Palmer Centennial 
The year 2010 marks the centennial of the arrival of Mrs. Potter Palmer to Sarasota. Many county wide celebrations are planned to mark the occasion. 2010 has been officially declared the Year of Bertha Palmer by the City of Sarasota and the County of Sarasota. In the year ahead, Historic Spanish Point will present programs and educational opportunities to celebrate our connection to Mrs. Palmer. These may include lectures, garden tours, living history dramas, and exhibitions. Check this page often to learn about how your family can join in the festivities. Click the logo above to learn more. [external website opens in new window] Mrs. Potter (Bertha) Palmer 1849- 1918 This incredible lady was born in Louisville, Kentucky. Her family moved to Chicago when Bertha was six years old. In 1870, she married Potter Palmer, a successful businessman. She raised two sons and enjoyed six grandchildren. Mrs. Palmer came to Sarasota in February 1910, and chose the old Webb homestead for her winter estate, Osprey Point. Over the next few years she purchased nearly one-fourth of present-day Sarasota County including a cattle ranch, citrus groves, and residential developments. She passed away in May of 1918 at her home in Osprey. In 1980, the 30-acre National Register site today known as Historic Spanish Point was donated by the Palmer heirs to Gulf Coast Heritage Association, Inc. | 
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Some programs at Historic Spanish Point during the centennial are sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts.  Mrs. Palmer's Birthday Celebration
May 22, 2010 In celebration of the Palmer Centennial, Historic Spanish Point, the Florida Home of Mrs. Potter Palmer, honored her 161st birthday with FREE ADMISSION to all residents of Sarasota County on May 22-23, 2010. During the party, over 375 people toured the 30-acre museum and met the "Legendary Lady." Many enjoyed the scenic gardens built by Mrs. Palmer which have been lovingly restored and maintained by Historic Spanish Point. Guests drank cold lemonade and ate delicious cake provided by Publix Supermarket. Ice cream on the porch of White Cottage overlooking Little Sarasota Bay was a highlight of the warm afternoon. However the kids would tell you it was playing with old fashioned toys and games. Sarasota Mayer Richard Clapp was on hand to cut the birthday cake along with Hans Johnsson, Chair of the Palmer Centennial Committee, and Historic Spanish Point Executive Director, Linda Mansperger. "Mrs. Palmer" also participated thanks to volunteer Living History interpreter, Carlotta Wilsen.
This free admission weekend offers Sarasota County residents the chance to connect with the past and learn more about the programs and educational opportunities at Historic Spanish Point. It is sponsored in part by Sarasota County. In total, over 650 people visited the National Register museum which is accredited by the American Association of Museums. | |
