In 2025, the City of Oldsmar and its Library Services undertook the responsibility of maintaining and preserving the Oldsmar Historical Collection. Museum hours are every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 am to 2 pm. On the first and third Tuesdays of the month the Museum is open from 6 pm to 7:00 pm. During the months of June, July, and August, the Museum is open on the first Tuesday of the month from 10 and to 2 pm and from 6 pm to 7 pm on those Council Meeting nights. OHS meetings are held at our 1919 Oldsmar State Bank building at 101 State Street West, Suite 2. Programs will be announced in a timely manner. If you would like to volunteer for 2 hours a month at the Museum contact MaryAnn Kruse, President/Secretary of the Oldsmar Historical Society at 813-716-7434. About us:
The Oldsmar Historical Society is a 501c3 non-profit corporation whose mission is collect, classify, protect, and display items, records, photographs, stories of events and customs of the history of Oldsmar and to research, write and publish articles concerning that history. We want to encourage those living in Oldsmar to embrace the city’s history because they are a part of its history too. It is not just the past but the present we must appreciate because it is a “present” for us to enjoy. This Historical Society was established in 2003. Lacking a Museum, the Society met in TECO Hall at the Oldsmar Public Library. It wasn’t until October, 2011 that the Society had a room on the first floor of the newly renovated 1919 Oldsmar State Bank building at 101 State Street West. This building is the City’s first LEED green building. It is also the only commercial building from 1919 that is still standing. Under the leadership of our past President, Loretta Wyandt (2003 to 2009) Oldsmar Historical Society became a 501c3 non-profit corporation. From 2010 to 2011, Ed Manny , Ed Sapeiga, and RoseMarie Chambers served as our Presidents. Our Museum which is designated the “Beverland Family Room” was opened at the grand opening of the Oldsmar State Bank Building in October, 2011. Jeri Antozzi served as President from December, 2011 to December, 2012. Then she became the OHS Volunteer Curator. Mark Opyd served as President from 2013-2021 . At this time MaryAnn Kruse is serving as OHS President. After the election of Jeri Antozzi as President in December, 2011, the Oldsmar Historical Society officially started keeping Museum hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 2 pm. On the first and third Tuesdays of the month, you will also find the Oldsmar Historical Society open from 6:00 pm to 7:00pm. Many visitors stop in before going to the second floor for the Oldsmar City Council meetings on those Tuesday evenings. The Oldsmar Historical Society has adopted a classroom or after school program at Oldsmar Elementary School over the years. Volunteers have visited classrooms during the Great American Teach-In to share some history about Oldsmar and its founder, R.E. The outreach to our youth is one of our goals. We have had a number of Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops visit the Museum. The Oldsmar Historical Society could not succeed without the support of memberships, donations, and our volunteers who donate their time. We have participated in community events, such as partnering with Gull-AireVillage’s Relay for Life Team for an Oldsmar “Relay for Love” Historical Walk. During Oldsmar Days and Nights’ weekend, we have partnered with the City of Oldsmar to host a city tour for the Oldsmobile Club of Florida. Some of the Oldsmobile enthusiasts came from out of state. OHS members have participated in Oldsmar Days Parades too. Some groups such as the Florida walking group, “Suncoast Sandpipers” incorporated a historical walk on the day that they were visiting Oldsmar. We will reach out and work with special groups all the time. By having a physical space for a Museum and operating hours, we have had an opportunity to meet many interesting people. Sometimes it could be a grandson or granddaughter of someone who had a store in Oldsmar back in the 1920’s. Of course, the old grocery store doesn’t exist now but they could tell us where it was located and they have items to donate when they come back in town. Another gentleman from New York who came in made museum quality replicas of R.E. Olds cars from 1880’s to 1904 using original plans. We had a lady come in and tell stories about living in the Wayside Inn on State Street when her mother was the manager in the 1940’s. The Wayside Inn burned down in 1948. Oldsmar is a great place to live, work, and play. Oldsmar Historical Society members are eager to share neat things about their city. We are in need of VOLUNTEERS and NEW Members. Since the pandemic two years ago, we are getting back to normal. Volunteers can give as little as 2 hours a month and/or 2 hours a week. Join the Oldsmar Historical Society and be a part of the group. Visit us at 101 State Street West, Suite 2. Our hours are from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. On Tuesdays and Thursdays each week. On the first and third Tuesdays of each month the Museum will be open from 6-7:00pm. President/Secretary,MaryAnn Kruse; Vice President-Bill Afonso, and Dave Pacheco; Treasurer-Dan Saracki;
2 -Members at Large-
Jeri Antozzi (Volunteer Curator)
Mary Ann Man
If you have any questions or want to Volunteer, you can contact:
President Maryann Kruse: 813-716-7434
Treasurer Dan Saracki
813-928-7077
This information about OHS has been updated as of 2/16/22.
