Anna Maria Island Historical Society

08/19/2026

We Love The Old City Jail!
Did you know that the old city jail is open for visitors 24/7? Capturing a picture with loved ones has been a “must do” for AMI visitors for over 70 years. Now there is an opportunity to support the jail and museum after hours!! We appreciate your donation. We are a admission free museum but need people like you to help us to preserve the history of AMI and Keep Our Doors Open!

08/11/2026

Happy National Book Lovers Day! Did you know that in our gift shop we have over 25 different titles for purchase. Including, fiction, non-fiction and children’s books. Pop in and purchase a book for yourself or perhaps as a gift.

08/10/2026

Happy first day of school for the students of Manatee County!!
We hope you have an amazing year filled with opportunities to learn and grow.
The original site of Anna Maria Island's first schoolhouse (built in 1913 on Magnolia Avenue) is now home to The Center of Anna Maria Island, a non-profit community and recreational facility located at 407 Magnolia Avenue.

08/10/2026

So grateful to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County

07/18/2026

Happy Rainy Saturday! Not exactly a day for the beach but our doors are open for a day of learning, exploring, and sharing stories of Anna Maria Island‘s unique history! Open 10 AM to 1:00. Come see us!

07/17/2026

Today we had the pleasure of visitors, Cari and Anthony
Losada. Cari is the granddaughter of Jesse Ingram and daughter of Jerry Ingram. The Ingram family arrived on the island in 1943. Jesse Ingram was the school bus driver. All he had to do was look at the kids, and they would quiet down. He was involved in the community, was one of the founders of the fire department, the first city marshal, and a county commissioner. On Saturday nights, he called square dances at the community hall and he was in some plays at the theater. Jesse’s daughter Linda, recalls “that there was no air-conditioning in the house. At night we would use spray guns in all the rooms to get rid of the mosquitoes.” Thank you Cary and Anthony for sharing stories of your family. For more stories, visitors can purchase Tales of Three Cities from Bean point to Bridge Street by Carolyne Norwood in our museum shop

07/04/2026

This year's Independence Day is incredibly special as AMI communities commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. Stop in and see the history of Anna Maria Island dating back to prehistoric times! We have an amazing collection of antiques, memorabilia, photographs, maps an old jail and our beloved Belle Haven cottage. Wishing you a safe and happy Fourth of July.

07/01/2026

Consider joining the AMI beach cleanup! July 5th.

Join us as we remove post independence day litter and help protect our beaches, wildlife, and waterways.

06/21/2026

Connect with us to volunteer!
AMIHS.org Click on Join Us

06/19/2026

Welcome In! Our museum is here for YOU. Enjoy a scavenger hunt, authentic cottage, old jail and over 2000 amazing antiques and items from AMI’s past!