Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science

Brevard County is a treasure trove for cultural and natural wonders. The region is best known for space launches and oceanfront paradises. However, few know that the area boasts a rich local history, science, and art tapestry. It has many museums that tell about its history, ancient cultures, and more. In addition, museums in Brevard County are also fun for history buffs, students, and families.

Moreover, they transport you to a bygone era, where the past comes alive. You learn everything, from early settlers to the transformative space age and the present day. Among these jewels is the Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science. It is a place where ancient cultures and history come to life.

A View of the Museum from the Outside / Flickr / Rusty Clark ~ 100K Photos

This post will take you on a virtual trip to the Brevard Museum of Art and Science. You will learn about space pioneers and ancient fossils of prehistoric Florida. In addition, we will also discuss its indoor exhibits and how they preserve historic artifacts. So, let’s delve deeper to learn more about the Brevard History Museums and see what it offers!

Overview of the Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science

The Brevard Museum of Art and Science is situated in Cocoa, Florida. It is a magical place to explore and learn about the history and natural wonders of the region. With a generous 14,750 sq ft facility, the Museum sits on a sprawling 22-acre nature preserve. Inside, the Museum has a plethora of captivating displays. These include a Florida timeline and changing special exhibits.

Moreover, one of the standout features of the Museum is the “Windover Woman.” It is the oldest human remains ever discovered in North America. In addition, you can step back in time by re-creating the Windover Dig – an ancient “wet” archaeological site. The Museum also has an Ice Age exhibit, showcasing the creatures that once lived in Florida.

Furthermore, the Brevard Museum of History also offers insights into Native American history. Its collection of over 3,000 artifacts provides a rich and magical experience. The Florida Historical Society is the Museum’s parent organization. It is committed to preserving and sharing the charming history of the region.

Exploring the Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science

Windover Archeological Site

Inside the Museum, visitors can explore a diverse array of exhibits and displays. These let you step back in time and discover the secrets that have shaped Brevard County. In addition, you also learn about the region’s heritage and natural treasures.

The Windover Archaeological Site is a small pond with secrets that have amazed scientists for years. It is an ancient burial spot used by age-old people and has a fantastic story. The site goes back about 9,000 or 8,000 BCE, with water always present. Due to its soft, wetland habitats, it was ideal for early settlers to bury their loved ones. The bog’s unique conditions would cradle the remains, preserving them in a way few could have anticipated.

In 1984, a construction stumbled upon a shocking find while digging nearby—human skulls. This accidental find unveiled the site’s importance. Archaeologists took over soon after and started digging up the area. They found 168 individuals’ remains. Surprisingly, some bones stayed connected despite thousands of years passing. The secret behind this remarkable preservation lies in the peat that forms much of the bog. It has unique properties that slow down the decay process, leaving skeletons intact. Even more shockingly, investigators found traces of intact brain tissue within some skulls. This finding led them to study the genes of these ancient people, giving us a look at our distant ancestors.

Moreover, while you cannot visit the site up close, a historical marker tells its story. A preservation society now protects the area. It invites visitors to learn about the past’s mysteries and reveal incredible stories.

Flagler’s Railroad Comes to Cocoa, FL,

Flagler’s Railroad / Flickr / Florida Keys History Center

When you visit the Brevard Museum of History, you journey through time. It takes you to a pivotal moment in Cocoa, Florida’s history: Flagler’s Railroad Comes to Cocoa, FL – 1893. The experience is immersive. You will return to the late 1800s when Florida was still a rugged frontier.

The exhibit explores the audacious vision of Henry Flagler and his team. They undertook the monumental task of extending the Florida East Coast Railway southward. In addition, you will learn about the hurdles they faced and the triumphs they achieved. The exhibit also showcases the unwavering faith that drove their mission forward.

The arrival of Flagler’s Railroad in Cocoa was a significant turning point for the town. This impact is a central theme of the exhibit. It illustrates how the railway project reshaped Cocoa’s economy, infrastructure, and daily lives. Moreover, it is a historical account that immerses you in the era’s sights and sounds. The interactive displays put you in the shoes of passengers on Flagler’s Railroad. In addition, you gain insights into the aesthetics and design that made it iconic.

Whether a history buff or just curious about Cocoa’s rich heritage, this exhibit is fun.

Giant Ground Sloth Cast, Daytona Beach, Florida Bond Bed

Giant ground sloth – (replica cast) of a 100,000-year-old skeleton found Daytona Beach, Florida / Flickr / S. Rae.

The Prehistory of Florida Gallery at the Brevard County Art and Science Museum holds this impressive exhibit. Imagine a 13-foot, three to five-ton mammal roaming through the Daytona Beach streets. While it rings scary, this giant creature lived 130,000 years ago, long before humans walked the Earth. Welcome to the world of the Giant Ground Sloth, an excellent piece of prehistoric history!

This finding occurred in October 1975 in Reed Canal Park, now The Daytona Beach Bone Bed. It was a labor of love that spanned two and a half years, with dedicated volunteers digging for the sloth’s bones. Once excavated, the remains were handed over to Dr. Gordon Edmund. Under his command, the sloth was identified and reconstructed for the Museum. However, it doesn’t stop there.

The fossils included are more than the Giant Ground Sloth. With the remains found 12 feet below the surface, experts created a prehistoric ecosystem. Picture a world where mammoths, mastodons, and the rare Cuvieronius Elephant mingled with tapirs, capybaras, and a massive nine-foot glyptodont. In addition, the excavation revealed the remains of over 50 other species, including some that still thrive today, such as deer and bobcats.

