Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center

The Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center is a nature-focused institution located within the Silver Springs State Park in Silver Springs, Florida, near the city of Ocala. The museum is named after the Silver River, which flows through the park, providing a unique natural setting for visitors. The museum is operated by Marion County Public Schools in cooperation with the Florida Park Service, and hosts a variety of educational events.

Recent Additions and Historical Exhibits at the Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center

Recent additions to the Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center include a new wing to the museum, a lunch pavilion, a research library, and a representation of a Florida cracker pioneer settlement from the late 1800s. There is also a one-room schoolhouse that was used by African-American students during the era of racial segregation around 1930. These additions provide a rich historical context for visitors and enhance the educational value of the center.

Weekend Public Access to the Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center

The Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center features 19th-century farm buildings, including houses, a meeting house/school, sheds, and a blacksmith. These structures, along with the museum that showcases the natural and social history of the area, are used by the school district for classes during the week. However, they are open to the public on weekends, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.