Sanford Museum

09/01/2026

This photo was taken, we believe, during the opening of our Gary Taylor Sports Exhibit! However, previous staff and volunteers did not label this photo - do you recognize these folks?

Hometown Hero, Buddy Lake, is the gentleman in the striped shirt on the far right!

Let us know in the comments if you know the other two people! We would love to identify them!

08/18/2026

Today we are sharing a parade float made by local Sanford women celebrating the then newly acquired women's right to vote in the United States.

Standing in the very back, dressed as Lady Liberty, is Dr. Herberta Ann Leonardy, one of the very first female lawyers in the state of Florida. Dr. Leonardy was a graduate of Stetson University (there is a scholarship in her honor).

She was also a member of the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, a president of the Sanford Woman's Club and a professor at the University of Miami.

She was a staunch advocate of women's rights, including the right to vote!

08/12/2026

The latest exhibit at City Hall is up!

As part of the City of Sanford’s Celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary—and in partnership with the Puzzled Peace Initiative—we are proud to present a special new exhibition honoring artist and community volunteer Francine Levy!

For over 40 years, Francine has captured Sanford's landscapes, historic architecture, and waterways, transforming our city into lasting expressions of peace, gratitude, and belonging. 🖌️💙

Curated by historian and storyteller Valada Flewellyn, the exhibit explores three core themes:
🕊️ Peace – Seeing the humanity in one another.

🏡 Place – Preserving the stories of our community.

🌟 Possibility – Inspiring future generations through art and service.

Visitors can view original paintings, historic documents, and personal memorabilia tracing Francine’s journey from post-war Belgium to becoming one of Sanford’s most cherished artists.

📍 Location: Sanford City Hall (Main Lobby) | 300 N. Park Ave

⏰ Hours: Monday – Friday | 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

🎟️ Admission: FREE & open to the public

Stop by City Hall to experience this beautiful tribute to local history and community service! 🎨✨

08/04/2026

We are so happy to have gotten silver in the Things To Do >> Museum category! Thank you so much to everyone who nominated and voted for us!!

SHOW THE WINNERS SOME LOVE! 🍾

Results for 2026 Central Florida Favorites have officially been announced! Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to our incredible audience for voting your favorites! 🎉

Visit centralfloridafavorites.com right now to see all the winners! 🏆

Share your win with us!

07/29/2026

Hello everyone! Today we are looking for your help in identifying another Crooms student! This photo is part of a collection donated to us by Ms. Pamela Lavery who taught at Crooms in the late 1960s/early 1970s.

Can you help us identify this girl and little kiddo?

07/29/2026

We are so excited to be highlighted by WUCF TV! Thank you so much for having us and thank you to our Curator, Brigitte Stephenson for sharing her favorite bits of the museum!

07/21/2026

Have you seen this old photo shared by The Palms of Sanford? Make sure you give them a follow!

I'm posting this here in case anyone who finds it has information about the 1884 Pioneer Gun Club of Sanford and its members. A couple researchers and I are having a good time trying to identify people in this image. According to the caption, we know several names, and are trying to cross reference other photos of those gentlemen, if we can find them. We see a smoke stack in the background and are also trying to locate where this image was taken. So if you're good at research or something stands out to you, please let us know!

This image is from 1884

Practice Day of the Pioneer Gun Club at Sanford
on their range at Mellonville near Sanford, Fla

R. H. Marks – President
H. L. DeForest – Vice President
G. A. Loud – Captain
Arthur Chaires – Secretary
S. F. Travis – Treasurer