Preserving Clearwater’s Past, Inspiring Its Future

The Clearwater Historical Society Museum & Cultural Center is dedicated to preserving, protecting, and sharing the rich history of Clearwater, Florida. Our museum is located on the historic South Ward School campus, a five‑acre site that includes six buildings, each with its own story and role in the community’s past.

At the heart of our campus stands the 1906 South Ward School, the first school in Pinellas County built with public funds. Today, this beautifully restored building serves as our main museum, welcoming visitors to explore Clearwater’s heritage through exhibits, artifacts, photographs, and community stories.

We are open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM, with private tours available by appointment.

Our Mission

The Mission of the Clearwater Historical Society is to Educate, Collect, Preserve, Exhibit and Promote the People, Culture and Events of Clearwater’s rich past.

This mission guides everything we do—from caring for our collections to creating exhibits, hosting programs, and stewarding this historic campus for future generations.

A Historic Campus

Our museum complex includes:

• The 1906 South Ward School (Main Museum Building)
• The oldest public school building in Pinellas County and the centerpiece of our museum. It houses our primary exhibits, galleries, and visitor services.
• The 1912 Clearwater High School Building
• One of Clearwater’s earliest surviving educational structures, expanding our ability to interpret the city’s civic and educational history.
• The Former Cafeteria
• A mid‑century building currently undergoing planning for future public use.
• The Event Center (Former Media Center)
• A renovated space available for meetings, workshops, lectures, and private events, supporting our mission as a cultural gathering place.
• Three 1971 Buildings

These buildings serve as secure archival storage for our extensive collections, including photographs, documents, maps, yearbooks, and artifacts from Clearwater’s earliest families and institutions.

Our Story

The Clearwater Historical Society was founded in 1978 by residents determined to save the city’s history before it disappeared. Over the decades, the Society collected thousands of items and worked tirelessly to secure a permanent home.

After years of restoration and community support, the South Ward School campus reopened as the Clearwater Historical Society Museum & Cultural Center in 2019. Today, the museum continues to grow, offering new exhibits, programs, and opportunities for the community to connect with its past.

Powered by Volunteers and Community Support

The Clearwater Historical Society Museum & Cultural Center is run entirely by volunteers who give their time, talent, and passion to keep Clearwater’s history alive.

We operate solely through donations, which support building restoration, collections care, educational programming, and daily operations. Every visit, membership, event.

Here is some other things about the museum

Exhibits & Programs Through the Years

The Clearwater Historical Society Museum & Cultural Center has become a vibrant hub for history, art, culture, and community storytelling. Our exhibits reflect the diverse people, traditions, and events that shaped Clearwater, while our programs bring the community together in meaningful and memorable ways. Here is a look at some of the standout exhibits and events we’ve proudly hosted.

Trailblazing Women of Clearwater

Our 2026 feature exhibit, “7^th annual Trailblazing Women,” Woman of the American Revolution our past Trailblazing Woman have celebrated the remarkable women who helped shape Clearwater’s civic, cultural, and social landscape. Through photographs, artifacts, and personal stories, visitors explored the achievements of leaders whose impact continues to inspire future generations.

Founding Families of Clearwater

This exhibit honored the early families who built the foundations of Clearwater. Featuring heirlooms, documents, and rare photographs, it offered a glimpse into the lives, challenges, and triumphs of the pioneers who transformed a small coastal settlement into a thriving community.

Let’s Eat!

A fun and nostalgic look at Clearwater’s culinary past, “Let’s Eat!” highlighted beloved restaurants, family recipes, fish fries, food traditions, and the evolution of local dining. Visitors loved rediscovering the places and flavors that defined generations of Clearwater residents.

The History of Clearwater

One of our core exhibits, this gallery traces Clearwater’s story from its earliest inhabitants to the modern era. Through maps, artifacts, and multimedia displays, guests explore the city’s growth, neighborhoods, schools, industries, and cultural milestones.

Featured Artists & Special Guests

We’ve been honored to host renowned Florida artists whose work captures the beauty and spirit of our state:

• Clyde Butcher, celebrated for his breathtaking black‑and‑white Florida landscapes
• Roger Bansemer, known for his vivid paintings and PBS series Painting and Travel

Their exhibits brought art lovers and history enthusiasts together in appreciation of Florida’s natural and cultural heritage.

Florida Fishing Heritage

This exhibit explored Clearwater’s deep connection to fishing—from early commercial operations to recreational angling. Visitors enjoyed vintage gear, photographs, stories from local fishermen, and a look at how fishing shaped the region’s economy and identity.

Holiday Exhibits

Each year, the museum transforms with festive displays that celebrate Clearwater’s holiday traditions. From vintage decorations to community‑created exhibits, these seasonal showcases bring families back year after year.

40 Years of Fish Fries

A beloved community tradition, our exhibit on 40 years of Clearwater fish fries highlighted the events, volunteers, and local families who made these gatherings a cherished part of the city’s social life.

Fall Movie Nights

Our outdoor Fall Movie Nights bring the community together under the stars. Families enjoy classic films, movies shot in locally, and the unique experience of watching movies on our historic campus.

Car Shows

Our classic and vintage Car Shows celebrate automotive history and community pride. These events draw enthusiasts from across the region and add a lively, nostalgic energy to the museum grounds.

DAR Traveling Exhibit

We proudly hosted a traveling exhibit from the Daughters of the American Revolution, bringing national‑level historical interpretation to our local audience and expanding our educational reach.

Student Exhibits

We regularly partner with local schools to showcase high school student exhibits, giving young historians, artists, and researchers a platform to share their work. These exhibits foster creativity, civic pride, and a deeper connection to local history.

And Much More

From rotating displays to special events, guest speakers, workshops, and community collaborations, the Clearwater Historical Society Museum & Cultural Center continues to grow and evolve. Every exhibit reflects our mission to Educate, Collect, Preserve, Exhibit, and Promote the people, culture, and events of Clearwater’s rich past.