Downtown Valparaiso, c. 1940 HMNF archives courtesy of Clifford Brabham

Welcome

The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida is located on the original main street of Valparaiso, Florida. The oldest part of the building was the second home of Valparaiso State Bank(now Coastal Bank & Trust).  In 1964, the building became the first home of Okaloosa-Walton Junior College (currently Northwest Florida State College).

The Heritage Museum opened its doors in 1971. The Museum is operated by the Heritage Museum Association, Inc. and is funded by membership dues, donations, and grants from the State of Florida, Okaloosa County, and the City of Valparaiso.

Our Mission

The mission of the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida is to collect and preserve material culture pertaining to the region’s history; to interpret its economic and social history, including the relationship between the region’s human population and its natural resources, through research, exhibits, and educational programs; and to provide public access to its collections for research purposes.

Staff

Michelle Severino, Executive Director
Gina Marini, Administrative Manager

Hours

Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 4 pm

Admission

Contact

Phone:  (850) 678-2615
Fax:  (850) 678-4547
Email: heritagemuseum@co.okaloosa.fl.us

Location

115 Westview Avenue
Valparaiso, FL 32580

MAPQUEST OF OUR LOCATION

Archives

The HMNF maintains archives with materials pertaining to local, regional and state history. Research materials include books, photographs, newspapers, manuscript documents, obituaries, oral histories, periodicals and maps. The library is open to the public and research may be conducted by appointment during museum hours. Call (850) 678-2615 for more information or to schedule research time.

Specific inquiries also may be made via email.

Community Partners