Aripeka Historical Museum
Aripeka Historical Museum is a small, family-run museum located at 18834 Rosemary Rd, Hudson, FL 34667. It’s the perfect stop if you’re looking for a relaxing break from the city and are interested in learning about local history. The outside of the museum looks like any other house overlooking a green lawn with some trees and plants around it. But as soon as you step inside you will be transported to another time thanks to its artifact-filled rooms and exhibits on Aripeka’s rich history. Here are 9 reasons why you should visit this small but wonderful historical museum.
Aripeka History Museum
The Aripeka Historical Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the city of Aripeka with the community. The museum is located in the historic Smith-Dunn House, a beautiful three-story home built in 1887. The museum was founded in 1978. The first floor of the museum features a few rooms that showcase artifacts from the city’s history, including photos, clothing, furniture, and other memorabilia. There are also displays that show how everyday life was in Aripeka at different times in its past. The second floor features the history of Polk County and much of the state of Florida. Displays include maps, photographs, paintings, artifacts, and more. The museum also has a research room that visitors can use to learn more about Polk County, Aripeka, and the state of Florida. Great article here.
Aripeka is Home to a Famous Author
The home of the Aripeka Historical Museum is also the birthplace of author Richard Brautigan. In 1972, the author was staying at the nearby J.M. Smith Inn when his book, Trout Fishing in America, was published as a limited edition. Brautigan left the Inn early in the morning to drive to a bookstore in Tampa, Florida, where he hoped to get a few copies to sell at the book signing. He never made it, as his car broke down in Polk County, where he stumbled upon the J.M. Smith Museum. Brautigan was so impressed by what he saw that he decided to stay in the area. The museum was a perfect fit for his needs, as it provided Brautigan with a quiet place to write and reflect.
Aripeka is the Birthplace of American Girl Dolls and Kitty Boots Shoe Company
When the Smith-Dunn House was built in 1887, it was owned by a man named John Stokes. Stokes was a successful shoe manufacturer and inventor. On the property, he built a small factory that made high-quality leather shoes. In 1895, Stokes began manufacturing a doll and toy line called the American Girls. John Stokes and the American Girls produced dolls and toys under several different brands, but the best known are American Girl and Kitty Boots. The American Girl dolls were produced until the early 2000s, and Kitty Boots shoes are still being made today, as was Stokes’ original idea. Stokes first started making shoe designs and then patented a manufacturing process that used a type of glue to attach the shoe parts to the sole. The design of the shoes was based on popular styles from the time, but with a patent on the sole, the shoes were Stokes’ own creation.
It’s the Perfect Place to Take a Break from the Sunshine and Enjoy Some Rain
The Aripeka Museum is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a break from the sunshine and want to experience something a little different. The city of Aripeka has a few attractions that are great for visitors just passing through, including the Polk County Historical Museum, Polk Museum of Art and History, and the Florida Museum of Natural History. All of these museums offer something different and are worth visiting if you’re in the area. The Polk Museum of Art and History is one of the oldest museums in Florida and is located in a restored railroad depot. The Polk Museum of Art and History has a large collection of art from all over the world, as well as artifacts from Polk County’s history, including items from the early days of rail travel in the area. More Info
Final Thoughts
The Aripeka Historical Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in history and local culture. Located in a beautiful historic home, it’s filled with artifacts and memorabilia from Aripeka’s past, making for an entertaining and educational visit. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. and is located at 203 W. Jackson St. in Aripeka, FL. Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for children, seniors, and military personnel. It’s closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, and on Mondays from Labor Day to the end of November. For more information, visit the Aripeka Museum website