Venice Area Historical Society

Join VAHS

VAHS Projects

VAHS, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, relies heavily on the financial support of individuals and businesses to fund various projects which enhance the quality of life for residents and tourists.

Donations also support the continuing maintenance of the Depot Campus where over 70,000 people have enjoyed the 1927 Historic Venice Train Depot and the Circus Car Museum. VAHS is also working on another project to refurbish the Caboose, which will be a welcomed addition to the Depot Campus.

The following are highlights of the projects and how you can help to support our efforts.

Caboose Renovations

$15,000 Goal

Previously, the exterior of the caboose was restored, reflected in the before and after photographs above. However, we will be repainting the exterior of the caboose due to the sun fading the paint.

The renovations of the caboose's interior are shown in the slideshow below.

Interior of the caboose before renovations.

The caboose emptied.

Mike removing the floor tiles.

The majority of the flooring removed.

Replaced subfloor where needed.

Replaced subfloor where needed and all the thresholds.

The old HVAC system protruded out from the wall.

Close-up of the old HVAC system.

Removing the old HVAC system.

Royal installing the new HVAC system.

The new HVAC system.

View of the interior with the new less-intrusive HVAC system.

Installation complete.

The old HVAC system.

Interior renovations completed.

Currently, the caboose is closed to the public. VAHS's goal is to:

Remove the VAHS Collection, shelving, and office - COMPLETED
Remove the linoleum floor tiles - COMPLETED
Replace old HVAC system - COMPLETED
Update electrical wiring - COMPLETED
Replace damaged plywood subfloor - COMPLETED
Install carpet tiles - COMPLETED
Install new baseboards and trim - COMPLETED
Repaint the interior - COMPLETED
Create new, revolving displays
Open the caboose to the public
Repaint the exterior

If you would like to contribute to the Caboose Renovations,

donations may be made directly to VAHS by scanning the QR Code below.

John Nolen Statue

Completed

Photograph of John Nolen

from which the statue was cast

The bronze statue in Centennial Park

As a part of the Centennial Celebrations, the Venice Area Historical Society ("VAHS") partnered with the Venice Area Beautification Inc. ("VABI") to commission a statue of John Nolen. The all-bronze statue of Nolen is seated on a 1920's style park bench and is holding his city plan of Venice. Bronzeman, a California company, cast the statue. It is located in Centennial Park on the corner of West Venice Avenue and Nokomis Avenue North.

Venice Area Historical Society

PO Box 995

Venice, FL 34284-0995

information@veniceareahistoricalsociety.org

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

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