Welcome to the Largo Area Historical Society
The Largo Area Historical Society, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit corporation chartered under Florida laws on October 17, 1973.
Our Mission
The purpose of the Society is to provide historical education, promote and preserve historical places, documents and items, and to encourage the appreciation and understanding of our local history. Much like the groves and cattle ranches of the past, Largo's small town history is disappearing. Few historic buildings remain, scant few of the families that settled and built Largo are left. The challenge of recording our long history and telling that story belongs to the Society. In 2020, a Museum Collections Committee was founded to organize our historic documents and memorabilia. Contributions to the museum are now managed by this dedicated group.
In 1973, Sadie Johnson, Largo's resident historian and preservationist brought forth the idea that it was time for Largo to have a historical society. Sadie and a group of prominent Largo citizens got together and petitioned the Florida Legislature for recognition as a chartered Historical Society. Miss Sadie, as she was known, became its first president.
Publications
The Society’s books, From Pines and Palmettos and A Wise Cracker Anthology, carry our history and traditions forward and are available for purchase through the website store. These publications as well as citrus labels, cane syrup, lithographs, and cd’s are available for purchase at the Historic Largo Feed Store and Museum during the Society’s scheduled hours.
Be a Part of our History
The Society holds regular meetings at the Historic Feed Store and Museum located in Largo's Central Park on the 2nd Monday of each month (excluding July and August) at 6:00 p.m. These meetings include a potluck supper and a quality speaker. Doors open at 5:15.
In addition, we invite you to stop by the Museum on the first Saturday of each month (excluding July and August) from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. to view our historic displays and chat with Society members who will gladly share the story of our city's rich heritage! ln 1992, through the efforts and funds raised by the Society, the Feed Store was moved to its present site in Largo's Central Park. lt now stands restored and has been put to new uses while preserving an important view into Largo 's agricultural past.
Meet the Board
Officers
Interim Co-President: Judy Akin
Interim Co-President: Linda Bassett
Interim Co-President: Jean Beistle
1st Vice President: Charlie Harper
2nd Vice President: Linda Bassett
Secretary: Donna Howard
Treasurer: Chuck Fiorenza
Directors at Large
Diane Athanson
Ron Davis
Nancy Ertz
Marilyn Short
Standing Committees
Programs: Charlie Harper
Cracker Lunch/Silent Auction: Jean Beistle
Judy Akin
Museum: Jean Beistle
Carla Kerns
Marilyn Short
Sandy Lutz
Finance: Judy Akin
Linda Bassett
Jean Beistle
Chuck Fiorenza
Website: Donna Howard
Appointed Positions
Cane Gang: Ted Signor
Hospitality: Nancy Ertz
Tom Henry
Historians: Marilyn Short
Carla Kerns
Charlie Harper
Communications: Scott Ertz
Technology: Scott Ertz
Photography: David Bassett
Wise Cracker Editor: David Bassett