The Sanford Student Museum and Center for Social Studies (in the downtown Sanford historic district) was built in 1902 in a romanesque revival style (as so many other buildings in historic Sanford). The architect was W.G. Talley of Jacksonville with the two symmetrical one story wings by Sanford architect Elton Moughton (added in 1916). It’s a beautiful 2 story brick facade building with 3 story bell tower, located on 7th Street right across a park in Sanford. It’s the oldest school building in continuous use in Seminole County and the 4th oldest school in continuous use in Florida.
The building served as Sanford High School from 1902 to 1911 (the year when the new high school opened). After that is was renamed Sanford Grammar and served public school students until 1984.
What makes the building so special is that it gives us a very good idea of how schools looked in around the turn of the century. Just imagine how it would have been to go to schools here! How would that compare to your old high school?
I personally think buildings like those are a wonderful environment for students, an environment that creates awe and respect. I was fortunate to go to a high school that was located in a building from the late 1800s but founded in the 1600s.
I’m quite curious to see what it offers. From what I found out online the museum offers a great learning opportunity to public school students of Seminole County.
More Info:
Open for scheduled programs: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Open to the public: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 1:30 – 3:00 PM.
Address: 301 West 7th Street, Sanford, FL 32771