Nestled away from the bustling beaches and modern attractions of Florida, the Barberville Pioneer Settlement for Creative Arts offers a unique and enriching experience. This living history museum provides visitors with an authentic glimpse into Florida’s past, before the age of automobiles and sprawling urban development. For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure that combines history, culture, and hands-on learning, the Pioneer Settlement In Barberville is an unmissable destination.
Finding your way to hidden gems can sometimes be an adventure in itself. In an era of instant digital directions, relying on local knowledge often uncovers unexpected insights. During a visit to the Daytona Beach area, seeking guidance from hotel staff about local attractions is usually a reliable starting point. However, when inquiring about the Pioneer Settlement for the Creative Arts, the response was surprising – a blank stare. The concierge, accustomed to directing tourists towards surf shops, beachfront dining, and the roar of Daytona International Speedway, was unfamiliar with this cultural haven.
This initial surprise underscores the Settlement’s status as a delightful secret, a treasure trove of history and art tucked away from the mainstream tourist trail. While Daytona Beach rightly earns its reputation as a vibrant vacation spot, the Pioneer Settlement offers a different kind of Florida experience, one rooted in the state’s rich heritage and creative spirit. Fortunately, despite its low profile, the Pioneer Settlement isn’t difficult to locate. Positioned just west of the intersection of Highway 40 and County Road 3, it’s an easily accessible step back in time.
Located near De Leon Springs and not far from the historic city of DeLand, the Pioneer Settlement was established in 1976 by a collective of passionate art teachers. This group, who later formed the Board of Directors under the leadership of Lura D. Bell, envisioned a space dedicated to preserving Florida’s rural past and fostering artistic expression. Their mission statement, at its core, is threefold: to safeguard the heritage of rural Florida, to educate people of all ages about settler life and arts, and to cultivate a connection between the community and Florida’s folk artists, encouraging everyone to explore their own creative potential.
To realize this vision, the founders ingeniously repurposed the old Central High School in Barberville. This building, dating back to 1919 and recognized on the National Historic Register of Places in 1993, became the Settlement’s initial home. By 1982, the doors opened to the public, inviting them to explore collections of art and historical artifacts and witness captivating working exhibits.
As the Pioneer Settlement gained popularity and its collections expanded, the need for more space became apparent. Instead of constructing new buildings, the Board adopted a unique approach: relocating historically significant structures from the surrounding region to the Settlement grounds. This endeavor began with the acquisition of the Railroad Depot from Pierson in 1982 and the Post Office from Huntington in 1996, both dating back to around 1885. Today, the Settlement’s “village” encompasses a fascinating array of buildings, including the Astor Bridgekeeper’s House (circa 1926), a Turpentine Still (circa 1924), a Pottery Shed (circa 1920s), and the authentic Lewis Log Cabin (circa 1875).
Where original buildings were unavailable, workshops were meticulously constructed, each designed to showcase specific crafts and trades. These include the Print Shop, Wheelwright Shop/Carriage House, Woodwright Shop, and Blacksmith Shop, alongside recreations of Timucuan-Myacca and Seminole villages. Each structure is filled with authentic tools, artifacts, and displays that vividly illustrate its purpose and the stories of rural life and folk arts. The Pioneer Settlement truly brings history to life, offering more than just static displays – it presents tangible narratives through objects and demonstrations.
Upon arrival, visitors are directed to the Bridgetenders house, located at the entrance, to check in for tours. Both self-guided and guided tours are available, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace or benefit from the insights of knowledgeable volunteers. These dedicated guides, often possessing specialized skills and deep interest in specific areas, enhance the visitor experience by providing demonstrations and answering questions. One memorable guide, an enthusiastic gentleman in his eighties, eagerly anticipated his upcoming blacksmith apprenticeship, highlighting the Settlement’s commitment to hands-on learning and preserving traditional crafts.
Beyond demonstrations, many exhibits encourage hands-on interaction. Activities like candle dipping, as experienced by the author’s children, captivate visitors of all ages and provide a more engaging understanding of historical practices than passive observation. This interactive element is a key strength of the Pioneer Settlement, making history accessible and memorable, especially for younger audiences.
Planning Your Visit to Pioneer Settlement in Barberville
While the Pioneer Settlement offers a rich and educational experience, it’s worth considering the interests and attention spans of younger children. The tour format can be informal, and groups might join at different points, which could be slightly confusing for very young visitors. It’s also a popular destination for school field trips, so checking in advance about scheduled school groups is advisable to optimize your visit experience.
A visit to the Pioneer Settlement isn’t complete without stopping by the Turpentine Community Store (dating back to the early 1900s). Here, you can find unique, handcrafted items produced at the Settlement, including candles, pottery, hand-woven rag rugs (some creatively made from recycled plastic bags!), along with traditional toys, games, and books. Special events are held throughout the year, adding another layer of interest for repeat visits. The Settlement is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Admission is reasonably priced at $6 for adults, $4 for children (ages six to 12), and free for children under five.
The Pioneer Settlement in Barberville offers a refreshing contrast to typical Florida attractions. It’s a place to slow down, step back in time, and appreciate the ingenuity and artistry of Florida’s pioneers. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply seeking a unique and educational family outing, the Pioneer Settlement promises a memorable journey into Florida’s fascinating past.
