Clay County Florida Historical Society and Museum

06/17/2026

Why Protecting Green Cove Springs’ Past Builds Its Future

06/16/2026

06/16/2026

On the night of June 16, 1942, a German U-Boat landed in St. Johns County as a part of Operation Pastorius, a German plan to infiltrate, disrupt, and destroy American military manufacturing. Four N**i agents, dressed as Americans planned to meet another team of saboteurs who had landed in New York. However, two members of the New York team notified the FBI, and the operation was thwarted. Learn more here: https://markers.flheritage.com/home/details/184

Florida Division of Historical Resources

06/15/2026

06/12/2026

The Freedom Truck is coming! 🇺🇸

06/12/2026

In World War II, Florida was very important as a training area for soldiers, sailors, and airmen due to its mild climate. A number of training bases and airfields were established throughout the state, including here in NE Florida. Florida was also threatened by the activity of German U-boats off its coast, and the U.S. Coast Guard and civilian Auxiliary maintained coast watch stations to watch for U-boats and rescue the crews of ships torpedoed by them. Our July program will be an overview of the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard bases and activities in northeast Florida in WW II, presented by Rob Mattson. Many of you know Rob as a Civil War Navy living historian/re-enactor. Rob has also been working on an impression of a WW II U.S. Navy seaman. He will be dressed in the “dungaree” uniform of a sailor and will bring a small display of some of the items he has been collecting in recent years. The program will begin at 7:00 PM on Monday, July 27 in the 1890 Historic Courthouse.
We hope to see you there!

06/12/2026

Have you visited the Clay County Historical Society Museum lately?

Stop in and take a look around! While you’re here, be sure to check out our gift shop. We have a great selection of Clay County history books, art prints featuring historic Green Cove Springs map and Spring Park,
train whistles, bandanas and engineer hats.

Our most popular item right now? Our Clay County Historical Society T-shirts! They’re selling quickly, so if you’ve been thinking about getting one, now’s the time.

Whether you’re a longtime resident, new to the area, or just love local history, we’d love to meet you!

📍 915 Walnut Street, Green Cove Springs

Museum Hours:
• Fridays: 10 AM – 1 PM
• Sundays: 2 PM – 5 PM

Come by, say hello, and take home a little piece of Clay County history!

06/11/2026

For those interested in Henry Flagler, the Gilded Age and the historic Hotel Alcazar here’s a chance to enjoy a guided tour on these topics and more at the Lightner museum.
Tours are available on Wednesdays at 11:00
June 24 - September 2026

06/11/2026

On June 11, 1953, the Florida State Legislature designated the Sabal Palm as the State Tree. Sabal Palms have provided Floridians with building materials, ingredients for food, and goods to create furniture, clothing, pocketbooks, and other everyday items. In 1970, the Legislature amended the state seal to include the Sabal Palm. To learn more about our State Tree, check out this link: https://dos.fl.gov/florida-facts/florida-state-symbols/state-tree/

America250FL

06/10/2026

Take a peek inside the Gustafson house! 🏠
Yesterday Clay County Historical Society attended the first Twilight Architectural Tour of the iconic Gustafson House, hosted by the Green Cove Preservation Society.

We had the opportunity to experience the restoration process firsthand and witness the care, craftsmanship, and vision being poured into this historic treasure. It will soon transform into a restaurant. Seeing the project up close gave us an even greater appreciation for the importance of preserving the places that tell our community’s story.

Walnut St development project is underway - Green Cove Springs will soon have a true dining gem to share with the world housed in a structure once home to the beloved Gustafsons. We can't wait to make reservations!

Thank you to Brian and Jenn Knight for their dedication to preserving this important piece of Green Cove Springs history!