Special Exhibit: Commemorating the Early Days of Carrabelle

The Carrabelle History Museum is thrilled to announce that this exhibit is being extended thru January 31!!

Christmas Eve will mark the 139th anniversary of the official creation of the Town of Carrabelle. The incorporation of Carrabelle was officially recorded on Christmas Eve in 1881 by Franklin County.

In honor of this historic date, the Carrabelle History Museum announces the opening of a new exhibit documenting this important event. This special exhibit will open Wednesday, December 9 at 12 pm and will be on display at the museum until January 31, 2020 at 5 pm. The exhibit and museum are open every Wednesday and Sunday from 12-5 pm and every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 am-5 pm (except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day). There is no charge for admission but donations are gladly accepted to help defray costs.

The community of “Rio Carrabella” was formed in 1877 when Oliver Hudson Kelley set up a tent on the east side of the river in Carrabelle, moved in his wife and 5 daughters then declared himself the mayor. He began immediately to organize the community. Nineteen (19) local residents who were registered Franklin County voters signed an incorporation petition and sent it to the county. This petition established the legal city boundaries and government structure. Carrabelle was incorporated the day before Christmas 1881 so on that date, Carrabelle officially became a town with its present name. This special exhibit will focus on introducing the Articles of Incorporation and five of the original Founding Fathers, including Oliver Hudson Kelley.

Carrabelle History Museum is located at 106 SE Avenue B, in historic downtown Carrabelle, FL. For more information, contact the museum at 850-697-2141 or carrabellehistorymuseum@gmail.com. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.