Collections

*** Collections marked with three asterisks are stored partially or entirely offsite and materials should be requested in advance. See the Plan Your Visit page for more details.

Digital Collections

Our Digital Collections database contains thousands of objects from our onsite collections—mainly photographs, ephemera, and small objects like pins and ribbons. Check back often; we’re adding new material every month.

Archival Collections*** 

The History Center holds more than 1,000 cubic feet of records from significant people, families, businesses, and organizations from Sarasota County’s past. These records include letters, diaries, business records, scrapbooks, and more. View a list of archival collections at the History Center.

Photographs***

The History Center holds thousands of photographs dating from the 1800s up to recent times, documenting every aspect of life in Sarasota County. More than 9,000 of these images are now available for viewing in our Digital Collections database.

Maps***

The History Center holds an extensive collection of topographical maps, aerial photographs, planning and zoning maps, and other cartographical materials relating to Sarasota County dating back to the early 20th century. View a guide to maps of Sarasota County at the History Center and elsewhere.

A-Z Reference File

This collection contains newspaper clippings, copies of relevant documents, and other materials relating to thousands of local topics. View an index of folders in the A-Z Reference File.

Historical Newspapers***

The History Center provides access to historical issues of several local newspapers, some dating back to the 1880s. Many of these may be accessed online at the History Center. View a list of Sarasota County newspapers and options for accessing them.

Ephemera Collection***

This collection includes invitations, event programs, handbills, posters, flyers, tickets, brochures, leaflets, pamphlets, and other materials—mainly published print materials—produced by businesses, organizations, and institutions in Sarasota County. There are also a limited number of items relating to prominent individuals. View an index of the Ephemera Collection.

Reference Library

Working on a local history project? The History Center has a fine collection of books on local and regional topics. Visit the Sarasota County Library Catalog and choose “History Center” in the search box menu to search our reference collection.

Rare Books***

Our rare book collection contains many early editions and hard-to-find volumes relating to Sarasota and Southwest Florida.

School Yearbooks

The History Center collects yearbooks from both public and private schools in Sarasota County. View a list of yearbooks available for research.

Historical Artifacts***

Our collection includes objects ranging from as small as a button to as large as steamer trunks, all connecting to major figures and institutions in Sarasota County’s vibrant heritage.

Contact us by email at historycenter@scgov.net or by phone at 941-861-6090 to learn more about how these collections might help you with your next research project, or to set up a research appointment.