Carrabelle History Museum

10/09/2026

NOTICE: Due to inclement weather from Hurricane Isaias, the Carrabelle History Museum will be closed FRIDAY & SATURDAY for the safety of our staff, volunteers, and visitors.

09/09/2026

Hats Off to Tamara!

Tamara Allen built us an amazing historical museum where Carrabelle's fascinating stories are told and our local heritage is preserved. She was so dedicated to this mission that she managed the museum for over 20 years without receiving any pay. Filling her shoes will be no small task. The greatest honor we can give her is to keep the Carrabelle History Museum operating. We will need to boost our fundraising efforts in order to offer a salary to a new director.

Tamara was well known for her beautiful wide-brimmed hats. Her family is offering
them to those who loved her via a silent auction that will benefit the Carrabelle History Museum.

Thru October 2 a silent auction of Tamara's hats will be displayed at the museum, along with an exhibit about her beautiful life. Opening bid for each hat starts at $40.

Come by the museum for First Friday
October 2nd ~ 5:30 - 7:30 pm
(last chance to bid on a hat)

Carrabelle History Museum
106 SE Ave B, Carrabelle, FL
(850) 697-2141
[email protected]
CarrabelleHistoryMuseum.org

Auction winners will be notified on Oct. 3rd.

PLUS
Plans are under way to relocate Tamara's backyard gnome & fairy garden to her burial site in the cemetery. Let's make a fabulous little fantasy garden that would absolutely delight her. If you would like to contribute an outdoor tolerant gnome or fairy, or a small cement bridge or can help with installing, please leave your contact info at the museum.

With Special Gratitude from Joan Matey

09/02/2026

🕰️ On this day in history – September 2, 1937 – 89 years ago, the steamship “Tarpon” met a tragic fate during her weekly voyage from Mobile, AL to Carrabelle, FL.

For over 30 years, this 160-ft freight and passenger steamer faithfully made her journey, completing over 1,500 successful voyages under the steady command of Captain Willis G. Barrows. But on that fateful day, the Tarpon foundered off St. Andrews Bar during a storm, and many lives were lost including Captain Barrows. Miraculously, some were saved thanks to an inexplicable rescue and the heroic actions of a crewman whose bravery shines as a beacon in this harrowing story.

The "SS Tarpon," built in 1887 at Wilmington, Delaware, was originally named the "Naugatuck." With a wooden superstructure and iron hull, she was powered by twin steam engines and made weekly runs between Carrabelle, FL, and Mobile, AL. She typically carried general cargo east and naval stores west. Today, her wreck lies about 8 nautical miles off the Panama City shore, recognized on the National Register of Historic Places and as a Florida Underwater Archaeological Preserve.

The story of the Tarpon was also a favorite of our much-loved Director, Tamara Bibb Allen, who recently passed away. Her passion for sharing the history of Carrabelle brought this remarkable story to life for so many museum visitors. Today, we invite you to remember Tamara and this historic event by watching the attached video, where Tamara herself shares the story of the Tarpon in front of the museum's Tarpon display. Hearing Tamara tell one of her favorite stories is a special way to honor her memory and the dedication she brought to preserving and sharing Carrabelle's history. ❤️ https://youtu.be/MEqwP2IWgqE?si=vcqDPKLuF06tdRYv

Want to learn more about the Tarpon's dramatic final voyage and the courageous acts that followed? Visit the Carrabelle History Museum! Museum Hours: Wed 12-5, Thur-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5. Admission is free.

09/02/2026

🕰️ On This Day in History – September 2, 1937 – 89 Years Ago

On this day in 1937, the steamship Tarpon met a tragic fate during her weekly voyage from Mobile, Alabama, to Carrabelle, Florida.

The story of the Tarpon was also a favorite of our much-loved Director, Tamara Bibb Allen, who recently passed away. Her passion for sharing the history of Carrabelle brought this remarkable story to life for so many museum visitors.

