Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Heritage Center & Citrus Museum in Vero Beach
The Vero Heritage, stewarded by Vero Heritage, Inc., is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural and agricultural heritage of Indian River County. Established in 1935 as a community building, the venue has evolved through significant historical periods, including its role as a Servicemen's Center during WWII. After near-demolition in the 1960s, the building was restored in 1993 and now serves as a vibrant hub for weddings, fundraisers, and community events.The Indian River Citrus Museum, housed within the center, celebrates the region's citrus legacy through artifacts, photographs, and exhibits. Our mission combines historical preservation with community engagement, offering educational programs, speaker series, and unique experiences like the Citrus Label Tour. We operate with transparency and dedication, ensuring this historic landmark remains accessible and relevant to future generations.
Services
Museum Tours
Event Rentals
Gift Shop
Citrus Label Tours
Speaker Series
Details
- Year established: 1935
Highlights and features
- We offer a historic venue with unique architectural features for memorable events.
- Our museum provides educational insights into Florida's citrus industry heritage.
- We steward a National Register of Historic Places landmark with community-driven programming.
- Our team combines historical expertise with modern event management capabilities.
- We operate as a nonprofit dedicated to preserving local heritage for public benefit.
Services
Museum Tours
Explore the Indian River Citrus Museum's exhibits on Florida's citrus industry history. Our tours include artifact displays, historical photographs, and citrus crate label collections. Reservations are required for groups, with special themed tours available monthly. The experience combines educational content with interactive elements for visitors of all ages.
Event Rentals
Host weddings, fundraisers, or corporate events in our historic 1935 building. The main hall features a cathedral ceiling, pine floors, and a coquina fireplace. Capacity options include 200 seated guests or 275 standing. Rental packages include AV equipment, catering kitchen access, and optional security services for events serving alcohol.
Citrus Label Tours
Discover the Vero Heritage Citrus Label Tour showcasing historic citrus crate labels as public art. The self-guided tour features interpretive signs with historical context and a family-friendly scavenger hunt. Three downtown Vero Beach locations highlight the marketing legacy of Florida's citrus industry through vintage label designs.
Speaker Series
Attend expert-led presentations on regional history and citrus industry topics. Past events featured museum directors, citrus growers, and agricultural historians. The series combines academic expertise with local knowledge, offering insights into Florida's cultural and economic development through its citrus heritage.
Gift Shop
Purchase Florida-made souvenirs including original citrus crate labels, citrus-themed products, and historical merchandise. The shop supports local artisans while preserving agricultural heritage. Items reflect the museum's collection and offer tangible connections to the region's citrus-growing traditions.
People
Brenda Eubanks Burnette
Interim Executive Director
Brenda Eubanks Burnette leads the Heritage Center's operations with extensive experience in historical preservation. She oversees museum programming, community engagement initiatives, and the development of educational resources. Her leadership focuses on connecting visitors with the region's citrus heritage through innovative exhibits and public programs.
Questions
What are the Heritage Center's operating hours?
The museum is open Tuesday-Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM. Office hours match these times.
Can I donate to the Heritage Center?
Yes, we accept donations to support preservation efforts. Visit our website or contact us directly for contribution options.
What does the Citrus Museum feature?
The museum showcases citrus cultivation history through artifacts, photographs, crate labels, and interactive displays about Florida's citrus industry.
Are volunteer opportunities available?
Yes, we welcome volunteers for museum docent roles, event planning, and maintenance projects. Contact us for details.
What is the Citrus Label Tour?
This public art tour explores historic citrus crate labels through interpretive signs located in downtown Vero Beach.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Vero Dream Homes By Jennifer Bailey
Jun 19, 2022
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Absolutely love this building and the staff that run it. Summer 2020 we had my daughters wedding here and it was spectacular. I have been here for many business meetings and other events as well. The fun little extra treat here is the Citrus Museum - don't miss it! This building has an enormously fascinating history, including bears, monkeys and lots more. Make sure you look up more and find out all the cool things about this old building.
Brittany
Feb 17, 2022
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The Vero Heritage Museum is such a special part of our community and the downtown area! Heather, the Executive Director is extremely welcoming and kind and ensures all visitors receive the red carpet treatment! If you are in the area, be sure to stop by, donate, and shop local finds that helps support local businesses!
David D.
Jan 03, 2022
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Take a few moments and learn about this part of Florida's agricultural history. Free to visit and attached to the community hall & heritage center, the museum is a short walk from the shops & events taking place in Pocahontas Park. Souvenirs from local vendors help provide funding for the operation. Thumbs up.
Jennifer Bonham
Sep 27, 2021
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This historic landmark should be on everyone's go-to list. The history of citrus in our county is very interesting and the local-made items they carry for gifts are a must-see! They also have a beautiful hall with stage for entertaining, banquets and weddings. We've held several beautiful rugby banquets here over the past few years. Highly recommend! The staff go above and beyond. Love them!
Nydia Gordon Kali
Aug 23, 2021
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Great place to have an event, it did get hot but that was it. The building it self was very nice and spacious, in all I had a great experience.
Peter Morris
Jun 19, 2019
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Very nice historical type atmosphere. Family has had two weddings at this location. Know if you have wedding outside on patio planes overhead can be a distraction.
