April 17, 2025 | Sarasota, FL. – This month, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Historic Spanish Point campus becoming the first property in Sarasota County to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation’s historic places worthy of preservation and is a part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate and protect America’s historical and archaeological resources. (Source: NRHP website)
On April 16th, 1975, the Osprey Archaeological and Historic Site was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which recognized the significance of this outstanding property. The listing on the National Register was the result of research conducted by local historian Janet Snyder Matthews, working with the Junior League of Sarasota and the Palmer family who still owned the property at the time.
In recognizing this anniversary, Selby Gardens President and CEO Jennifer O. Rominiecki stated “We are proud to be the stewards of this amazing property that preserves so much native nature and Florida history.”
At the request of Gordon Palmer, Drs. Ripley and Adalaide Bullen conducted archaeological research at the site in the early 1960s confirming history going back 4,500 years. This archaeological work helped to support the National Register nomination in addition to Janet Matthews’ research on the historic structures and gardens.
Site features include a 4500-year-old Archaic Shell Ring, and a 2500-year-old Shell Ridge projecting into Little Sarasota Bay. The Native American history and archaeology is featured in the permanent exhibit A Window to the Past. Other features of the site include the 1901 Guptill House, the 1885 White Cottage, and reproductions of the pioneer boatyard, packing house and chapel. The campus also features gardens created by Bertha Palmer in 1912.
Following the 1975 National Register listing, the property was donated for use as a historical and natural science museum. Opened to the public in 1982, the site has welcomed thousands of visitors and students to learn about history and nature. In 2020, the property was adopted by Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, resulting in a four-fold increase in attendance and a higher profile in the community.