The SS Tarpon was a large steam cargo and passenger ship that traveled weekly between Mobile and Carrabelle for more than 30 years. The story of her dramatic final voyage, the lives lost and the courageous acts of those who survived remains a fascinating part of Carrabelle's history.

Today, we invite you to remember Tamara and this historic event by watching the video, where Tamara herself shares the story of the Tarpon in front of the museum's Tarpon display. Hearing Tamara tell one of her favorite stories is a special way to honor her memory and the dedication she brought to preserving and sharing Carrabelle's history. ❤️

Watch the video and come experience the story for yourself at the Carrabelle History Museum.

📍 106 SE Avenue B, downtown Carrabelle
🕰️ Wed. 12–5 | Thur.–Sat. 10–5 | Sun. 12–5
🎟️ Free admission

We hope you will watch, remember Tamara and celebrate the history she loved so much.

The story of when the steamship Tarpon sank off the coast of Panama...

08/12/2026

❤️ The Carrabelle History Museum Reopens

The Carrabelle History Museum is reopening its doors for regular hours beginning Wednesday, August 12, following a temporary closure after the heartbreaking loss of our beloved Director, Tamara Bibb Allen.

While the museum is reopening, we know that things will feel different without Tamara. Her dedication, knowledge, humor, and quiet strength were such an important part of the museum and the Carrabelle community. Her absence leaves a tremendous void that cannot be filled.

But in the midst of this difficult time, something truly special has happened. Volunteers have stepped forward to help keep the museum open and continue Tamara’s work of welcoming visitors and sharing Carrabelle’s history. And that is a fitting tribute to an amazing lady.

To every volunteer who has offered their time, stepped behind the desk, greeted a visitor, shared a story, or simply said, “How can I help?” — thank you. Your generosity and support mean more than words can express.

And we still need you! If you have a few hours to spare and would like to help preserve and share Carrabelle’s history, please consider volunteering at the museum. Whether you can help regularly or occasionally, every hour makes a difference. No special expertise is required—just a willingness to welcome visitors and help keep Carrabelle’s history alive.

The museum will be open its regular hours beginning Wednesday, August 12. We invite residents and visitors alike to stop by, explore Carrabelle’s history, and help us continue the work that Tamara cared about so deeply.

Thank you, Carrabelle, for showing once again what makes this community so special. ❤️

Carrabelle History Museum
106 SE Avenue B, Carrabelle
Regular hours:
Wed 12 - 5 pm
Thur-Sat 10 am - 5 pm
Sun 12 - 5 pm

08/05/2026

The Carrabelle History Museum will be temporarily closed through Tuesday, August 11, as we continue to mourn the loss of our beloved Director, Tamara Bibb Allen. We expect to reopen on Wednesday, August 12.

Tamara dedicated more than 20 years to preserving Carrabelle's history and making every visitor feel welcome. While her loss is deeply felt, we are committed to continuing the work she loved.

To help us move forward, we are looking for volunteer greeters and docents to welcome visitors and share the stories of Carrabelle. No special experience is required—just a friendly smile, a love for our community, and a willingness to help. Training is provided.

If you've ever thought about volunteering, now is the perfect time to honor Tamara's legacy by helping keep our museum open for future generations.

Thank you for your patience, your support, and for keeping Tamara's family and loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time. Please feel free to email us at [email protected] or leave a message at our office (850) 697-2141.

08/02/2026

For those asking about services for Tamara -
Graveside Service
Tuesday, August 4, 2026, 1:00PM
Evergreen Cemetery
Gray Avenue, Carrabelle, FL

Tamara Bibb Allen, 79, of Carrabelle, Florida, passed away peacefully at her home on July 29, 2026.

Born on July 31, 1947, in Waycross, Georgia, to J. Robert Bibb and Martha Pool Bibb, Tamara lived a life defined by faith, leadership, service, and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others. She possessed a deep love for people and found great joy in preserving the rich history and heritage of Carrabelle, the community she so dearly cherished.

