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Calendar of Events

If you "Switch to Calendar View" below, events are color-coded.  The following colors represent the type of event:  purple for the VAHS Traveling Exhibitions, tan for Events, red for Depot Campus schedule, teal for The Betty Intagliata Lecture Series and the Venice Centennial Lecture Series, and pink for Discover Sarasota Tours - The Venice Circus Tours.

Upcoming events

  • Depot & Circus Car Tours - closes at 1:00 pm

    • December 06, 2025
    • December 31, 2025
    • 12 sessions
    • 303 East Venice Avenue Venice, FL 34285

    PLEASE NOTE:  Tours are given between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays only.

    Show details

  • The Venice Centennial Lecture Series - Irvin Lewin

    • December 09, 2025
    • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
    • William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library 300 Nokomis Ave S, Venice, FL 34285

    The Venice Project:  Beyond the Garden City

    Show details

  • Pop-Up Meet-Up at Lord-Higel's Coffee House

    • December 10, 2025
    • 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    • 409 Granada Avenue, Venice, FL 34285
    • 0

    VAHS is pleased to invite you to an exclusive members-only event!  The next Pop-Up Meet-Up will be at the historic Lord-Higel house on Wednesday, December 10th.  Come and meet Alyssa Williams and Gary Lauters as they launch Lord-Higel's Coffee House by Black Gold Coffee Roasters, tour the incredible restoration of the building, and enjoy a presentation by VAHS Board of Director Irvin Lewin on the history of the house.

    This event is limited to fifty VAHS members only and there will be a five dollar donation to guarantee your reservation and to help defray the cost of the hors d'oeuvres.  In addition, there will be a cash bar with soda, water, beer, and wine.

    Show details

  • The Betty Intagliata Lecture Series - Curt Whittaker

    • December 16, 2025
    • 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • 1971 Pinebrook Rd, Venice, FL 34292

    The Lost Creeks of Venice


    Show details

  • Depot & Circus Car Tours - closes at 1:00 pm

    • January 03, 2026
    • April 29, 2026
    • 51 sessions
    • 303 East Venice Avenue Venice, FL 34285

    PLEASE NOTE:  Tours are given between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm.


    Show details

  • The Venice Centennial Lecture Series - Jeana Hilligoss

    • January 13, 2026
    • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
    • William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library 300 Nokomis Ave S, Venice, FL 34285

    The Life of Ann Worthington

    Show details

  • Discover Sarasota Tours - The Venice Circus Tour

    • January 13, 2026
    • 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
    • Venice Area Chamber of Commerce 597 S Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34285


    Discover Sarasota Tours is pleased to announce the return of the beloved Venice Trolley Tours in 2026.  The Venice Circus Tour led by Bob Collins will run January through April.  This tour runs every other Tuesday starting at 1:00 pm.  It leaves from the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce which provides ample free parking.  It includes a stop at the 1927 Historic Venice Train Depot and the Circus Car Museum.

    Tour tickets and information are available online at

    DiscoverSarasotaTours.com

    or by calling 941-260-9818

    For Groups of up to thirty, email

    info@DiscoverSarasotaTours.com

    Show details

  • The Betty Intagliata Lecture Series - Corky Dalton

    • January 20, 2026
    • 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • 1971 Pinebrook Rd, Venice, FL 34292

    Venice’s Design Started with Nature

    Show details

  • Discover Sarasota Tours - The Venice Circus Tour

    • January 27, 2026
    • 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
    • Venice Area Chamber of Commerce 597 S Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34285


    Discover Sarasota Tours is pleased to announce the return of the beloved Venice Trolley Tours in 2026.  The Venice Circus Tour led by Bob Collins will run January through April.  This tour runs every other Tuesday starting at 1:00 pm.  It leaves from the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce which provides ample free parking.  It includes a stop at the 1927 Historic Venice Train Depot and the Circus Car Museum.

