About Us


West Pasco Historical Society, Inc. Museum and Library
6431 Circle Boulevard
New Port Richey, Florida 34652
Telephone : (727) 847-0680
Email : info@westpascohistoricalsociety.org

History
In 1971 a letter to the editor appeared in the New Port Richey Press in which Janet Lewis, librarian of the New Port Richey Library, recommended that a local historical society should be formed. The suggestion had been made to her by Roscoe Henderson (1906-1998), a lifelong resident of western Pasco County. In 1973, the West Pasco Historical Society was formed. Julie Obenreder was the first President. In 1974-1975 the society published West Pasco's Heritage. In 1981, Alex Acey donated to the WPHS the building which became our museum and library.

The Building
The museum is housed in a building which originally served as the Seven Springs school house, which apparently operated from 1913 to 1925. The building subsequently became a private residence. It was moved to Sims Park over several days in October 1981 and dedicated on January 16, 1983. The Library addition was added in 1992. The Museum is handicapped accessible.

Library
While the Library does stock novels, biographies, etc., it is primarily used by historians searching for details of early settlers and historical facts concerning local areas, the county, and the State of Florida. It also contains a large selection of photographs and maps.

Collections
The Museum has many permanent displays of early businesses in the area such as: the Zane Rankin Grocery, McKay Shoe Repair, Thomas Meighan Theater, and the New Port Richey Press. Also shown is a typical early 1900s Pioneer Parlor. Numerous items of early origins are from local residents. Other exhibits are changed often for special holidays or events, e.g., Santas, glassware, African art, valentines, books, etc. Seminole and Timucuan Indian artifacts, along with Mayan items, are displayed in the Indian Gallery.

Meetings
General and Board meetings are held the 1st Wednesday of each month at 3:00 pm. Talks and presentations of local interest are given periodically and are announced through the media. The public is invited to all programs.

Gift Shop
Unusual items, the best from area crafters, unique gift items, works of art in wood, ceramic, and mixed media, jewelry, and more.

We stock the hard-cover book West Pasco’s Heritage, published by the West Pasco Historical Society. This book is available for $15.

We stock the following soft-cover books, which are $5.00 each:

  • Tales of West Pasco - Ralph Bellwood
  • The Story of Hudson, Florida - Harry G. Miller
  • Now and Then in New Port Richey - Kathleen Strode (line drawings)
  • The Genesis of New Port Richey - Elroy Avery

These books can be ordered by mail at the address above. There is a $2.00 shipping and handling fee for one book and $3.00 shipping and handling fee for 2 or more books.

Open
Fridays and Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 PM except in June and July, and Tuesdays from 10:00 to 1:00 PM throughout the year. Also during special events held in Sims Park. Special times can be arranged for school classes or groups for tours.


Officers and Directors 2009-2010
President David Prace 847-3129
1st Vice President David Spriggs
2nd Vice President Bob Hubach 846-7158
Treasurer Steve Brooks 856-4528
Recording Secretary Anni Callaghan 372-1742
Corres. Secretary Martha Williams
Director  Barbara Welch
Director  Terry Kline
Director  Edith Hempel 848-4229
Director  Antonia Riggs Miernik
Director  Bob Langford 842-5314
Librarian Dan Callaghan 372-1742
Curator Dannee Brooks 856-4528

Committee Chairpersons
Programs Dannee Brooks 856-4528
Publicity Ann Buchanan 849-1675
Buildings & Grounds Terry Kline 846-0157
Membership David Prace 847-3129
Publications/Production David Prace 847-3129
Gift Shop Audrey O'Neil 845-4936
Photo Historian Lillian Kreps 842-8714
Digital Archivist Jeff Miller 848-1333
Newsletter Open
Fund Raising Open
Docent/Greeters Karen Ida 856-7181



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