On November 13, 1993, she married the love of her life, Calvin D. Allen, who will forever treasure the years they shared together.

She was preceded in death by her parents, J. Robert Bibb and Martha Pool Bibb.

Left to honor her memory are her devoted husband, Calvin D. Allen; her children, Brad Allen, Steven W. Allen, Bonny Allen Ibarra, Beth Allen Williams, and Bryan Davis Allen; 11 beloved grandchildren; and 2 cherished great-grandchildren.

Tamara’s legacy of public service and community leadership spanned decades. She faithfully served as Senior Warden of the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Carrabelle, Chairman of the Board of Franklin’s Promise Coalition, Inc., Director and Co-Founder of Carrabelle CARES Corporation, and Director and Founder of the Carrabelle History Museum. She also served as Former President of the Trail of Florida’s Indian Heritage.

Throughout her distinguished career, Tamara held numerous leadership positions dedicated to serving others, including Director of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Florida Department of Labor and Employment Security (1993–1999), Southeast Regional Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration for the U.S. Department of Education in Atlanta, Georgia (1988–1993), and Executive Director of the Governor’s Committee on the Employment of the Handicapped with the Florida Department of Commerce.

Whether advocating for individuals with disabilities, preserving local history, strengthening community organizations, or serving her church, Tamara approached every endeavor with compassion, wisdom, and determination. Her impact on Carrabelle and beyond will continue to be felt for generations.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Carrabelle History Museum through Carrabelle CARES Corporation, Inc., at https://carrabellehistorymuseum.org/ or mailed to: Carrabelle History Museum, PO Box 0666, Carrabelle, FL 32322.

Tamara’s life was a testament to the power of servant leadership. She leaves behind a community made stronger by her vision, a family enriched by her love, and countless lives touched by her generosity and dedication. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

https://www.kelleyfh.com/obituaries/Tamara-Bibb-Allen?obId=49160330

View Tamara Bibb Allen's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

07/30/2026

💔

07/29/2026

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our beloved Director, Tamara Bibb Allen.

Tamara was so much more than the Director of the Carrabelle History Museum. She was a friend, a trusted advisor, a steady presence, a quiet source of strength, and one of the most caring and dedicated people our community has ever known. She loved her family, treasured her friends, and truly loved Carrabelle.

For more than 20 years, Tamara gave her heart to preserving our local history and helping make Carrabelle a better place. She shared her time freely, worked tirelessly behind the scenes, and was always willing to listen or lend a hand. Her kindness, quiet determination, compassion, resilience, and gentle humor made a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. Whether you knew her through the museum, one of the many community organizations she served, or simply as the lady in the scooter with the big hat and her little white dog, you knew someone special.

It's hard to imagine our community without Tamara. Her legacy cannot be measured in hours volunteered or projects completed, but in the lives she changed, the difference she made, and the love she shared, which will be felt for years to come. She was truly one of a kind, and she will be deeply missed.

Please keep Tamara's family and loved ones in your thoughts as we mourn this loss and remember a remarkable woman who gave so much of herself to Carrabelle and Franklin County and to everyone blessed enough to know her.

07/26/2026

Temporary Museum Closure Notice

As a volunteer-operated museum, we occasionally experience times when we do not have enough volunteers available to keep the museum open.

Because of a shortage of volunteer coverage, the museum will be temporarily closed Wednesday, July 29 - Tuesday, August 4 and will reopen on Wednesday, August 5 at 12 noon. (The museum is regularly closed Mondays and Tuesdays.) We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and continued support.

If you've ever thought about becoming part of our museum family, now is a wonderful time! Volunteers play an important role in welcoming visitors, sharing our community's history, and helping preserve this special place for future generations. Whether you can give a few hours a week or a few hours a month, your time truly makes a difference.

If you are interested in joining our volunteer team or would like more information, please contact us at [email protected]. We'd love to welcome you!

Thank you for helping us keep our local history alive.