80°History
Florida’s Space Coast has a rich history and a lot to show for it. Much of its history can be found dating back as far as the 1800s. The Homestead Act of 1862 encouraged people from all over the country to settle down in areas with extra land, and as a result, places like Melbourne began to have its own settlers. The oldest house in Florida can be found in Melbourne, a house dating back to 1878 called the ‘Sams House’. Available for tours, this house has been maintained by generations involved in the citrus industry.
Explore Brevard’s collective past in museums honoring space travel, local art, famous surfers, and more! As the home of the United States space exploration program, this coast harbors NASA, the Space History Center, and a Space Walk of Fame. Visit all of these spots to learn about the American Space Race and the galaxies beyond. The culture of the towns on the coast are rich and homey. Take a stroll into the downtown districts of Cocoa and Melbourne, and take the opportunity to visit the art museums in the areas! Filled with art from local and aspiring artists, this little slice of beachtown heaven is the perfect place to appreciate the arts!
As the ‘Surfing Capital’ of the East Coast, it is to guess that the sport has a heavy hand in the history of the area. With surfing superstars like Kelly Slater highlighting the history of Cocoa Beach, there are tons of adventures waiting to be embarked on atop the waves of the Atlantic. Visit the Florida Surf Museum to see candid photos, memorable surfboards, and the various awards earned by Brevard’s own. Historical, wildlife, and art museums can be found around just about every corner of Florida’s Space Coast. Celebrate the rich history with a visit today!
Suggested Attractions
The Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Cultural Complex
Originally the home site of slain civil rights activists Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore, the park honors the Moore’s who were parents, educators, and leaders in the civil rights movement both locally and nationally. The park is dedicated to the celebration of their lives, to promoting awareness of their contributions to the early civil rights movement, and to preserving African American history.
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Explore Ancient History at Canaveral National Seashore
Visit three sites where ancient peoples lived up to 7,000 years ago. Learn about shell mounds, the Native Americans who formed them and why they exist. Sites include: Seminole Rest, Castle Windy, and Turtle Mound.
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The Pritchard House
Built in 1891, the house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. The Pritchard House is an outstanding example of the Queen Anne architecture, a distinctly American form that was popular from approximately 1876-1910. The house appears today much like it did when it was built in 1891. Tours available by appointment only.
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The North Brevard Historical Museum
Pour through photographs, furniture, clothing and artifacts documenting the history of North Brevard County.
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Sams House at Pine Island Conservation Area
From Ice Age animals to Native Americans to early pioneers, Pine Island Conservation Area has a rich history. Come inside the oldest standing home in Brevard County, the 1875 Sams family cabin. Travel back in time here and along the paved trail where interactive exhibits highlight Pine Island's many past inhabitants.
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Brevard County Historical Commission
Visitors are welcome to explore Florida’s Space Coast’s collective past at the Brevard County Historical Commission. Brevard County has a rich and diverse history, spanning nearly five centuries of recorded activities, which has been document and can be seen here.
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Veterans Memorial Center
With an amazing array of military artifacts ranging from the Revolutionary War to the most current conflicts in the Middle East, the Veterans Memorial Center strives to educate the public on the U.S. military’s efforts both past and present at their museum, library and plaza.
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Florida Surf Museum
Surf’s up! The Florida Surf Museum preserves and documents all aspects of the unique history and culture of East Coast surfing. The museum produces unique exhibits that feature people, places, boards, culture and much more.
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Foosaner Art Museum
The Foosaner Art Museum is located in the heart of beautiful old Eau Gallie. View collections and displays of visual art that relate to the past, present and future. There are many historic homes in this area as well as parks, gift shops, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants.
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Liberty Bell Museum
A visit to the Liberty Bell Memorial Museum is a moving experience to people of all ages, and an educational adventure for school groups. A trip to the museum will provide a better understanding of American ideals and traditions, and instill pride in American citizenship.
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Ruth Funk Center for Textile Arts
Take a docent-led tour throughout the Ruth Funk Center for Textiles. Their collection includes traditional handmade textiles, garments and related accessories spanning early 19th to mid-20th centuries, as well as European and North American embroidery, quilts, costumes and wearable art. Reservations are required for all group tours and should be made at least 10 days in advance.
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Juan Ponce de León Landing
The park commemorates the epic 1513 voyage of Juan Ponce de León and his landing near Melbourne Beach, Florida on April 2. Juan Ponce de León's 7,980 nautical mile exploration into unknown waters set the stage for the subsequent European colonization of the USA.
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Grant Historical House
Built in 1916, the Bensen house was the former home of Clara Christensen Bensen, which was Grant’s first house. In recent years, the Grant Historical Society has taken over the preservation of the home. The public is welcome to visit the grounds, browse through the house, breath deep the fresh river breeze and remember how it was years ago.
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