Hill Farm (Cultivating Community & Celebrating Curiosity) for 10 years, where we raised 4 kids, ran the Luna Hill Wild School (Nuturing Wonder, with Nature), & hosted many community-building events. Away from the farm, John worked as a carpenter & AJ taught various classes throughout the community. We sold the farm in 2022, converted a bus to a RV in 3 1/2 months, then hit the road to travel the US for 6 months. We lived & traveled for over a year in that home-on-wheels; volunteering, exploring, & learning so much!
Read more about our story: www.awildfamily.com

Free Kids Event: No Such Thing as a Bad Bug, Session 2
2024-07-06 13:00 - 14:30 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States

Inverness Walks: Historic Downtown Walking Tour
2024-07-13 09:00 - 10:00, 2024-08-10 09:00 - 10:00, 2024-09-14 09:00 - 10:00, 2024-10-12 09:00 - 10:00 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
Join staff from The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum and Citrus County Historical Society for our monthly Historic Downtown Walking Tour. Together, we’ll explore the downtown area and you’ll learn the history of the who, how, and why of the buildings around the Downtown Square. At 9 am every second Saturday of the month. Tour lasts for about an hour. $5 suggested donation for adults and $2 for children. Spaces are limited. Please RSVP by calling our office between Tuesday and Saturday at (352) 341-6428.

Free Kids' Event: Bee Fantastic! (for ages 3 to 8)
2024-07-13 10:00 - 11:30 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
Join us at The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum with Citrus County Parks and Recreation and Mosquito Control as we present a free kids’ program called “Bee Fantastic!” all about the bees!
At 10 am, we’re gearing the program toward 3 to 8 year olds with story time, arts and crafts, and a taste of honey.

At 1 pm, we’ll host a slightly different program for 9 to 12 years olds with arts and crafts, a taste of honey and a lesson on bee keeping. (No actual bees will be there).

While the event is free, space is limited so please call to preregister at (352) 341-6428. Our events often fill up so just showing up on the day of the event will not guarantee you a space.
Parents and accompanying adults must supervise your children for the duration of the events.
We’ll BEE seeing you soon!

Free Kids' Event: Bee Fantastic (for ages 9 to 12)
2024-07-13 13:00 - 14:30 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States

Free Coffee and Conversations: Withlacoochee Forest Management with Vince Morris
2024-07-18 19:00 - 20:30 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
Join Vince Morris, Resources Administrator for the Withlacoochee State Forest for a presentation about the current management of the forest. This talk will include information about prescribed burning, invasive species management, the use of drones, and endangered species management.

Vince was born and raised in Livermore, California and attended Humboldt State University for a B.S. in Forest Resource Management in 1987. He worked for the Peace Corps in Guatemala, and Nature Conservancy in Sacramento. He came to Florida in 1996 and worked at the Withlacoochee State Forestry Center as County Forester, Ecology Forester, Ecology Unit Leader, and now Resource Administrator. Special passions are prescribed burning, red-cockaded woodpecker management, and invasive species control. He also volunteers at Russell Street Park in Brooksville and enjoys running and cycling.

To attend the event, please RSVP in advance as seating is limited and seats may fill up. Call (352) 341-6428. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.

Free Kids' Event: 2nd Annual Be Nice to Bugs Day
2024-07-20 09:00 - 11:00 | FL
Join us with Citrus County Parks and Recreation at the Central Ridge Community Center in Beverly Hills for this fun bugs expo! Just show up! It’s free and there will be loads of activities for kids!
Parks and Recreation has teamed up with Citrus County Mosquito Control for a one-day event to help celebrate “National Be Nice to Bugs Day”!The event will be held at the Central Ridge Community Center on Saturday, July 20th from 9am to 11am.There will be amazing bug exhibits, guest ‘bug’ speakers (aka- Entomologists), a guided bug hunt, and of course some super cool bug crafts for both the young and the young at heart!Registration is appreciated to ensure adequate art supplies but not required.Parents must supervise their young buggies during this event.
Located at 77 Civic Circle Beverly Hills, FL

Free Kids' Back to School Party
2024-08-03 13:00 - 15:30 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
At the end of summer, on Saturday, August 3rd, help kids celebrate at our Back to School party at The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum! Games and prizes, dancing, and fun! Parental supervision required for the duration of the event. Recommended for kids ages 5 to 11. Spaces are limited so please preregister to reserve your spots by calling the museum office between Tuesday and Saturday at (352) 341-6428. Check in on the first floor of the museum at 1 pm or beforehand on the day of the event.

