Thursday, March 11, 2010 - Regional History Center Opens New Toursim Exhibit Through July 31

Discover the Golden Age of Florida tourism with a visit to the St. Lucie County Regional History Center's new special exhibit: More than the Mouse: A History of Tourism in Florida on display Friday, March 12 - Saturday, July 31.

From the early days of steam boating and tin-can tourists to the arrival of roadside attractions such as Musa Island and Gatorland, tourism has been the key driving force in Florida's economy and growth.

The exhibit will be centered on themes that explore all facets of our state's tourism heritage including: Getting Here, A Place to Stay, Beaches, Garden Delights, Gone Fishing and more. This special exhibit uses retro advertising, postcards, vintage souvenirs, photographs and 19th century travel guides to tell the story of the Sunshine State's most famous industry with an emphasis on Treasure Coast tourism. Included will also be artifacts from the Treasure Coast's historic hotels and transportation systems, fish camps, roadside attractions, citrus groves and more. Natives, transplants and visitors alike can take a seat and watch vintage TV commercials advertising all of Florida's beautiful assets. Children and adults can enjoy sifting through the sands of the exhibit's "beach scene" in a Floridian-themed treasure hunt.

The St. Lucie County Regional History Center is located at 414 Seaway Drive, under the South Bridge on Museum Pointe Park in Fort Pierce.  Since its opening in 1968 the Center has provided educational programming and permanent and special exhibits that explore the Treasure Coast's rich and colorful history. Center hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Regular admission is: $4 for adults, $3.50 for seniors over 55, and $1.50 for children 6-17 years and college students.  Children under 6 are free. Group rates, guided tours, outreach programs and rentable History on Tour Trunks are available by registration.  For further information, please contact Brynn Batsche at (772) 462-1891 or by email at batscheb@stlucieco.org. Visit the Center on the web at www.stlucieco.gov/history.