The museum will be open Saturday, May 17th.
Welcome
The Collection on Palmetto
Museum of antique automobiles and engines. Beauty and innovation realized.
About The Collection on Palmetto
Our Collection
At the Collection on Palmetto, we trace the evolution of the automobile from its inception. With a focus on American cars from the Brass Era, our succinct, chronological display illustrates the development of technologies, designs, and methods of production at the turn of the century in our country.
Expertly curated by our founders, the collection represents the fine workmanship, ingenuity, and fierce competition that was present among iconic American automobile manufacturers, as well as their lesser-known counterparts.
The social history of the automobile is revealed through large-scale print advertising reproductions, carefully selected artifacts, fashion, and literary material. An updated audio tour provides additional information about each and every automobile, with period-correct music selections and personal narratives told in the voices of our museum's founders, their friends and family, and board members.
The Collection on Palmetto is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Museum Happenings
Summer of Steam
All New Technical Tour Available Now
All New Technical Tour Available Now
Summer of Steam is Back!
Kick off summer at the museum with our returning program, Summer of Steam! On select Saturdays beginning May Saturday, May 31st and continuing monthly throughout the summer, The Collection on Palmetto will again offer interactive live steam demonstrations, steam car rides, and special information sessions related to steam power at the turn of the century.
During Summer of Steam, you can take a ride in the 1910 Stanley Model 70 or ride the miniature train around the museum past Turtle Lake and through the forest (watch out for the Yeti). All of this fun is included with your museum admission.
Plus, this year we also plan to steam up the 1915 Stanley Mountain Wagon, a twelve-passenger steam vehicle akin to a bus. This very unique vehicle was developed to transport visitors from the train station way up to the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado. Low end power delivered passengers and freight to an altitude of over 7,000 feet, a strategic move by the Stanleys that set in motion the notion of travel tourism.
Summer of Steam Saturdays: May 31, June 21st, July 19th, August 16th
All New Technical Tour Available Now
All New Technical Tour Available Now
All New Technical Tour Available Now
Have you visited the museum lately? Spend a morning or afternoon with us and learn even more about the cars in our collection, with prerecorded audio content by board member Steve Cook, who has spent decades (if not a lifetime) studying and driving cars such as these.
This new technical tour can be accessed onsite with your phone's camera, and the tour is included with your museum admission. No special skills, apps, or equipment needed. Simply focus your phone camera on the QR code and voila! A website link appears, which you will follow to our technical tour. From there, pick and choose cars that interest you, or follow the cars in chronological order to learn of the many fascinating developments that occurred early on at the dawn of the automobile age.
With two carefully curated audio tours for your enjoyment, you'll never run out of reasons to visit the museum.
Museum Field Trips
All New Technical Tour Available Now
Museum Field Trips
Add a fun and interactive planned experience with a museum field trip that actively engages students and supports student academic success!
At The Collection on Palmetto, students trace the evolution of the automobile and discover how innovation propelled our country forward into an era of tremendous growth socially, economically and technologically.
Field trips are aligned with state standards in all grade levels. Developmentally appropriate, engaging field trips take place in a cool and comfortable environment. Picnic tables are available for lunch.
We are happy to provide you with information about our Orange Belt Railway, engine displays, murals and hands-on activities so that you can see how our museum experiences will compliment your social studies, STEM, art and humanities, or ELA curriculum!
THE COLLECTION ON PALMETTO
Our Collection
Observe the beauty and power of early twentieth century automotive design and engineering. From the fist modern car, the 1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen, to the 1952 Allard J2X, the British car with an American engine, we've got unique cars here. But vintage automobiles are just the beginning. Experience live steam and discover how our country steered bravely toward industry on the wheels of innovation.
Our Programs
Teachers, drive into a world of hands-on excitement with one of our education programs. Your students can build an electric circuit, race a solar-powered car, participate in an assembly line or ride on a 1/8th scale steam train. Programs meet Florida Standards in Science and Social Studies.
Our Mission
It is the mission of The Collection on Palmetto Foundation to increase understanding about the amazing progress made in engineering in factory and field power, along with automotive transportation, which occurred during the early 20th century.