Free Kids' Event: Terrariums
2024-08-07 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-08-07 13:00 - 14:30 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
Join The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum’s newest volunteers, AJ and John Boener from A Wild Family, as they present A Mindful Summer Series of free kids’ events at the museum.
This is the second event of the series, “Your Mind is a Garden. What are You Planting?”
The program will take place on Wednesday, August 7th at 10 am and again at 1 pm. Kids will participate in a short story time, and will learn how to create awareness for their thoughts. Then, they’ll create terrariums to remind them at home that their presence and thoughts matter.
Accompanying parents and adults will choose which session you want to participate in and must supervise your children for the duration of the event. It is recommended for children ages 5 to 12. The program will last between 1 and 2 hours. Seats are limited, so please RSVP in advance to reserve yours. Call (352) 341-6428.
——————————–
More background:
In short…..We (John & AJ) met in 2006, & lived in Plymouth, IN at our permaculture-based, educational farm; Luna Hill Farm (Cultivating Community & Celebrating Curiosity) for 10 years, where we raised 4 kids, ran the Luna Hill Wild School (Nuturing Wonder, with Nature), & hosted many community-building events. Away from the farm, John worked as a carpenter & AJ taught various classes throughout the community. We sold the farm in 2022, converted a bus to a RV in 3 1/2 months, then hit the road to travel the US for 6 months. We lived & traveled for over a year in that home-on-wheels; volunteering, exploring, & learning so much!Read more about our story: www.awildfamily.com

Free Kids' Event: Celebrate Equality in School
2024-08-17 13:00 - 14:30 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum presents a Free Kids’ event to Celebrate Equality in School with a lesson on Character, Courage, and Kindness for Kids!
In this program, kids will learn:

-The story of Ruby Bridges and her heroic walk to school during desegregation.-The importance of being kind to everyone, bravery, and some basics on spotting a bully.-Character matters. Matching our good words with good deeds.

Please preregister. Call (352) 341-6428 to sign up. Parents and accompanying adults must supervise children for the duration of the visit. Recommended for kids ages 5 and up.
As schools open this Fall, we’ll host a local Citrus County exhibit showcasing stories of heroic Black teachers, principals, and students before, during, and after desegregation. Make time to see the display during your visit!

Free Coffee and Conversation on The Fighting Baileys: Florida's Black Military Experience
2024-08-22 19:00 - 20:30 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
Join us at The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum for a Free Coffee and Conversation with Journalist, Author, and Publisher James Abraham as he discusses “The Fighting Baileys: Florida’s Black Military Experience.”

Free coffee and light refreshments. Please RSVP to reserve your seats at (352) 341-6428 as space is limited.

During World War II and the Korean War, seven brothers from a black Punta Gorda family served overseas. Yet, the family received no acclaim for over fifty years for their exploits. From a high flying Tuskegee airman to a grunt in the Red Ball Express, the Bailey brothers’s struggles in the Jim Crow South speak to the hidden and ongoing struggle to accord black Americans in their place in the military.
Funding for this program was provided from a grant through Florida Humanities and from National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views expressed in this program do not necessarily represent the views of Florida Humanities, the National Endowment for the Humanities or the host institution.

Craft Class for Adults: Designing Birdhouses
2024-08-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
Join us at The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum for a crafting class for adults where we’ll be Designing Birdhouses. In this course, you’ll have creative reigns to paint your own designs on a birdhouse with a tutorial on how to paint certain trees, flowers, and other embellishments if you choose to follow along.

This class requires a $5.00 fee to be paid to the Citrus County Historical Society at the door in the gift shop upon arrival. Spaces are limited so please preregister by calling the museum office at (352) 341-6428 to reserve your seat. Please be advised that showing up on the day of the event may not guarantee you a seat as our classes often fill up in advance.

We recommend parking in one of the parking lots. There is one lot between the Sheriff’s office building and the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum and another lot located just North of and adjacent to the Sheriff’s office building. Much of the street side parking around the square has a two-hour limit as posted on signs, they do ticket, and the class may last about 2 hours.

Free Kids' Crafternoon: Superhero Saturday
2024-09-07 13:00 - 15:30 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum presents a Free Kids’ Crafternoon: Superhero Saturday between 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm.
Make masks and capes!Learn comic history!Games and prizes!

For ages 3 and up. Parental supervision is required for the duration of the event.
Limited spots. Call to preregister: (352) 341-6428

Free Coffee and Conversations: Making a Way Out of No Way
2024-09-12 19:00 - 20:30 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum presents a Free Coffee and Conversation on Thursday, September 12th at 7 pm called “Making a Way Out of No Way.”
The event will include coffee and light refreshments. Please RSVP in advance as seating is limited and space may fill up. Call (352) 341-6428.

