Preserving the History and Culture of Carrabelle, Florida

We opened in April of 2009, and since then, residents of the community have generously shared their pictures, genealogy, memories, household and work items to build our collection. Our first artifact was the medical bag of beloved midwife Tillie Miller, donated by Rita Brown Millender and John Brown. From then Carrabelle History Museum has grown to house thousands of items in its collections. Gratefully, we still receive wonderful local artifacts.

The museum is located in the Old Carrabelle City Hall, built by local mason Marvin Justiss in 1938 during the Depression as a work program to employ locals. The museum has two floors of exhibit rooms and areas to show collections with a large foyer for special displays. We have several exhibits that highlight the Shipwrecks of Dog Island; Carrabelle’s Heroes & Notables; the story of Tate’s Hell Swamp; the Steamship Tarpon, which was key to building our community in the early 1900's; and Carrabelle's "First People", Indigenous people who lived here thousands of years ago.

2025 Carrabelle's Museum Day

Carrabelle’s three museums will open their doors free of charge on Saturday, September 20 for the annual Museum Day celebration. Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum, Carrabelle History Museum, and Crooked River Lighthouse Museum invite you to explore special exhibits and activities. Hours are 10 am–5 pm at Carrabelle History, 11 am–5 pm at Camp Gordon Johnston Museum,  and 9 am–5 pm at Crooked River Lighthouse. Guests can also browse the Country Farmer’s Market from 9 am–1 pm at Crooked River Lighthouse Park with local crafts, baked goods, and fresh produce.

This year’s theme, “Signals & Stories: Communication Across Time,” highlights the many ways messages were shared—through beacons, radios, codes, and stories. Each museum will feature its own focus: wartime communication at Camp Gordon Johnston, maritime signals at Crooked River Lighthouse, and storytelling at Carrabelle History Museum.

From lighthouse beams to military radios to community tales, the Forgotten Coast has long relied on signals to connect people across time. These exhibits reveal how local people, places, and artifacts served as beacons—communicating through leadership, tradition, and legend.

 Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.

Carrabelle Coastal Cleanup – International Coastal Cleanup Day

The Carrabelle History Museum invites the community to take part in the International Coastal Cleanup on Saturday, September 20 from 8:30–11:30 am at the City Pavilion on Marine Street. This worldwide event, sponsored by the Ocean Conservancy, brings people together to care for coastlines and waterways, and Carrabelle is proud to join in.

Volunteers are needed to help clean along the waterfront, grassy public areas, downtown Carrabelle, and beyond. Each participant’s efforts make a real difference in protecting this beautiful piece of paradise.

Supplies will be provided, including T-shirts, gloves, bags, water, and snacks. Volunteers are encouraged to bring extra gloves if available, and it is also recommended to bring a hat, sunscreen, closed-toe shoes, and bug spray.

This is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together, make a visible impact, and show off Carrabelle pride.