SANFORD, Fla. — Gipsy Willow was driving to the store in Sanford when a couple of custom-built 18-wheelers caught her eye near the parking lot, prompting her to take a detour and step inside the two massive, air-conditioned trailers featuring educational displays, exhibits and artifacts revolving around Florida’s history and contributions to the nation.
“We were on our way to do the usual grocery shopping, but we drove by and saw the Florida Freedom Tour, and we’re like, ‘Hey, let’s go check I out,’ and so here we are,” said Willow, a Sanford resident initially out running errands in the city’s historic downtown area.
“I’m not a big student of history, but it’s been nice to come in here and learn more about history. I love that they have a tour guide who actually explains what happened with these artifacts, or you can explore things for yourself,” Willow continued.
As part of America 250 Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis launched the Florida Freedom Tour, a free, mobile museum designed to bring Florida’s history to life.
“He wanted to make sure that we are bringing the history to the people, so the governor decided to put together an interagency celebration for America’s 250th anniversary,” said Florida Department of Transportation government affairs liaison Amy Bechmann.
“It’s a touring museum about both Florida becoming a state, and also, Florida’s contribution to the Republic. This museum is bringing out our rich history in film and agriculture, cattle, and all those things to let people know that we’re not just tourism. We are so much more here in this great state,” Bechmann continued.
Self-described history buff and lifelong learner Joseph Fontanelli took a temporary detour from his day job as a planning development supervisor with the Florida Department of Transportation to serve as one of the tour guides helping to educate the public.
“Really just opening people’s eyes, exploring the history of America and letting people know that the ground they walk on is so historic, whether it be here in Sanford or St. Augustine,” said Fontanelli.
“One of the coolest parts of the museum is real live cannon that was found off the coast that we dredged out. So, a lot of the stuff is reproduction, but we do have artifacts that we found during earlier roadway and infrastructure projects. It’s amazing to see how much we discover through those projects and digs. We also have archeologists involved,” Fontanelli added as he showcased other items from the Florida Museum of History.
The tour’s goal is to stop in all 67-counties between now and Sept. 1.
“There is a schedule managed by Department of State, and we’ve visited nearly 25 of our 67-counties, so far,” said Bechmann.
Admission is free for the Florida Freedom Tour, and it has several upcoming stops in the Tampa Bay area and Central Florida next month, including Pinellas, Hillsborough, Lake, Sumter and Polk counties, starting July 8 through July 26.
For the latest schedule, locations and featured cities, click here.