Last updated: 4/20/2017
Clermont, Florida
Address
490 West Ave.
Clermont, FL 34711

Hours

September through June
Friday
1 PM - 3 AM
Sunday, Saturday
1 PM - 4 PM
July and August
Sunday, Saturday
1 PM - 4 PM

Admissions

Guided Tour: Suggested Donation $2. Donations benefit the South Lake County Historical Society and the Clermont Historic Village Museum and are tax-deductible.

Free. Donations Accepted.

Staff

Roxanne Brown
phone:
Jim Briggs
phone: 352-394-8709
Description
ABOUT THE Clermont Historic Village Museum

In 1996, the City of Clermont purchased the Clermont Historic Village property, which included the Train Depot and the Quonset Hut. The South Lake County Historical Society was formed in 1998. The SLCHS and the City of Clermont have a cooperative agreement allowing the Historical Society to operate the Historic Village.

The Herring Hooks Schoolhouse

The Herring Hooks Schoolhouse, the most recent addition to the Village, was dedicated on April 13, 2013. It is a replica of the original 1881 Herring Hooks one room schoolhouse. The original building was located on the east side of US 27, north of SR 50 near Jack's Lake. The building first served as Herring Hooks' Hunting Lodge, until it was appropriated for use as a schoolhouse. Mrs. Thomas J. Hooks was the teacher at Clermont's first school.

The Cooper Memorial Library

The Cooper Memorial Library was originally located on West Desoto Street and built in 1914. It was moved to the village in 2009. It underwent refurbishment in 2011 and was dedicated in February 2012.

The Outhouse

The Outhouse was built between the Kern and Townsend Houses as part of an Eagle Scout Project. Jamaal Anderson Reid helped the Village create a replica of a typical Outhouse. He was awarded the honor of Eagle Scout for his time and effort.

Clermont's Train Depot

Clermont's Train Depot stands in its original home at the Village. In 2011, the Depot was refurbished.

Quonset Hut from World War II

This building is an original Quonset Hut from World War II. In 2012, it was renovated to house a WWII museum.

The Kern House

The Kern House was originally built around 1895 on Montrose Street. In 2008, it was moved to the Historic Village and was opened for tours.

The Townsend House

The Townsend House was originally built around 1895. In 2002, the house was moved from its original location on SR 50 to the Historic Village. It has been open for public tours since 2005.

Mission

The mission of the South Lake County Historical Society is to preserve, maintain, and share the history of the pioneering families of South Lake County. We cover the period from the eighteen hundreds to the end of World War II. The SLCHS continues to uphold the dreams of the original members to have a Historic Village where people of all ages, especially young students, can learn about the lifestyle of times gone by.

History

Quonset hut was constructed in 1943 and used by Army searchlight unit for training. Unit moved out in 1944 to combat service in the Pacific.

Artifact Collections

Uniforms, patch collection, copies of Chicago Tribune front pages, USO corner, Original 1943 bunk bed, Chaplain's kit. Japanese sniper rifle, field organ, Wall of Honor, dog tag replicas of area veterans.

Research Collections

Bookcase full of WW 2 publications.

Educational Programs

All volunteer docents for regular tours. Groups welcomed by arrangement.

Facilities

Small rental hall in railroad depot. Please Call 352-593-8496 to inquire about facility rentals.

Publications

irregular newsletter

Services
Special Guided Tours

Special Guided Tours are available for your organization, school, or other group! Just call 352-593-8496 to schedule a time for your visit.

FUNDRAISERS - Thanks You to Our Community Supporters

Below are a list of ongoing Home Demonstration fundraisers. These individuals have agreed to donate a portion of their sales from this site to the Village, so don't forget to mention that Clermont Historic Village sent you!

If you would like to order AVON

If you would like to order AVON, contact Carmel Pivacco. Carmel is a proud supporter of the Village. Order by email or online, but be sure to mention that Clermont Historic Village sent you.

If you would like to order Bellaroma

If you would like to order Bellaroma, contact Beth Flath. Beth is a proud supporter of the Village. Order by email or online, but be sure to mention that Clermont Historic Village sent you.

Premier Designs

If you would like to order Premier Designs, contact Donna Liebi. Donna is a proud supporter of the Village. Order by email, but be sure to mention that Clermont Historic Village sent you.

Special Event Rental
Group Tours
ADA

4 buildings of 6 on site are ADA accessable

Wheelchair Accessible
Restrooms
Exhibitions
Museum Events
DISCLAIMER
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MUSEUM CONFERENCES

2025 California Association of Museums Conference

February 18 - 22, 2025

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2025 Am Assoc for State and Local History Annual Conference

September 10 - 13, 2025

Cincinnati, Ohio

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