A Journey Through Time on Florida’s Space Coast

From the Ice Age to the Space Age, the Brevard Museum of History & Natural Science serves as a living chronicle of Florida’s captivating story. Embark on a journey through time and uncover treasures within, exploring a myriad of exhibits that offer a rich tapestry of Brevard County and Florida’s history and sciences.

Exploring the Brevard Museum Exhibits

Florida’s Natural History

Delve into the geological past and diverse ecosystems that shaped the state. Marvel at a Giant Sloth Fossil Cast, providing a glimpse into Florida’s prehistoric giants, and explore a Mastodon Fossil Cast to appreciate the sheer size of these ancient creatures.

Windover Archaeological Site Exhibit

The Windover Archaeological Site, a Middle Archaic site in Florida, is a National Historic Landmark where the skeletal remains of 168 individuals were discovered in a muck pond. Dating back to 6000 to 5000 BC, the well-preserved skeletons were buried in peat, allowing for exceptional preservation. Notably, 91 skulls revealed remarkably intact brain tissue, enabling DNA sequencing. The DNA also suggested a single family’s multi-generational use of the site over a century.

Discovered in 1982 during construction, the site’s excavation, led by Glen Doran and David Dickel of Florida State University, unveiled a range of human remains, including children with valuable grave goods. The bodies, buried with woven fabrics and held down by sharpened stakes, provided insights into Archaic society practices. Moreover, the discovery of stomach contents and well-preserved artifacts, such as fabric weaves, atlatls, and projectile points, shed light on their dietary and technological practices.

Windover’s significance extends beyond its archaeological findings. The site’s underwater burials in peat align with similar practices in other Florida locations. The presence of stakes suggests a possible ritualistic aspect of holding bodies underwater. This discovery, alongside other sites excavated since 1970, has led to a reassessment of the Archaic period in Florida, with Windover being considered one of the most significant archaeological sites ever excavated, designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987.

Flagler’s Railroad Exhibit

Henry Flagler, co-founder of Standard Oil, played a pivotal role in shaping modern Florida. Recognizing the state’s tourism potential in 1878, he addressed its lack of hotel facilities by building the Hotel Ponce de Leon in 1885. Flagler’s vision extended to creating a solid transportation system, leading him to purchase and improve railroads, including the Jacksonville, St. Augustine & Halifax Railroad, and standardizing gauge systems.

By 1896, Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railway Company reached Biscayne Bay, fostering development around Fort Dallas (Miami). When the U.S. announced plans for the Panama Canal in 1905, Flagler ambitiously extended the railway to Key West. The Over-Sea Railroad, completed in 1912, marked the final link, connecting Jacksonville to Key West. This monumental achievement, overcoming engineering challenges and hurricanes, linked the entire east coast of Florida.

Flagler’s impact extended beyond transportation, as his hotels and development of the Model Land Company spurred tourism and agriculture, shaping Florida’s major industries. Despite retiring from Standard Oil, Flagler’s achievements solidified his legacy as the “inventor of modern Florida.” Over a century later, agriculture and tourism remain the state’s economic mainstays, a testament to Flagler’s foresight and perseverance

Scientific Achievements

Witness milestones shaping Florida’s scientific landscape, from Apollo missions to the Hubble Telescope. Explore the technological advancements propelling humanity beyond earthly bounds.

Enjoy your fascinating journey through time!

Nearby Attractions

• Kennedy Space Center
• Florida Surf Museum
• American Space Museum
• American Police Hall of Fame & Museum
• Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge