Trains and Seminole Indians Presentation at the C.K. Historical Society Museum

History buffs will be treated to a double measure of Florida and local history at the Cedar Key Historical Society Museum on Saturday, August 9th. The Museum will unveil their latest exhibit on the Florida Railroad and Dr. Joe Knetsch, noted Florida writer and historian, will be on hand to sign his new
book, "Florida`s Seminole Wars, 1817 - 1858."

The Florida Railroad, which extended from Fernandina to Cedar Key, was erected mostly through the efforts of David Levy Yulee, one of Florida`s first Senators and namesake of Levy County. The rail line, completed to Cedar Key in March of 1861, went abandoned from Bronson to Cedar Key during the Civil War. After the war, rail service was restored and Cedar Key, the western terminus of the rail line, flourished into a bustling sea port.

The permanent railroad exhibit, assembled by Society member Elizabeth Ehrbar, is a collection of photographs and memorabilia from the town`s railroading days. Young and old like will delight in reliving the adventures of early
railroading in Cedar Key.

Dr. Joe Knetsch, historian for the Florida DEP Division of State Lands since 1987, is the author of over 140 articles on Florida history. He received his Ph.D. in history from Florida State University and has taught in the Florida public school and university system. Dr. Joe is a member and serves on numerous historic Boards and Councils such the Florida Historical Society, the St. Augustine Historical Society, the Council on America`s Military Past, and the Micanopy Historical Society.

His latest work on the Florida Seminole Wars includes the history of Florida surveying. Dr. Joe will have a supply of books on hand for purchase and will gladly sign them with a personalized greeting. This book would make a marvelous Christmas gift for the history lovers on your gift list! The book signing and Open House for the Railroad Exhibit start at 2:00 PM.

Admission fees to the Historical Society Museum have been waived for this event.

The Museum is located on the corner of SR 24 and 2nd Street In Cedar Key and will be open from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

For further information, please call (352) 543-5549.

An early steam engine pulling a train to Cedar Key early 1900s. The train has stopped on a siding to wait for an oncoming train and the rail men and passengers have stepped out of the coaches to stretch their legs. Photograph from the collection of the Cedar Key Historical Society Museum.