The Wakulla County Museum, located at 24 High Drive in Crawfordville, Florida,
is housed in the historic Old Wakulla County Jail building. Constructed around
1949, it served as the county jail until 1972. It was built as a residence for
the jailer and his family, who lived on the first floor. The second floor held
jail cells for the prisoners.
The structure is one of the few remaining examples of Art Deco style jail
architecture in the region, featuring a distinctive concrete and stucco exterior
with a flat roof. After 1972, the building housed county and emergency medical
services offices. It then sat vacant for many years until being repurposed as a
museum by the Wakulla County Historical Society.
The Wakulla County Historical Society, founded in October of 1991, began laying
plans for the museum renovation as early as 1999 - effectively saving the
building from demolition. Much of the interior was carefully preserved to
maintain its original mid-twentieth century character, allowing visitors to see
the contrast between the administrative and living quarters, and the stark
reality of the jail cells.
Visitors can explore rooms fille with artifacts, including the Gerrell Room,
focusing on local life from 1889 to 1940, and the McLeod Room, which houses a
diverse collection of historical treasures. In addition to the historical
exhibits, the museum contains an extensive genealogy library and archives, with
volunteers available to help visitors research their family history and local
roots. A gift shop is also on the premises.
The museum is open only a few days of the week. Check the link below to verify
open hours before planning your visit.
Activities & Facilities
Museum or Visitor Center