VAHS Projects

VAHS relies heavily on the financial support of individuals and businesses to fund various projects which enhance the quality of life for residents and tourists.


Two such projects are the art installation of the beautiful Circus Mural highlighting the thirty-two-year history the circus called Venice home, and the casting of an all-bronze statue of city planner John Nolen to be unveiled in time for the Centennial Celebrations.


In addition, donations support the continuing maintenance of the Depot Campus where nearly 65,000 people have enjoyed the 1927 Historic Venice Train Depot and the Circus Car Museum.  VAHS is also working on another project to refurbish the Caboose, which will be a welcome addition to the Depot Campus.

The following are highlights of the projects and how you can help to support our efforts.

Circus Mural Project

$10,000 VAHS Matching Fund Goal


“Hurry, Hurry…Step Right Up!"

The Circus Mural Is Nearing Completion

Be A Part of the Final Act

Funds are needed to complete the NEW Circus Mural honoring the rich thirty-two year history of the circus in Venice.  This 240-foot long, six-foot tall art project, located on the 700 block of South Tamiami Trail, is being painted by Helsinki-born artist Sami Makela and is sponsored by VABI.

VAHS is stepping up to the plate to help VABI complete this project.  The VAHS Board of Directors is matching funds donated to this project, up to a maximum of $10,000, doubling the impact of your donations!

The amount needed to complete the project is $25,000.  To donate, please click below and you will be redirected to the VABI Fundraising Page.

John Nolen Statue

$35,000 VAHS Contribution Goal

Photograph of John Nolen

from which the statue will be cast

Possible examples of the statue

As a part of the Centennial Celebrations, Venice Area Historical Society ("VAHS") is in partnership with Venice Area Beautification Inc. ("VABI") to commission a statue of John Nolen.  The all-bronze statue of Nolen will be seated on a bench and hold his city plan of Venice.  Bronzeman, a California company, will cast the statue.  The statue will be located downtown in Centennial Park.  Stop back periodically to check our "temperature" on the thermometer.


If you would like to contribute to the JOHN NOLEN STATUE,

donations may be made directly to VAHS by scanning the QR Code

or by mailing a check to:

Venice Area Historical Society

PO Box 995

Venice, FL  34284-0995

or by mailing a check to:

Venice Area Historical Society

PO Box 995

Venice, FL  34284-0995

Caboose Renovations

$15,000 Goal


To date, the exterior of the caboose has been restored, reflected in the before and after photographs above.  However, the interior still needs to be refurbished as illustrated in the photograph below.


Currently, the caboose is closed to the public.  Our goal is to remove the stored items and shelving from the caboose.  Starting with an empty canvas, we will remove the linoleum floor tiles, redo the floor, and repaint.  We can then create new, revolving displays and, most importantly, open the caboose to the public.


If you would like to contribute to the Caboose Renovations,

donations may be made directly to VAHS by scanning the QR Code


or by mailing a check to:

VAHS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and has registered with the State of Florida to solicit contributions.  A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN (800-435-7352) OR OUTSIDE (850-410-3800) FLORIDA.  REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.” Ch 32089

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® and The Greatest Show On Earth® trademarks are used under license from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Combined Shows, Inc.


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