by The Groveland Historical Society
The Groveland Historical Society is inviting the community to step back in time during a lively Founders Day celebration later this month, offering an afternoon filled with history, storytelling, and community pride. The free event will take place on Saturday, March 28, from 12 pm to 6 pm at the Groveland Historical Museum, and organizers say everyone is welcome to attend.
The annual celebration honors the pioneers, settlers, and visionaries who helped build Groveland and the surrounding communities. Throughout the afternoon, descendants of early families and local historians will present engaging talks highlighting the area’s fascinating past.
One of the featured presentations begins at 1 pm, focusing on the ambitious dreams of George Thomas King. Titled “The King of Villa City,” the program explores King’s grand 1880s vision of creating an elegant Mediterranean-style community known as Villa City, complete with citrus groves, stately homes, and Old World charm. The dream flourished briefly before the catastrophic Great Freeze of 1895 devastated the region’s citrus industry and altered the town’s trajectory.
At 2 pm, attendees will hear the “History of Stuckey,” a presentation exploring the early roots of families tied to the name and the area’s once-thriving turpentine camps, which played a key role in Florida’s pioneer economy.
A special moment of the afternoon arrives at 3 pm with a dedication ceremony honoring museum founder Marilyn Gammon Smith. The tribute will highlight Smith’s vision to preserve Groveland’s history and the community members who helped transform that dream into the museum visitors enjoy today.
At 4 pm, a Founders Presentation will spotlight the early settlers and families whose determination and innovation helped establish the city and surrounding communities, offering guests a deeper appreciation of Groveland’s roots.
The celebration concludes at 5 pm with the announcement of winners in the 3rd Annual Founders Day Essay Contest, where local students will read their award-winning essays about Groveland’s past.
Hosted by the Groveland Historical Society, the contest encourages young historians from Groveland and nearby Mascotte to research and share stories about Florida’s heritage. The competition features cash prizes and celebrates the people, places, and events that shaped the region.
Organizers say the event is designed to be both educational and inspiring — a chance for longtime residents and newcomers alike to connect with the stories that built the community.
With free admission, engaging presentations, and opportunities to hear directly from descendants of Groveland’s earliest families, this year’s Founders Day promises to be a memorable afternoon celebrating the city’s rich heritage and pioneering spirit.
This 1915 snapshot is looking east on the main street (State Road 50). The building to the right is the original Edge Mercantile building with gas pumps in front of it, today it is the spot of the Family Dollar (furnished by the Groveland Historical Society)
