The Groveland Museum, located at 243 S. Lake Avenue, is now open for public visits.  Hours are: Saturdays 11:00 am – 1:00 pm or by special appointment by calling 352-429-4514.  Safety precautions for Covid-19 are in place.

One of the museum’s many features is the focus on local veterans.

Shown is a portion of six panels, divided into the various branches of military service, which feature local veterans.  A work in progress, veterans are still encouraged to bring in their pictures, in military uniform, to add to the display.

Two large display cases also have pictures with write-ups of locals who served in World War II.   One of the many pictures featured in the showcase is of a man who was badly burned while trying to get men into the water from his torpedoed sinking ship.  Hailed a hero, this native later returned to become Groveland’s city clerk for many years.  Another feature is that of two who were prisoners of war; while another native-born son flew 25 bombing missions over Japan (his family shared stories of his returning home to Groveland after the war and the need to keep the radio playing during the night to drown out his screams in his sleep).  A local barber spent three days in a fox hole in Italy with nothing to eat but fig bars; while one Groveland woman was reported to be the first female in Florida to join the WAVES during the war.

One special panel display recognizes those who gave their ALL during World War II, and never returned to enjoy life in their beloved community.  Other heroes who sacrificed their ALL in VietNam and Iraq are also featured.

Come discover our veterans and the appreciation they deserve while also exploring Groveland’s fascinating history…A free tour well worth your time!

By Mary Helen Myers, President of the Groveland Historical Society Museum

On Saturday, August 29, special arrangements were made for Glenn Turner, a veteran of World War II, to visit the Groveland Historical Society Museum. Glenn enjoyed looking through the display cases which feature the locals from the Groveland area who were part of “the greatest generation” serving our country during WW II.  Joining the Navy, Glenn was assigned to the USS Adopt, a minesweeper serving in the Pacific, sweeping for mines around the Aleutian Islands, Dutch Harbor and patrolling in the Bering Sea.  Listening to his fascinating stories were Connie Fleetwood and Mary Helen Myers, officers of the historical society, who were involved in making the special arrangements for him to visit the museum, which is still closed to the public due to the pandemic. To visit the museum was something the family wanted him to get to enjoy as he celebrated his 96th birthday this past weekend.  Also accompanying him was a son-in-law Dr. Allan Zubkin.

Upon his arrival, a large sign was displayed outside welcoming him to the museum.  Glenn, born in the hills of Kentucky, moved to Groveland in 1970 with his wife Doris.  The couple has been married for 76 years.  Connie Fleetwood shared his life of service to the Edge Memorial United Methodist Church through the years, while Myers commented on how honored she felt to be able to talk with someone who had served our country in such a significant way!

This year is the 75th anniversary of the ending of WW II.

During the pandemic, while closed, major remodeling has occurred inside the Groveland museum and it is hoped that the museum will soon be opened again for the public to enjoy.