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
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: