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44th Annual 
Manatee Heritage Days 

This year marks the 44th year for Manatee Heritage Days, the time when 

Manatee County’s historical organizations and sites come together to celebrate our community’s heritage by providing opportunities for our area’s residents and visitors to experience the past.  Reenactments, special exhibits, lectures, classes, walking tours, open houses and family programming will highlight the month’s events. 

 

Originally a week in length, Heritage Days grew to nine days, and in 1995, Manatee Heritage Days expanded to a month long event.  The activities are as varied as exhibits and parades.  Events take place throughout Manatee County in many different communities.  Through these events at area historical sites, participants will experience the pioneer lifestyle and learn how Manatee County has grown and developed.

 

Manatee Heritage Days is supported and organized by the Manatee County Clerk of Circuit Court’s Department of Historical Resources, under the auspices of Angelina “Angel” Colonneso, Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller. 

Palmetto's
Heritage Festival 
 
Saturday, March 4, 2023 
10 AM - 1 PM 

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This is a FREE, fun, family event! Our 1880 Heritage Station Post Office will be operational with a ONE-DAY-ONLY cancellation designed by a local student artist - bring your stamped mail! Guided tours of the park buildings will take place at 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 12:30 PM. The Agricultural Museum will be launching their new logo and have giveaways for visitors on a first come, first serve basis along with a giant paint-by-number logo for visitors to paint. Contests/activities/crafts and more throughout the park. Word of Mouth BBQ will be on site with delicious food available for purchase. 

Sign up now for our most popular event! First come, first serve and space is limited! 
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Sponsoring organizations: Palmetto Historical Park and Manatee County Agricultural Museum

Wednesday, March 15th, 2:00 PM

This walk, about 2 hours, will highlight some of the historic buildings along the riverfront in Palmetto and includes a tour of the Palmetto Riverfront Bed and Breakfast. The Bed and Breakfast was a Sears and Roebuck house, built by town founder’s son, J.A. Lamb. Wear comfortable shoes. This is a free tour, but a ticket is required as there are only 15 spaces available. If the tour is full you are welcome to sign up on the waiting list and we will contact you if a space opens up. Tickets open on Monday, February 27, 2023 at Noon. 

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Sponsoring organizations: Palmetto Historical Park and Manatee County Agricultural Museum

Friday, March 17th, 2:00 PM 

Participate in a guided tour of the Alkire home on the Palmetto riverfront. Built in 1899 by Julius Lamb, Palmetto’s founder, it was later purchased in the 1920s by John Pope Harllee of the “tomato Harllees.” Beautifully restored by the current home owners, their gracious tour allows you a look inside one of Palmetto’s most beautiful historic homes. Navigating stairways is necessary to see the entire home. Wear comfortable shoes. This is a free tour, but a ticket is required as there are only 20 spaces available. If the tour is full you are welcome to sign up on the waiting list and we will contact you if a space opens up. Tickets open on Monday, February 27, 2023 at Noon. 

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