Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Heritage Center & Indian River Citrus Museum in Vero Beach
Since 1935, our organization has preserved and promoted the rich heritage of Indian River County through the stewardship of the Vero Heritage. Originally constructed as a community building during the Great Depression, this National Register-listed landmark has evolved from a WWII Servicemen's Center to a cultural hub housing the only museum dedicated to Florida's iconic citrus industry. Our nonprofit, Vero Heritage Inc., maintains this historic site at no cost to the city, offering educational exhibits, artifact collections, and event spaces that celebrate the region's agricultural legacy. With over 85 years of community impact, we provide immersive experiences through citrus crate label tours, historical displays, and preservation programs.Our team combines deep local knowledge with specialized expertise in historical conservation, ensuring authentic storytelling and accurate representation of the citrus industry's economic and cultural significance. As a trusted nonprofit, we uphold transparency in operations, community-driven decision-making, and ethical preservation practices while maintaining partnerships with local historians, agricultural experts, and cultural institutions.
Services
Museum Tours
Gift Shop
Citrus Label Tour
Event Hosting
Educational Programs
Details
- Year established: 1935
Highlights and features
- We steward a National Register-listed historic landmark with 85+ years of community impact
- Our museum houses the only dedicated collection of Indian River citrus industry artifacts
- We offer exclusive citrus crate label heritage tours based on regional agricultural history
- Our nonprofit operates with full transparency and community accountability
- We combine historical preservation with modern educational programming for all ages
Associations and certifications
- National Register of Historic Places
What people say
Unique citrus history
Educational for all ages
Well-preserved architecture
Engaging exhibits
Family-friendly activities
Services
Museum Tours
Explore Florida's citrus industry history through curated exhibits featuring vintage artifacts, historical photographs, and original citrus crate labels. Our tours provide educational insights into the region's agricultural development and economic impact. Visitors engage with interactive displays that showcase the evolution of citrus cultivation techniques and marketing strategies.
Citrus Label Tour
Experience the Vero Heritage Citrus Label Tour featuring public art installations that interpret historic citrus crate labels. This self-guided tour combines art appreciation with agricultural history through outdoor signage in downtown Vero Beach. The program includes educational scavenger hunts that connect visitors with the region's commercial citrus legacy.
Event Hosting
Host weddings, fundraisers, and community gatherings in our historic 1935 building that combines architectural preservation with modern amenities. The venue accommodates up to 200 guests with flexible space configurations. Our event services include access to museum exhibits and themed decor options that reflect the building's historical significance.
Educational Programs
Participate in curriculum-aligned field trips that teach Florida history through citrus industry artifacts and archival materials. Our programs meet state educational standards for social studies and agricultural science. Students engage with primary sources and participate in hands-on activities that demonstrate historical citrus processing methods.
Gift Shop
Purchase Florida-made souvenirs including reproduction citrus crate labels, local artwork, and citrus-themed products. The gift shop features items that connect directly to the museum's collection and regional heritage. Proceeds support ongoing preservation efforts and educational programming at the Heritage Center.
People
Brenda Eubanks Burnette
Interim Executive Director
Brenda Eubanks Burnette leads the museum's operations with extensive experience in historical preservation and nonprofit management. She oversees educational programming and curatorial activities while maintaining community partnerships. Her leadership focuses on expanding public access to citrus industry history through innovative exhibits and outreach initiatives.
Dan Richey
Citrus Industry Expert
As Riverfront Packing Company CEO, Dan Richey contributes citrus industry expertise through collaborative programs and historical documentation. He shares firsthand knowledge of citrus cultivation challenges and industry evolution. His insights help maintain the museum's agricultural relevance through contemporary industry connections.
Alden Bing
Community Partner
Alden Bing, co-owner of Orchid Island Brewery, partners with the museum to promote citrus heritage through craft beer programs. His initiatives connect historical citrus varieties with modern agricultural uses. The brewery's educational collaborations highlight the ongoing importance of citrus cultivation in the region.
Elizabeth Graves Bass
Historical Contributor
Elizabeth Graves Bass shares family citrus industry history as a descendant of the Graves Brothers citrus company. Her personal accounts provide authentic perspectives on the region's agricultural development. She contributes to oral history projects and special exhibitions about early citrus pioneers.
George Hamner Jr.
Industry Representative
George Hamner Jr., president of Indian River Exchange Packers Inc., provides expert insights on citrus growing and packing operations. His contributions ensure accurate representation of contemporary citrus industry practices. He helps maintain the museum's connection to active agricultural stakeholders.
Questions
What historical significance does the Heritage Center hold?
Built in 1935 as a community center, it served as a WWII Servicemen's Center and was saved from demolition through community efforts. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1993, it preserves Indian River County's agricultural and social history.
What citrus industry artifacts are featured in the museum?
The collection includes citrus tools, historical photographs, original advertising prints, and over 1,000 citrus crate labels showcasing marketing art from Florida's citrus heyday. Artifacts demonstrate processing methods and packaging evolution.
Are guided tours available for school groups?
Yes, we offer educational tours tailored to school curricula with hands-on activities and primary source materials. Programs meet Florida state standards for history and agricultural education with age-appropriate content.
How does the museum preserve citrus history?
Through artifact conservation, oral history collection, and educational programming that documents citrus cultivation techniques. We maintain partnerships with agricultural historians and industry professionals to ensure accurate historical representation.
Can I host private events at the Heritage Center?
Yes, the venue accommodates weddings, fundraisers, and community events with rental packages including museum access. The historic ballroom and adjacent spaces provide flexible configurations for gatherings up to 200 guests.
What community programs does the museum offer?
We host speaker series, citrus label scavenger hunts, and seasonal events connecting local heritage with contemporary issues. Educational programs include school field trips, historical documentaries, and collaborative projects with cultural institutions.
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