The Walton County Heritage Association is a museum and genealogy society dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of the county.
As a nonprofit, the association was organized for four primary purposes:
- To encourage the preservation and restoration of Walton County’s historical buildings and landmarks.
- To run the Walton County Heritage Museum, which preserves the county’s heritage for current and future generations to enjoy and learn from, working to collect, preserve and exhibit historical artifacts and information.
- To foster and amplify the development, education and historical significance of Walton County.
- To connect individual citizens, businesses and other groups in the pursuit of these purposes, encouraging cooperation and unity of action.
The Walton County Heritage Association relies on the support of members and local businesses to accomplish its goals. Annual dues are $25 for individuals, $40 for families and $100 for corporate memberships. They also accept donations, which are tax deductible.
When you become a member of the association, you also become a member of the Walton County Heritage Museum as well as the Walton County Genealogy Society. As a result, you’ll receive the following:
- Invitations to quarterly meetings
- Discounts on special events
- Free copies of Museum Research Center documents
- Free reign of the Genealogy Society computer during operating hours
- Discounted items from the museum gift shop (including books, postcards, photographs, special publications, CDs, DVDs, videos and other gift items)
Located in the former L&N Train Depot at 1140 Circle Drive in DeFuniak Springs, the Walton County Heritage Museum is steeped in history. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 1-4 p.m., admission is free, making it easy to stop by and experience local history firsthand.
While many of their exhibits are Walton County-specific, the museum also offers visitors a look into the past with more general displays, such as “Fashion 100 Years Ago.” This popular attraction gives museum-goers a chance to see what people wore in the 1920s, illustrating how fashion changes and what it says about the time and place we’re living in.
But ultimately, the Walton County Heritage Museum is focused on showcasing the rich history and culture of Walton County. This shines through not only in their exhibits but also in their guided tours. Events like “Buried American History,” a walking tour of Magnolia Cemetery, provide an up-close look at famous gravesites, retelling riveting histories that bring attendees closer to the city’s vibrant past.
And in addition to exhibits looking back, they also make an effort to stay current. From Halloween festivities on Circle Drive to manning a booth at the Walton County Fair, the museum remains involved in local events, maintaining a presence in the community.
None of this work could be done without the efforts of the Walton County Heritage Association Board. Board members are chosen from the general membership, and to qualify for a position you must have been a WCHA member for at least one year. These members actively promote the history and culture of Walton County, Florida, performing a variety of duties. From coordinating special events and museum docent schedules to managing WCHA’s Facebook, the members help bring Walton County’s history to life for the benefit of the entire community.
