Before the discovery of phosphate in our area, Citrus was King. However, with the big freeze of 1894-1895 citrus growing in our county diminished greatly, as phosphate took hold as the new king. In the early 1870s, Austin Mann, later our first state senator from Citrus County, moved to Crystal River. Man was even credited for patenting a special type of citrus packing crate. Its purpose was to protect the citrus during shipping. Later in the 20th century, around 1930 another land speculator came to Citrus County, James Ferris.

This exhibit will explore the citrus industry in Florida and its historic and present effects on Citrus County. Interpretative areas of this display include local (Citrus County's founding families and industry) grove owners, migration of industry from this area southward, the types of citrus grown here and statewide, a simulated packing house with interactivity, local and statewide crate labels, and a simulated fruit stand.

Come explore this exhibit about citrus (statewide and local) and come prepared with a napkin, as it will be a juicy experience!


Pre-History Gallery

The Brannen Family Gallery of Pre-history houses an exhibition titled, Footprints in Time. This exhibit takes the visitor back in time, through interactive and educational hands-on components, when the Florida’s first Paleo-indians arrived over 12,000 years ago. The Timucuan Indians were the first to come in contact with Hernando de Soto on his quest through Florida as he passed through the Eastern boundaries of Citrus County. Learn how the Seminole Indians lived and the hardships faced by early pioneers to this area. Originally, this was part of the area that housed the Citrus County Sheriff’s office and Citrus County Superintendent of Schools.



Local History Gallery

A second permanent gallery the Mary MacRae Gallery of History houses an exhibition titled, A Long Way Home, which interprets the history of Citrus County from about 1887, at the forming of the county until present. Displayed in this gallery are interpretative panels on the county’s many early industries. Discover the role that Citrus Countians have played in the many wars over the years that have affected Florida and our area. On display is one of the original clock faces from the clocktower, where women volunteered as spotters to look for enemy planes during WWII. These volunteers signed their names on the back of the clock face. Originally, this was part of the area that housed the Citrus County Property Appraiser and Tax Collector offices.