Matheson History Museum

09/04/2026

Happy ! Jefferson County, FL is the only county in the state that extends from Georgia to the Gulf of Mexico. It was named for the third president, Thomas Jefferson.

The county seat is Monticello, which was named for Jefferson's Virginia home. The county courthouse was constructed in 1909 in the classical revival style and sits at the intersection of US 90 and US 19. Edward Columbus Hosford was the architect who designed it. He also designed six other county courthouses in Florida.

Postcard courtesy of the Matheson collection

09/03/2026

Prior to the interstate system one of the main north/south highways in Florida was Highway 441. Hundreds of motels were constructed along the route for weary travelers.

One such motel was the Cadillac Motel in High Springs, which is still in operation today as the Blue Gem Motel (www.bluegemmotel.com). According to the county's property appraiser's office, it was constructed in 1957.

Postcards courtesy of the Matheson collection

09/01/2026

Las Margaritas, Gainesville & Ocala opened in September 1998 on NW 25th Place in Gainesville. In 2011, the restaurant opened its brand-new building at 4405 NW 39th Avenue. Owners Alberto Roman and Lidu Chavez also opened La Tienda Latina (SW 13th St) and Mexico Lindo (SW Archer Rd) in Gainesville. In 2013 they sold Mexico Lindo to the Soto family, and it was renamed Linda Vista (now on SW Williston RD).

What's your favorite Latin restaurant in Alachua County?

August 2000 ad in the Gainesville Sun

08/31/2026

Join us next week on Wednesday the 9th at 7pm for our next program!

Author and historian Coleen DeGroff will share about her research into the enslaved people that lived in Alachua County and the writing of her book "Alachua County Black Book."

Attendees will learn how an unsuccessful effort to change the name of Haile Plantation led to the chance discovery of centuries-old legal records about people enslaved in Alachua County, as well as the people who enslaved them, through the end of the Civil War.

Using excerpts from ancient public documents including bills of sale, wills, and mortgages, "Alachua County Black Book" traces the half century of slavery in the county, giving a glimpse into the lives of hundreds of enslaved people who were brought here to labor on dozens of plantations before their names and stories disappear to time and memory.

Free registration: https://mathesonmuseum.networkforgood.com/events/104447-finding-unheard-voices-of-the-enslaved-in-alachua-county

08/28/2026

Happy ! Today we're visiting Citrus County Government.

According to the City of Crystal River-Government website, "In 1887, Hernando County was divided into three parts: Pasco County, Hernando County, and Citrus County. In 1888, the railroad reached Crystal River. The arrival of the railroad proved to be a boon; it provided an easier way to ship and receive goods, and it was an easier way for tourists to travel. Sport fishing became a draw for many wealthy northerners. Crystal River became a town in 1903. It was officially incorporated as a city on July 3, 1923." Three of the city's earliest industries were cedar mills, phosphate mines, and turpentine.

Postcard courtesy of the Matheson collection

08/27/2026

"I appreciate the money you spend on me," she told the audience after thanking them for making her childhood dreams of stardom come true. "It costs a lot to make a person look this cheap."

The late Dolly Parton performed to a sold-out crowd at the Phillips Center on March 25, 1993. After comedian George Lopez opened the evening, Parton took the stage with her 11-piece band. She sang many of her classics such as "My Tennessee Mountain Home," "Baby I'm Burning," and "I Will Always Love You."

Former Sun music writer Bill DeYoung interviewed a pair of best friends who drove up from Ocala for the concert. They were sitting in the back row of the balcony but said, "It's worth it for a night out like this" and "She's a bundle of dynamite."

Photo courtesy of the Gainesville Sun, March 26, 1993

08/26/2026

It's hard to believe that our inaugural History Summer Camp is already over. What an amazing week with our incredible campers! We couldn't have done it without all of the people and organizations who made it possible. THANK YOU!

Guest Speakers:
- The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
- Alexa Neilson, Paleontologist from the Florida Museum of Natural History
- Dr. Charlie Cobb, Archaeologist from the Florida Museum of Natural History
- Gayle Ambrose, from Dudley Farm Historic State Park
- Chef D from D's Comfort Food
- Nigel Rudolf, Archaeologist from Florida Public Archaeology Network - Central Region

Sponsors:
- The Gainesville Rotary Club
- Visit Gainesville, Alachua County

Scholarships:
- Happy and John Amein
- Multiple anonymous donors

Volunteers:
- Liam Shanley
- Zoe Levin
- Chau Huynh

Staff:
- Mariana Rebello, PhD Student in School Psychology
- Caroline Amein, Education Coordinator and PhD Student in Archaeology

08/25/2026

We missed the first day of classes but we're sending our best wishes to all UF and Santa Fe students for a great semester!

Pages from the 1996 UF yearbook

08/24/2026