CLEWISTON – If you are interested in South Florida history, check out the Clewiston Museum.
The museum has an impressive collection of fossils and historical artifacts, including a dugong that dates back 10 million years, mammoth and mastodon fossils, and an exhibit about prehistoric Native American culture.

Other exhibits chronicle the history of fishing on Lake Okeechobee, the construction of the Herbert Hoover Dike, the Royal Air Force flight training school at Riddle Field that was here during WWII, the Big Cypress Seminole Reservation, the cattle and sugar industries and more.
Take time to relax in the museum’s theater and view films on the history of Clewiston and how sugar is made. A virtual reality exhibit will take you on a tractor through a sugar cane field and then into the sugar mill.

The museum helps those who are doing research or looking for historical photos or information. A wonderful archive of photos from the area dates back to the 1910s. The museum also houses the archives of the weekly editions of the Clewiston News from 1928 – 2009.
In the museum’s theater, you’ll find the Sue Corbin and Louise Sullivan Glades Art Gallery, which is specific to Glades area artists and showcases their talent.

When you visit the museum, be sure to check out the Picker’s Corner as you come through the door to check out the interesting vintage items and antiques. You’ll also want to visit the Museum Gift Shop, which is stocked full of local goodies and historical books.

To learn more, visit the website at theclewistonmuseum.org. The Clewiston Museum is located at 109 Central Avenue in Clewiston. The hours of operation of Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and on Saturday by appointment. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for students and children. For more information, call 863-983-2870 or via email at clewistonmuseum@embarqmail.com.

The Clewiston Museum is a private not-for-profit organization.

This tourism feature was brought to you by Handy Food Stores, who encourages you to get out and explore your own backyard and all the things our region has to offer!