Venice Area Historical Society

Join VAHS

VAHS Projects

VAHS, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, relies heavily on the financial support of individuals and businesses to fund various projects which enhance the quality of life for residents and tourists.

One such project is the commission 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 over 60,000 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.

DONATE

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

John Nolen Statue

$25,000 VAHS Contribution Goal

Photograph of John Nolen

from which the statue was cast

The bronze statue, prior to the patination

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

UPDATE: VAHS is pleased to announce it has successfully completed raising its portion of the necessary funds. Thank you to all the donors who contributed to this historic statue. Stay tuned for details on the unveiling ceremony, which is scheduled for February 2026.

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.

Before - with VAHS Collection, shelving, and office

After - without VAHS Collection, shelving, and office

Currently, the caboose is closed to the public. VAHS's goal is to:

Remove the VAHS Collection, shelving, and office - COMPLETED
Remove the linoleum floor tiles
Install new flooring
Repaint interior and exterior
Create new, revolving displays
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:

Venice Area Historical Society

PO Box 995

Venice, FL 34284-0995

information@veniceareahistoricalsociety.org

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

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