“Making a Way Out of No Way” is a popular African-American expression. Join us for an evening of storytelling as Dr. Martha Bireda, portraying pioneer Queen Andrews, answers questions posed by W.E.B. DuBois regarding the agency and joy expressed by African-Americans during Jim Crow, including the values, virtue, creativity and resilience in the community.

Funding for this program was provided through a grant from Florida Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities, The National Endowment for the Humanities, or the host institution.

2nd Annual Outdoors Expo hosted by Citrus County Parks and Recreation
2024-09-14 09:00 - 15:00 | Citrus Springs Community Center, 1570 West Citrus Springs Blvd, Citrus Springs, FL, United States
Learn about outdoor activities that our County has to offer! Just show up!
Learn about:
sports and leagues
motocross and 4-wheeling
walking and biking clubs
education and conservation
fishing and hunting
boating and kayaking
camping and hiking
birding and gardening
nature and sports photography
And the museum will have our booth about our nature classes and more!
For exhibitors’ application contact: Recreation Program Specialist Alice Mary Herden at (352) 527-7540.

Citrus County Parks and Recreation invites exhibitors to participate in the 2nd Annual Parks and Recreation Outdoors Expo. If your organization, business, club, or group is involved in outdoor recreation, we want to hear from you.

The mission of the Outdoors Expo is to encourage communities and their residents to explore the benefits of participating in outdoor activities, as well as to learn and engage in different opportunities available.

Spending time outdoors has a significant impact on an individual’s health and well-being. Whether it’s painting scenic estuaries on canvas by the pier or meeting with friends for a friendly competitive game of basketball, being outdoors promotes a healthy lifestyle and wellness in the community.

Citrus County boasts a wealth of blue and green spaces that offer a diverse range of recreational activities for people of all ages and interests. These spaces serve as venues for gathering with friends and family and connecting with the larger community. Join us and help others find their outdoors.

Parks and Recreation Outdoors Expo
Speakers | Indoor and Outdoor Exhibits | Activities
Location: Citrus Springs Community Center, 1570 West Citrus Springs Boulevard, Citrus Springs, FL 34434
Date & Time: September 14, 2024 | 9am – 3pm
For more information, contact Recreation Program Specialist Alice Mary Herden at 352-527-7540 or Alice.Herden@citrusbocc.com

Free Kids' Event: Elvis Music Class
2024-09-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
Join us at The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum with music instructor Amy Clovis as we present a Free Elvis Music Class for kids ages 1 to 6!
Kids will learn about Elvis songs and play instruments along to the music. Limited spaces. Please preregister by calling our museum office between Tuesday and Saturday at (352) 341-6428. Our classes often fill up in advance so showing up the day of the event without registering will not guarantee you a space. Parents and accompanying adults supervise and participate with your children for the duration of the program.

Get ready to rock and roll!

Free Kids' Event: Journaling in Nature
2024-09-18 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-09-18 13:00 - 14:30 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
Join our newest museum volunteers, AJ and John Boener from A Wild Family, as they present a Mindful Summer Series with free events for kids!
On Wednesday, September 18th at 10 am and again at 1 pm, they will lead kids in a story time and nature walk outside to identify and sketch nature with confidence, understanding that everyone is an artist, and that presence and curiosity are your greatest assets. Recommended for ages 5 to 12. Limited spaces so please call the museum to sign up at (352) 341-6428.
——————————–More background:In short…..We (John & AJ) met in 2006, & lived in Plymouth, IN at our permaculture-based, educational farm; Luna Hill Farm (Cultivating Community & Celebrating Curiosity) for 10 years, where we raised 4 kids, ran the Luna Hill Wild School (Nuturing Wonder, with Nature), & hosted many community-building events. Away from the farm, John worked as a carpenter & AJ taught various classes throughout the community. We sold the farm in 2022, converted a bus to a RV in 3 1/2 months, then hit the road to travel the US for 6 months. We lived & traveled for over a year in that home-on-wheels; volunteering, exploring, & learning so much!Read more about our story: www.awildfamily.com

Music at the Museum: Matt Stone as Elvis
2024-09-19 18:00 - 21:00 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
Back by popular demand, The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum presents Matt Stone as Elvis! Thursday, September 19, 2024. Doors open at 6 pm. $25 tickets include food, soft drinks and after-hours access to the museum between 6 pm and 7 pm and the show begins at 7 pm. Members of Citrus County Historical Society receive $5 off up to 4 tickets per show. Stop into the museum or call (352) 341-6428 for tickets. We’re open between 10 am and 4 pm Tuesday through Saturday. Gift shop and box office is not currently open after 1 pm on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Thanks in advance for your patience with us as we work to staff more volunteers.

Matt Stone is a world-class Elvis Tribute Artist from South Florida. In 2022, he was named by Graceland as one of the Top Elvis Tribute Artists on the planet!

“When I heard [Matt]….now if I close my eyes, that’s Elvis. It touched my heart. The only person I ever heard sing like that was my brother, and [Matt] was real close -SCARY- that’s how close it was.” -Billy Stanley (Elvis’ Stepbrother)

Free Coffee and Conversations- Florida and Water: A Historical Perspective
2024-09-21 15:00 - 17:00 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum presents this free presentation open to the community with coffee and light refreshments. Seating is limited so please RSVP in advance to reserve your spots at (352) 341-6428.

This presentation chronicles Florida’s long and difficult relationship with water. Dr. Steve Noll examines attempts to turn water into land and land into water throughout Florida’s history, including contentious water-related issues like the potential restoration of the Everglades, the battle over the Ocklawaha River, the degradation of north Florida’s iconic springs, and more.

Steve Noll is a master lecturer in the University of Florida’s history department, where he received his PhD in 1991. Dr. Noll taught special education in public schools for twenty-eight years before moving to UF in 2004. He has written on general Florida history as well as more specialized subjects ranging from Florida environmental policy, the Cross Florida Barge Canal, and the 1970s disability rights movement. In 2013, the Princeton Review named him one of the 300 best professors in the United States.

This event is part of Save Our Waters Week- an annual event series organized by Keep Citrus County Beautiful. Funding for this program was provided through a grant from Florida humanities with funds from the national endowment for the humanities. any views expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Florida humanities, the national endowment for the humanities or the host institution.

Craft Class for Adults: Fall Wreaths
2024-09-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
Join us at The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum for a crafting class for adults where we’ll be creating Fall Wreaths.

This class requires a $5.00 fee to be paid to the Citrus County Historical Society at the door in the gift shop upon arrival. Spaces are limited so please preregister by calling the museum office at (352) 341-6428 to reserve your seat. Please be advised that showing up on the day of the event may not guarantee you a seat as our classes often fill up in advance.

We recommend parking in one of the parking lots. There is one lot between the Sheriff’s office building and the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum and another lot located just North of and adjacent to the Sheriff’s office building. Much of the street side parking around the square has a two-hour limit as posted on signs, they do ticket, and the class may last about 2 hours.

Citrus County Historical Society Annual Meeting
2024-09-27 14:00 - 16:00 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
Join Citrus County Historical Society for their annual meeting. Meet the 2024-2025 Board of Directors and enjoy a special presentation by Max Schulman and Tom Craig, “The History We Encountered on the Cross Florida Greenway.” Free and open to the public. Please RSVP in advance. Call (352) 341-6428. The event will be hosted on Friday, September 27th at 2 pm at The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum located at 1 Courthouse Square Inverness, FL 34450.

Free Kids' Murder Mystery Game in the Museum
2024-10-05 10:00 - 15:00 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
This spooky season, join a Free Kids’ Murder Mystery Game here at The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum on Saturday, October 5th. Kids will hunt for clues all over the museum about historical figures involved in a fictional murder plot.

Sessions begin at 10 am, 12 noon and 2 pm. Expect it to take you about an hour. Recommended for kids ages 7 and up. Parents and accompanying adults must supervise your children for the duration of the event and may need to assist. Please call the museum office at (352) 341-6428 between Tuesday and Saturday to preregister and choose your start time.

Kids who finish the hunt will receive a prize. Be sure not to run as it isn’t a race, and be sure not to say what you think the answer is to other families who are playing, too.

Fall Wreaths Craft Class for Adults
2024-10-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL, 34450, United States
Update: This class has been rescheduled from September 27th to October 11th due to closures for Hurricane Helene. The registration is full, but a wait list option is available. For further information, please call the museum office.
Join us at The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum for a crafting class for adults where we’ll be creating Fall Wreaths. This class requires a $5.00 fee to be paid to the Citrus County Historical Society at the door in the gift shop upon arrival. Spaces are limited so please preregister by calling the museum office at (352) 341-6428 to reserve your seat. Please be advised that showing up on the day of the event may not guarantee you a seat as our classes often fill up in advance. We recommend parking in one of the parking lots. There is one lot between the Sheriff’s office building and the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum and another lot located just North of and adjacent to the Sheriff’s office building. Much of the street side parking around the square has a two-hour limit as posted on signs, they do ticket, and the class may last about 2 hours.
