Walton County Hertitage Museum

Exploring the Walton County Heritage Museum in DeFuniak Springs, Florida

The Walton County Heritage Museum, located in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, serves as a vital hub for preserving the rich history and heritage of Walton County. Operated by the Walton County Heritage Association, the museum showcases the captivating narratives of the region while supporting the genealogy society that facilitates research into local ancestry.

Exhibits and Archives

One of the museum’s highlights is the extensive archives, including the historical newspaper, The Lakewood Star. This publication offers insights into life in the early 1900s, particularly during the lucrative lumber era. Scanned copies of The Lakewood Star for the years 1908 and 1909 are available for visitors, accompanied by helpful transcripts due to the often humorous and intentional misspellings found within the original text.

The contributions from local historian Tom McNeill, whose family owned the Britton Lumber Company, enrich the museum’s narrative. McNeill’s grandmother, Hazel Slaughter, served as the stenographer for the newspaper, further underscoring the familial ties to the region’s history.

Genealogy Resources

The Walton County Genealogy Society, affiliated with the museum, provides invaluable resources for those researching their family heritage. Every Wednesday afternoon, visitors can meet with Wayne Sconiers, the President of the Genealogy Society, for free consultations. The research library houses numerous publications, including many from the Heritage Series that focus on Alabama and Florida, as well as a wealth of genealogy books relating specifically to Walton County families.

Visiting the Museum

The Walton County Heritage Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, with free admission for everyone. The museum is situated at 1140 Circle Drive, DeFuniak Springs, Florida, and can be reached via phone at 850-401-2060 or email at heritagemuseum@brighthouse.com.

Gift Shop and Community Engagement

A visit to the museum would not be complete without a stop at the gift shop, where visitors can find a variety of books about Walton County and works by local authors. Additionally, the museum offers past issues of its newsletter, Walton Relations, providing further context to the area’s history.

By visiting the Walton County Heritage Museum, you contribute to the preservation of local history and foster a deeper understanding of the rich cultural tapestry that defines Walton County, Florida. This hidden gem invites you to delve into its past and connect with the vibrant stories of generations gone by.