Page 22 - Senior Scene Magazine December 2017

Senior Scene® | December Issue
The South Brevard Historical Society
After a summer hurricane left many of us taking care of repairs and cleaning up rather than enjoying the outdoors, I hope you will be able to take some time off this month. Fortunately, we live in an area that offers each of us the ability to see some of Florida’s historical destina- tions without driving for hours. Starting from prehistoric times through to the present, Brevard County has much to offer if you just “step outside”.
As it’s always best to start at the beginning, I recommend a visit to the Brevard Museum of History & Natural Science (https://my oridahistory.org/ brevardmuseum). Among its multiple exhibits, the Windover Archaeological Site and Pioneer Homestead offer a look at the people who called Brevard home 7,000 to 8,000 years ago and the late 1800’s respectively. Additionally, the nature trails behind the Brevard Muse- um are reopened after being cleared of debris from Hurricane Irma. The trails are free and open to the public during museum hours.
In Melbourne Beach, the Old Mel- bourne Beach Town Hall (https://www. facebook.com/pages/Old-Melbourne- Beach-Town-Hall/135854053115265)
has exhibits on the Ais Indians, Spanish shipwrecks and the development of the Melbourne Beach community.
Some of the houses built by the early settlers of Brevard have been repur- posed into museums. Tours of these places not only show you the artifacts used long ago, but also tell a little about the people who inhabited the homes. Although some of us recently got a brief feel of what it would be like to live in Florida without power and basic utilities, these people lived it day in and day out and made this place their home and helped establish a community. For a greater understanding of how the early settlers of Brevard County lived and prospered, please check out the follow- ing websites:
• Grant – Grant Historical House (Bensen House): https://www.facebook. com/Grant-Historical-House-Bensen- House-770747406317257/
• Melbourne - Green Gables at His- toric Riverview Village: http://www. savegreengables.org/
• Cocoa –Eau Gallie - Rossetter House: http://rossetterhousemuseum.org/
• Merritt Island - Field Manor: http:// eldmanor.org/
• Merritt Island – Sams House: http:// www.brevardcounty.us/EELProgram/ Sanctuaries/SamsHouseSanctuary
• Titusville - Pritchard House: http:// nbbd.com/godo/PritchardHouse/index. html
Looking back on 2017, the South Brevard Historical Society’s programs held on the second Saturday of each month (September through June) have been diverse, enlightening and ed- ucational. Our speakers engage the audience with informative presentations. The camaraderie at these meetings en- courage the exchange of ideas, knowl- edge and data.
I encourage you to attend our next program on December 9th at the Mel- bourne Public Library (540 E. Fee Ave- nue, Melbourne) from 3:00pm – 4:30pm. This month’s topic is our Annual Historic Show and Tell; Sharing Life’s Treasured Moments, an exchange of stories related to growing up and living in Brevard.
For information about SBHS, please visit our website http://www.southbre- vardhistory.org. SS
Bringing the Best in Hospice Care to Brevard County
VITAS brings quality of life to the end of life for patients and their families.
VITAS relies on a team of hospice experts:
• physician
• hospice aide • chaplain
• nurse
• social worker • volunteer
Each brings his or her skills, compassion and focus on life to this very important time of life.
Referrals: 800.93.VITAS
Information: 800.723.3233 SINCE 1980 VITAS.com
22 | www.seniorscenemag.com | December 2017