Explore The Museum

Whether it’s Native American artifacts, England’s largest colonial plantation, railroad memorabilia, or pictures of life 100 years ago, you are sure to find exhibit items to satisfy your interests! Be sure to allot at least an hour if you want to delve into the details of exhibits!

“Definitely worth a visit. The unassuming entry hides a lot of great history and displays. The Museum is suitable for all ages and they have great programs. I just went to one about the pottery found in the area and it was very interesting. Definitely worth a visit.
Victoria D.
"Cool little museum. Worth a visit when you are in town. I used to live in NSB and I learned a lot about my little home town that I didn't know before. The staff were very friendly and helpful."
Chris T.
“Great museum to learn about Florida's history. Well worth the afternoon to come and take a look.”
Mary C.
“Great historical place. Interactive videos. Friendly, knowledgeable dosents.”
Chris W.
“Very interesting learning about the local history.”
William P.
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New Smyrna Timeline

Smyrna Settlers

Surfing Exhibit

Grange Moore Archaeology Lab

Sheldon Research Lab

Museum Gift Shop

The Attic
The first thing visitors see upon entering the museum is a wall of items straight out of Grandma’s attic — or maybe Grandpa’s attic. See a lifeguard flag purloined by college students and returned after 50 years by a guilty conscience. Check out a banquet menu whose offerings would land the cook in jail today.

Timeline
Located in the center of the museum is our exhibit on the founding of the ill-fated “Smyrnea Settlement” in 1768. Videos, models, artifacts tell the story of the 1400 hard-working but hapless settlers recruited by Scottish doctor Andrew Turnbull to build a large indigo “plantation.”

The Perimeter Gallery Stroll down the hall surrounding the center exhibit to follow a timeline of New Smyrna History, starting with fossils and the earliest Americans and ending with a tribute to New Smyrna’s Vietnam War veterans. Visitor favorites include
  • Beautiful embroidered tapestries made through the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in the 1930s
  • Civil War displays
  • Fishing and hunting displays
  • Household items from 100 years ago
  • Photographs of New Smyrna in the late 1800s and early 1900s
The Archaeology Lab
Although the lab is not open to the public, you can still peer through the window and catch a glimpse of our archaeologists at work, and see displays of local digs and finds.
The North Room The museum hosts special temporary exhibits here, giving local organizations or individuals a chance to showcase their collections or activities.
The Research Library
The second floor of the museum houses the Sweett Exhibit, an extensive collection of Native American artifacts found in New Smyrna, and the Sheldon Research Library.

The Museum Store
“Purchase one-of-a-kind souvenir shirts and hats, or bring your friends some delicious Minorcan condiments. Buy seeds to grow your own indigo plants. Take home a book or two about our charming little city.”