    Tour tickets and information are available online at

    DiscoverSarasotaTours.com

    or by calling 941-260-9818

    For Groups of up to thirty, email

    info@DiscoverSarasotaTours.com

    Show details

  • Venice Area Chamber of Commerce Non-Profit Rally

    • January 30, 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • 597 S Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34285


    Visit our Booth at the Non-Profit Rally

    TODO


    Show details

  • Discover Sarasota Tours - The Venice Circus Tour

    • February 03, 2026
    • 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
    • Venice Area Chamber of Commerce 597 S Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34285


    Discover Sarasota Tours is pleased to announce the return of the beloved Venice Trolley Tours in 2026.  The Venice Circus Tour led by Bob Collins will run January through April.  This tour runs every other Tuesday starting at 1:00 pm.  It leaves from the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce which provides ample free parking.  It includes a stop at the 1927 Historic Venice Train Depot and the Circus Car Museum.

    Tour tickets and information are available online at

    DiscoverSarasotaTours.com

    or by calling 941-260-9818

    For Groups of up to thirty, email

    info@DiscoverSarasotaTours.com

    Show details

  • The Venice Centennial Lecture Series - Charlotte Waisman

    • February 10, 2026
    • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
    • William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library 300 Nokomis Ave S, Venice, FL 34285

    Women in Florida History

    Show details

  • Discover Sarasota Tours - The Venice Circus Tour

    • February 17, 2026
    • 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
    • Venice Area Chamber of Commerce 597 S Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34285


    Discover Sarasota Tours is pleased to announce the return of the beloved Venice Trolley Tours in 2026.  The Venice Circus Tour led by Bob Collins will run January through April.  This tour runs every other Tuesday starting at 1:00 pm.  It leaves from the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce which provides ample free parking.  It includes a stop at the 1927 Historic Venice Train Depot and the Circus Car Museum.

    Tour tickets and information are available online at

    DiscoverSarasotaTours.com

    or by calling 941-260-9818

    For Groups of up to thirty, email

    info@DiscoverSarasotaTours.com

    Show details

  • The Betty Intagliata Lecture Series - Bruce Stephenson

    • February 17, 2026
    • 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • 1971 Pinebrook Rd, Venice, FL 34292

    The Brotherhood of Man in Nature, John Nolen’s Plan for Venice, Florida


    Show details

  • The Venice Centennial Lecture Series - Sue Chapman

    • March 03, 2026
    • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
    • William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library 300 Nokomis Ave S, Venice, FL 34285

    A Reflective View of Venice

    Show details

  • Discover Sarasota Tours - The Venice Circus Tour

    • March 03, 2026
    • 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
    • Venice Area Chamber of Commerce 597 S Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34285


    Discover Sarasota Tours is pleased to announce the return of the beloved Venice Trolley Tours in 2026.  The Venice Circus Tour led by Bob Collins will run January through April.  This tour runs every other Tuesday starting at 1:00 pm.  It leaves from the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce which provides ample free parking.  It includes a stop at the 1927 Historic Venice Train Depot and the Circus Car Museum.

    Tour tickets and information are available online at

    DiscoverSarasotaTours.com

    or by calling 941-260-9818

    For Groups of up to thirty, email

    info@DiscoverSarasotaTours.com

    Show details

  • Discover Sarasota Tours - The Venice Circus Tour

    • March 17, 2026
    • 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
    • Venice Area Chamber of Commerce 597 S Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34285


    Discover Sarasota Tours is pleased to announce the return of the beloved Venice Trolley Tours in 2026.  The Venice Circus Tour led by Bob Collins will run January through April.  This tour runs every other Tuesday starting at 1:00 pm.  It leaves from the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce which provides ample free parking.  It includes a stop at the 1927 Historic Venice Train Depot and the Circus Car Museum.

    Tour tickets and information are available online at

    DiscoverSarasotaTours.com

    or by calling 941-260-9818

    For Groups of up to thirty, email

    info@DiscoverSarasotaTours.com

    Show details

  • The Betty Intagliata Lecture Series - Irvin Lewin

    • March 17, 2026
    • 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • 1971 Pinebrook Rd, Venice, FL 34292

    John Nolen’s Venice and Mariemont Projects: Communities in Contrast


    Show details

  • Discover Sarasota Tours - The Venice Circus Tour

    • March 31, 2026
    • 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
    • Venice Area Chamber of Commerce 597 S Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34285


    Discover Sarasota Tours is pleased to announce the return of the beloved Venice Trolley Tours in 2026.  The Venice Circus Tour led by Bob Collins will run January through April.  This tour runs every other Tuesday starting at 1:00 pm.  It leaves from the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce which provides ample free parking.  It includes a stop at the 1927 Historic Venice Train Depot and the Circus Car Museum.

