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6195 N. Tropical Trail Merritt Island, FL 32953 MAP |
Phone: 321-255-4466 Fax: 321-255-4499 eel-info@brevardparks.com |
Center Hours Thursday through Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 pm Closed Sunday through Wednesday |
Trail Hours October through April: 7:00 AM - 6:00 pm May through September: 7:00 AM - 8:00 pm |
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In 1875 John H. Sams built the cabin which is considered the oldest standing home in Brevard County, FL. He brought it to this location in 1878 from Eau Gallie, deconstructed, floated up the Indian River Lagoon, and reassembled here. His family, in this 600 sq. ft. cabin consisted of 4 adults and 6 children.
The cabin originally had 3 rooms. It later spent time as a school, church and a workshop. They built the large house in 1888. It is a classic Florida vernacular style that accommodated a family with 8 children, some of whom were grown at the time this house was built. Sam's older brother and sister lived here too. This 1,260 sq. ft. home has two large rooms, a family room and an office on the first floor. Upstairs are three bedrooms and the bath. The kitchen was in a separate building. Until the 1930's there was no indoor plumbing, so an outhouse was located nearby. In thge 1950's part of the large porch was turned into a kitchen. The interior woodwork and exterior siding are original. Both buildings are constructed of pine. |
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 Click for print & share enlargement. |
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Historic & Environmental ValueThe size and shape of Florida has changed dramatically through the Millennia. At times it was only a few islands, at others, twice today's size. Here at the Sams House site we have uncovered evidence of life about 20,000 years ago, 4,000 years ago, and recent history. Take yourselves down our paths and through our houses. Explore the past in our own back yard. |
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We are now taking reservations for school groups and homeschool groups to come out for a study trip. We have three programs available: "Little Pioneers" for Grades K-2, "Florida's Diverse History" for Grades 3-5 and "Pioneer Pathways" for Grades 6 and up. These programs are FREE and typically run from 10 am to 1 pm.
Click for information.
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John H. Sams HomesteadThe Sams family came to Brevard County from South Carolina in 1875 to take advantage of the 1860 Homestead Act. The family consisted of John Hanahan Sams, his wife Sarah, their five children, John's brother William Sams, and his sister Catherine DeVeaux Sams. The Sams Homestead consists of two buildings. The first, a single story home, was originally constructed in Eau Gallie on property homesteaded by John H. Sams in 1875. The family decided to move nearer to other relatives on North Merritt Island and the house was rafted up the Indian River in 1878 to the present site. It is the oldest dated structure on Merritt Island and a prime example of Florida vernacular construction. In 1884 Sams was granted a homestead deed for 156 acres and by 1888, built the second two-story home adjoining the older house on the property. Sams served as Superintendent of Schools for the county from 1880-1920, while growing citrus and pineapples. John H. Sams died in 1923 and the homes were occupied by his descendants until 1995. Archaeological excavations at the site discovered a prehistoric Native American occupation site that dates from approximately 5,000 BC to 1250 Ad, and also a late Pleistocene fossil site.
A Florida Heritage Site |
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February 15, 2013 -- Brevard County Press Release
Sams House at Pine Island holds monthlong Celebration of Archeology
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. -- Throughout the month of March, Sams House at Pine Island presents a series of free programs in recognition of National Archeology Month."Little Pioneers" Homeschool Program - Thursday, March 7, and Friday, March 22, 10 a.m. to noon: Discover pioneer life in this fun, hands-on program for homeschoolers ages 5 to 12. Students will explore the 1875 Sams cabin, engage in pioneer "chores," learn the historical uses of plants, and go on a nature hike. Reservations required by calling (321) 449-4720.
Forensic Anthropology: How the Dead Died - Friday, March 8, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Florida Public Archeology Network East Central Region Director, Rachel Wentz, will explain how forensic anthropology helps solve crimes and determine "cause of death" through the analysis of human skeletal remains.
Taste of the Wild - Prehistoric Native Floridian Foodways - Saturday, March 9, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.: This presentation by Indian River Anthropological Society President Elaine Williams will focus on the food of prehistoric native peoples of Florida, how these foods were obtained, and how they were prepared. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample native foods such as hickory nuts, yaupon tea, smoked fish, and more!
Florida History Expedition - Saturday, March 16, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.: Perfect for elementary school-aged children and their families. We'll travel back in time to Florida's beginnings, sift for Ice Age fossils, learn how to throw a spear, and discover what pioneer life was like. Reservations required by calling (321) 449-4720.
From Ice Age Megafauna to Ancient Peoples of Pine Island - Saturday, March 23, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Did you know that mastodons and giant ground sloths once called Pine Island home? See a presentation on Ice Age Megafauna and then take a short walk to the Indian Burial Mound on site where we'll discuss the ancient people who lived here.
Orienteering/Scavenger Hunt - Saturday, March 30, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Back by popular demand! Use a map and compass to find hidden objects on this family-fun adventure. Reservations required by calling (321) 449-4720.
John Sams was a citrus grower, businessman, and the first Superintendent of Brevard County Schools. The Sams House is at 6195 North Tropical Trail in Merritt Island, a half-mile west of State Road 3. It is open Thursdays to Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours of the 1875 cabin and 1888 house are given every Thursday at 3 p.m. For more information, call (321) 449-4720.
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