Moreover, the Giant Ground Sloth is North America’s most well-preserved and complete fossil. But here’s the kicker – it’s not just the creatures that astounded scientists. It was the plant life, too. For instance, researchers reconstructed the prehistoric environment using newly discovered plant material. Ancient tree seeds pointed to a swamp forest near a marsh, with trapped pollen telling secrets from 130,000 years ago.

Now, imagine this fascinating history on display for you to explore. You don’t have to imagine it; you can witness it firsthand at the Brevard Museum of Arts and Sciences. It’s a journey through time that you won’t want to miss.

Imaginary Station for the Little Ones

The Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science is fun for kids and adults alike. Bring your curious kids and let them catch the fascinating Imaginary Station exhibit. The exhibit is a gateway to a magical world created with young explorers in mind. It sparks imagination and makes learning more fun.

Moreover, the space also turns ordinary objects into portals of wonder. At the center lies an interactive play area for kids to engage in hands-on activities. Your kids will play with vibrant blocks that enhance their creativity. In addition, the captivating sensory play nurtures problem-solving skills. It also hosts fun space exploration programs.

However, that’s not all. The Station also has a dynamic schedule of educational programs and workshops. Here, kids are set on journeys through storytelling sessions that take them to distant lands. They can even partake in interactive science experiments that make learning an adventure. Furthermore, the exhibit is more than just having fun. It is about cultivating a love for learning in young minds. That is where imagination takes flight, and ordinary moments become extraordinary.

So, whether you are a parent, caregiver, or someone with a childlike sense of wonder, you all are invited.

Wander the Nature: Trails of Brevard History Museum

Swamp Walk at Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science / Flickr / Rusty Clark ~ 100K Photos

So, what else can you explore while visiting the Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science? Well, it’s time to explore some nature!

Encompassing 22 acres, the Cocoa, FL, Museum also has lovely nature trails. These trails are serene and ecologically diverse. They offer tranquility and have abundant natural beauty. All the tracks are owned and maintained by the city of Cocoa. Moreover, trails are open from dawn to dusk and seven days a week whenever you visit. They are ideal for hikers, nature lovers, and families seeking a peaceful escape.

All the trails have a dedicated group of volunteers who operate the access gates. So, you won’t have any trouble during your tour. Furthermore, as you wander, immerse yourself in a world of natural wonders. The entire area is ecologically friendly and has a variety of landscapes. For example, some areas have beautiful bridges that span over wetlands. They offer a serene vantage point to observe local flora and fauna.

With nature trails ranging from half a mile to two miles, exploring and discovering the natural beauty is fun. In addition, you will also encounter gentle inclines over pristine dunes. Some terrains are physically challenging, so be prepared before taking a trail. You will get stunning views of the surroundings. Furthermore, the area also has fascinating wildlife. You might come across the charming resident Gopher Tortoises if you are lucky. So, whether you are a naturalist or want a tranquil escape, the Brevard Museum of Art and Science is a delightful spot.

The Butterfly Garden

Butterfly Garden at the Brevard Museum of Art and Natural Science / Flickr / Sue Thompson

The Butterfly Garden at the Brevard Museum of Art and Science is soothing. It is a place where you can witness nature flaring its intricate dance.

A team of dedicated master gardeners tends the garden. This magnificent section is a true haven for butterflies and other pollinators. In addition, it also has a careful selection of plants. These plants are vital as they offer pollinators a delightful feast of nectar. Besides, they also act as host-specific places so butterflies can lay their eggs. Moreover, nature’s magic unfolds as these winged wonders find the ideal spot for their offspring.

Milkweed provides a nurturing environment that supports the majestic monarch butterflies. In addition, two types of passionflower serve as irresistible attractions for the zebra longwings. Furthermore, the garden is home to thriving populations of gulf fritillaries and julias, creating a colorful aura. It also showcases cassia, a preferred habitat for the yellow sulfur butterflies.

The garden eagerly awaits the arrival of the rare atala butterfly from the south. The garden also features seasonal dill and parsley. These cater to the black swallowtails and provide a year-round haven for them.

Admission Fee, Tickets, and Amenities

Admission:

• Adults: Explore the Museum’s wonders for just $9.00.
• Children (ages 4-12): A family-friendly experience at $5.00 per child.
• Children Under 3: Little ones under three enjoy free admission.
• Guided Tour Rates: Dive deeper into discovery with guided tours at $7.00 per person, ideal for students and chaperones.

Facility Amenities:

• Picnic area: Take a break in the serene picnic area, perfect for enjoying a packed lunch.
• Gift shop: Find unique souvenirs and educational items to commemorate your visit.
• Meeting room: Need space for an event or gathering? The Museum offers a meeting room for your convenience.
• RV parking: Travelers with RVs can take advantage of dedicated parking facilities.
• Restrooms in the lobby: Modern and accessible toilets are conveniently located in the lobby area for your comfort.

Video Credit: @thisisflorida6374

Wrapping Up: Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science

The Brevard Museum of Art and Science is an exciting place. It nurtures knowledge, creativity, and wonder in the center of Florida. However, it is more than a museum. It is a gateway to exploration, a portal to understanding, and an avenue for inspiration.

As we have explored, the Museum offers a rich tapestry of exhibits. These include captivating art collections spanning centuries and immersive science displays. It caters to visitors of all ages, making it ideal for families, students, and art lovers. Moreover, the affordability of admission fees makes it accessible to all.

Visiting the Museum means helping a cultural institution that fosters knowledge and creativity. So, take the chance to embark on an inspiring journey. A trip here is a discovery trip and a celebration of the boundless facets of human creativity and knowledge.

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