Director of the Floral City Heritage Museum, Tom Ritchie, has announced the temporary closing of the Museum for the months of July and August.  The Museum, located at 8394 E. Orange Avenue in the Floral City Town Center, has been a popular destination since its re-opening following the shut down due to the pandemic. 

Prior to being appointed Museum Director, Ritchie had been an integral part of the Exhibit Committee since the Museum opened in December of 2009.  He brings to the position his vast and varied experience and knowledge of Florida and Floral City history.  He is a Florida native, naturalist and historian, with degrees in zoology, vertebrate paleontology, geology and physical anthropology.   Ritchie has explored the most remote and exotic locations in the world. 

For the past 40 plus years, Ritchie has been leading expeditions and research teams for Linblad Expeditions and its partner the National Geographic Society.  And he is a charter member of the Floral City Heritage Council, one of five Councils of the Citrus County Historical Society, Inc.

Similar to many Floral City residents, his initial drive through the village with its century old oaks and rural “old Florida” homes attracted Ritchie to “hit the brakes” and find a realtor.  That was in 1977 and he has lived in the same house on Lake Consuela ever since. 

Floral City Heritage Museum to close for July and August – Reopening Sept. 2

Ritchie says, “The Heritage Museum and Museum “Country” Store will reopen free of charge on Friday 2 September and every Friday and Saturday thereafter from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.”  He encourages all, “To plan ahead for participating in the Annual Walk Aware for Alzheimer’s on Saturday, October 15, when one of the Walks will be a special Scavenger Hunt for Floral City’s Past.”

For more information contact the Museum at (352) 419-4257 and visit  www.floralcityhc.org. or www.facebook.com/fcheritagedays, or https://twitter.com>heritagedaysfc  or https://www.instagram.com>heritagedaysfc.