In 1974, the City of Lake Wales acquired the property and began planning for its restoration. The community’s goal was twofold: to preserve an architectural landmark and to create a museum that would tell the story of the people and industries that built Lake Wales. With the help of grants, donations, and volunteer labor, the restoration project transformed the depot into a space of education and heritage.
When the Lake Wales Museum officially opened its doors in 1976, it symbolized not only the town’s commitment to history but also its belief in the enduring value of local culture. What had once been a transit point for people and goods became a gateway to the past.
The Early Exhibits: Telling the Story of Lake Wales
In its early years, the museum focused on preserving artifacts that captured the spirit of early Lake Wales life. Donations from local families filled the displays—photographs, farming tools, vintage clothing, railroad memorabilia, and household items that offered intimate glimpses into daily existence.
Key themes of these early exhibits included:
- The Pioneer Era (1900–1920): Showcasing tools, furniture, and stories of settlers who endured Florida’s harsh climate and built homesteads from scratch.
- The Citrus Industry: Chronicling how the “liquid gold” of oranges shaped the local economy and landscape.
- The Railroad’s Role: Highlighting the depot’s function as an economic and cultural lifeline.
- World War II and Postwar Growth: Documenting how the community evolved through national challenges.
As the museum’s collection grew, so did its mission—to connect history with the present and to engage new generations in understanding how the past shaped their world. shutdown123