    Tour tickets and information are available online at

    DiscoverSarasotaTours.com

    or by calling 941-260-9818

    For Groups of up to thirty, email

    info@DiscoverSarasotaTours.com

    Show details

  • Discover Sarasota Tours - The Venice Circus Tour

    • April 07, 2026
    • 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
    • Venice Area Chamber of Commerce 597 S Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34285


    Discover Sarasota Tours is pleased to announce the return of the beloved Venice Trolley Tours in 2026.  The Venice Circus Tour led by Bob Collins will run January through April.  This tour runs every other Tuesday starting at 1:00 pm.  It leaves from the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce which provides ample free parking.  It includes a stop at the 1927 Historic Venice Train Depot and the Circus Car Museum.

    Tour tickets and information are available online at

    DiscoverSarasotaTours.com

    or by calling 941-260-9818

    For Groups of up to thirty, email

    info@DiscoverSarasotaTours.com

    Show details

  • Giving Challenge 2026

    • April 15, 2026
    • 12:00 PM
    • April 16, 2026
    • 12:00 PM
    • Online

    Official Logos


    Click Here to Donate to Venice Area Historical Society during the Giving Challenge


    April 9-10, 2026

    Noon-Noon


    Preserve Key Historic Assets at

    Venice Train Depot

    Support the Ongoing Critical Initiatives of the Society

    The Patterson Foundation Will Match All Donations 1:1

    between $25 and $100


    VAHS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and has registered with the State of Florida to solicit contributions.  A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES AT WWW.800HELPFLA.COM OR BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN (800-435-7352) OR OUTSIDE (850-410-3800) FLORIDA.  REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.” Ch 32089

    Show details

  • Discover Sarasota Tours - The Venice Circus Tour

    • April 21, 2026
    • 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
    • Venice Area Chamber of Commerce 597 S Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34285


    Discover Sarasota Tours is pleased to announce the return of the beloved Venice Trolley Tours in 2026.  The Venice Circus Tour led by Bob Collins will run January through April.  This tour runs every other Tuesday starting at 1:00 pm.  It leaves from the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce which provides ample free parking.  It includes a stop at the 1927 Historic Venice Train Depot and the Circus Car Museum.

    Tour tickets and information are available online at

    DiscoverSarasotaTours.com

    or by calling 941-260-9818

    For Groups of up to thirty, email

    info@DiscoverSarasotaTours.com

    Show details

  • The Betty Intagliata Lecture Series - Les Standiford

    • April 21, 2026
    • 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • 1971 Pinebrook Rd, Venice, FL 34292

    Battle for the Big Top: The Death-Defying Saga of the American Circus

    Les Standiford is the author of 25 critically acclaimed books, including 10 novels and the New York Times best-selling non-fiction Last Train to Paradise, now in its 40th printing.  His novel Spill and his non-fiction work The Man Who Invented Christmas, a New York Times Editors’ Choice, were made into feature films.  The latter starred Christopher Plummer and Dan Stevens and was reviewed on MSNBC in 2024 as “the most underrated Christmas film of the 21st Century,” and has been listed by numerous publications, including Good Housekeeping and The San Francisco Chronicle, as among the Top Ten Christmas films of all time.

    He is a Distinguished University Professor of English and Founding Director of the Creative Writing Program at FIU, and holds the MA and PhD in literature and creative writing from the University of Utah.  In Spring 2024 he was named a “Florida Icon” by Florida Trend magazine, an honor awarded to individuals such as H. Wayne Huizenga, Janet Reno, Bobby Bowden, and Stetson Kennedy.  His book Battle for the Big Top, which examines the cultural influence of the American Circus, received the 2022 Gold Medal for General Interest Non-Fiction from the Florida Book Awards.

    Show details

VAHS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and has registered with the State of Florida to solicit contributions.  A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN (800-435-7352) OR OUTSIDE (850-410-3800) FLORIDA.  REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.” Ch 32089

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® and The Greatest Show On Earth® trademarks are used under license from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Combined Shows, Inc.

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