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One of the greatest privileges of being human, is that we can trace our story back through time. Each village, town, city, county, state or country, can tell its story, through documents, photographs, artifacts, and other items that have been preserved through efforts made by individuals and groups. One such effort can be appreciated at the Matheson Museum in Gainesville, FL. Housed in a historic building, this museum details the history of the Alachua County, starting from the time when it was home to the Timucuan Americans to the present day. An excellent place to take the kids for an insightful journey into a rich past, the Matheson Museum is an integral beacon of information in the city. See the website for more information.
Built in 1857, the first occupant was the family of James Matheson who resided here since 1867 till 1996, when the last descendant of the family passed away. The house was offered up to the Matheson Museum by Sarah Matheson. The architecture is marvelous with intricate designs, decor and furnishings and artifacts collected by the family over the years.
A place that will thrill any admirer of nature, or ardent lover of archeology or paleontology, the Florida Museum of Natural History is a treasure house of rare biological specimens, fossils, and rare artifacts, among other finds. Established in 1891, the museum saw its beginnings in the efforts of Professor Frank Pickel, who bought fossils, minerals, and other items to be used as educational or research aids. Over the centuries, the museum has grown to comprise an impressive collection, sought from the Florida region, as well as from far away regions like the Caribbean and Latin America. Among the permanent exhibits here, the Butterfly Rainforest is definitely a must-visit.
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A. Quinn Jones House in Gainesville belonged to A. Quinn Jones who was a prominent African-American who worked for providing a better education to the African American community. Standing tall as a memorabilia of that era, this house is has been converted into a museum for all. Featuring artifacts and furniture used by the professor himself, this house is definitely worth visiting. Tourists can also learn more about the neighborhood and its triumphs and hardships the community has been through.
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