Anna Maria Island’s history is getting a revision.
The Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum and Historical Park, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, will be changing the way it presents the past to visitors.
The historical society Feb. 23 was allocated $20,000 by the Manatee County Tourist Development Council — to be approved in May by the Manatee County Board of Commissioners.
“We’re going to use the funds we were awarded to help tell Anna Maria’s story better,” said historical society president Maureen McCormick. “The museum is getting more visitors than ever before, so we need to help the story inside flow easier.”
The interior of the museum is arranged in three small rooms.
McCormick said the layout isn’t chronological — and items are scattered in various displays, mixing different eras.
“We’re going to change our displays to make it seem more open in here, too,” she said. “Right now, everything is boxed off. It can be a little overwhelming to guests.”
Relocating the entrance to the museum also is on the society’s to-do list. The entrance is on the east side of the building, facing the historical park. McCormick said the entrance can be missed by visitors.
Society board members say moving the entry to the south side of the building facing Pine Avenue will attract more attention.
“We want to make the museum a better place for everyone,” said museum docent Evelyn Hoskins. “If we can move the entrance, we’ll get more traffic and visitors will have a better experience through our museum.”
It’s been a struggle for the historical society to place all of the island’s history into the building, which has a history of it’s own. The building has been many things, including an icehouse and a turtle hatchery. Since it’s a piece of history too, the society is unable to expand for the future.
“Trying to get the whole story into such a small space is a challenge,” said Hoskins. “To help, we’re also working to upload Anna Maria’s history to digital files, so the story will still be available 100 years from now.”
McCormick and Hoskins agreed AMIHS’s mission is preserving as well as telling the island story.
“The museum had more than 6,000 visitors last year,” said McCormick. “It’s exciting to see everyone coming in. Whatever we can do, we will. It can be a struggle, but we’ll get it done for everyone here and in the future.”