Historic Ocala Preservation Society HOPS

05/30/2026

Beautiful original art on display at the Bryant House, 712 E Fort King Street.

Summer hours are by appointment. So, if you would like to tour the house, please reach out.

We are planning more events, too!

05/26/2026

A flashback to local history! Back in 1996, former Ocala Mayor Jim Kirk proposed renaming Tuscawilla Lake to "Seminole Lake" to honor the Branch family, owners of the nearby Seminole Stores.
​The proposal met heavy resistance from both city officials and residents who wanted to protect the historic name. City Manager Scotty Andrews famously joked he wasn't in favor because he was a Gator, while local residents argued that changing the name to a business moniker would strip the historic park of its "mystique from the past."
​Ultimately, the City Council skipped renaming the lake and looked into other ways to honor the family, keeping Tuscawilla Lake exactly as it is today.
​

05/22/2026

There are still bricks under thr asphalt pavement on Fort King Street. These are on display at the Bryant House, 712 E. Fort King Street, Ocala. While we are on "summer hours", please message us here or at [email protected] to set up an appointment to view the house.
Your donations keep HOPS thriving!

05/20/2026

HOPS is looking for a fabulous food truck for an event later this year.
If you want to feed a great crowd, and partner with HOPS, we want to hear from you!
Drop a comment below or send us a DM for the details. 🍴

05/12/2026

The Marion County Museum of History and Archaeology’s next program is scheduled for Sunday, May 17, 2026. The program will be held at Green Clover Hall, 319 SE 26th Terr., Ocala and will begin at 2 p.m. Following the program there will be a reception at the museum in the historic East Hall, located at 307 SE 26th Terr. Both buildings are in the McPherson Government Complex.
The presenter will Celeste Godwin Viale. She will be speaking on the history of the Ocklawaha Bridge Baptist Church. Founded in 1850 the church is one of the oldest congregations in Marion County.
The program is free to museum members. Non-members’ cost is $5.00.
Come join us in Green Clover Hall then tour the museum.
For more information, call the museum at 352-236-5245. The museum’s webpage can be found at http://marioncountyarchaeology.com/mcmha/mcmha.htm . The museum’s page is at https://www.facebook.com/MarionCountyMuseumofHistoryandArchaeology .

The Marion County Museum of History and Archaeology’s next program is scheduled for Sunday, May 17, 2026. The program will be held at Green Clover Hall, 319 SE 26th Terr., Ocala and will begin at 2 p.m. Following the program there will be a reception at the museum in the historic East Hall, located at 307 SE 26th Terr. Both buildings are in the McPherson Government Complex.
The presenter will Celeste Godwin Viale. She will be speaking on the history of the Ocklawaha Bridge Baptist Church. Founded in 1850 the church is one of the oldest congregations in Marion County.
The program is free to museum members. Non-members’ cost is $5.00.
Come join us in Green Clover Hall then tour the museum.
For more information, call the museum at 352-236-5245. The museum’s webpage can be found at http://marioncountyarchaeology.com/mcmha/mcmha.htm . The museum’s page is at https://www.facebook.com/MarionCountyMuseumofHistoryandArchaeology .

05/12/2026

From the archives at the Historic Ocala Preservation Society (HOPS), we are taking a look back at a local gem from 2004: Ocala Marion County: A Way of Life.

​This "Photographic Portrait" beautifully captures the essence of our region. The book features stunning imagery, from the quiet beauty of Spanish moss-draped paths to the vibrant outdoor spirit of our community.

​One standout page features renowned wildlife filmmaker and Ocala native Mark Emery. The accompanying text details his incredible journey—from wrestling alligators at the Ross Allen Reptile Institute to producing wildlife shows for the BBC and National Geographic.

​Whether it's a ten-pound bass in Lake Weir or the world-famous horse farms, this book serves as a perfect time capsule of what makes Marion County so unique.

Bonus: The mother and child featured on the "Presented To" page were photographed in 2004. Where are they now?

​

05/04/2026

Celebrate Wetland Appreciation Day on Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park located at 2105 NW 21st St.

Enjoy a morning of family-friendly fun with guided tours at 10:30 and 11:15 a.m., along with hands-on activities, live painting, face painting and games. Learn how the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park protects our water and environment through interactive displays and demonstrations.

Hot dogs, bubbles and cold treats will be available while supplies last, and the first 50 customers will receive a $20 water bill credit voucher (limit one per family).

Bring the family, walk the trails and discover something new!

04/29/2026

04/28/2026

Preserve a piece of Marion County’s legacy with "The Way It Was, Volume 2" by the late, legendary historian and Ocala Star-Banner editor, David Cook.

​This collection features over 60 columns that breathe life into our local heritage. From the "lazy hot afternoons" of a town with fewer than 10,000 people to the bustling wartime era, Cook captures the soul of Ocala with unmatched wit and nostalgia.

​Inside, you’ll find fascinating stories like:
​The "Slo-cala" Myth: Why Cook and his friends never felt the pace was slow.
​The WWII Bus System: A time when you could ride anywhere in town for a dime and head to Silver Springs for a quarter.
​Nostalgic Landmark Memories: Recounting afternoons at the Silver Springs swimming beach and Juniper Springs.
​Whether you're a lifelong resident or a newcomer, this book is a must-have to understand the changes that shaped the place we call home.

​Get Your Copy Today
​Price: $25 (Hard Copy)
​Location: Historic Ocala Preservation Society (HOPS), Bryant House or Your Heart's Desire.
​Impact: All proceeds directly benefit HOPS and our mission to protect Ocala’s historic charm.

04/24/2026

Some of the original art on display at the Bryant House.