Category: Programs & Events

Museum Day

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ALL THREE CARRABELLE MUSEUMS JOIN TOGETHER FOR MUSEUM DAY 2024

Carrabelle’s three museums will open their doors free of charge on Saturday, October 5, 2024 as part of the annual Museum Day celebration. In honor of this day, Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum, Carrabelle History Museum, and Crooked River Lighthouse Museum invite you to Carrabelle FL for special activities and exhibits.

Camp Gordon Johnston Museum will be open from 11 am – 5 pm. Carrabelle History Museum will be open from 10 am – 5 pm. Crooked River Lighthouse will be open from 9 am – 5 pm for this event. Guests can also enjoy the expanded Country "Super" Market from 9 am - 3 pm at Crooked River Lighthouse Park with local crafts, baked goods, area produce and Carrabelle’s own A Train Stop food truck with delicious food.

Each year, Museum Day goes beyond getting visitors through museum doors; it shines a spotlight on incredible culture, sciences, and history exhibits.

This year Carrabelle is celebrating the theme, “Pieces of History: Shells and Shards” and each of Carrabelle’s three history museums will each commemorate it with their own unique focus and interpretation.

Every piece tells a story. From the intricate Native American pottery shards and shells from a midden that reveal ancient cultural practices, to the remnants of WWII that highlight the courage of America’s soldiers, and the historic Fresnel lens that guided sailors to safety, these fragments together form the rich mosaic of our shared heritage.  This event shares the idea that history is composed of various fragments that, when pieced together, form a comprehensive picture of our past. Each fragment, whether it be cultural, military, or technological, provides unique insights into different eras and aspects of human experience.

Pieces of History offers a unique and engaging way to connect and emphasize that each fragment—whether a pottery shard, a wartime shell, or a lens piece—contributes to our understanding of the past. Visitors can gain a richer, more interconnected view of history and appreciate the multifaceted nature of our heritage.

INFORMATION ON THE MUSEUMS


Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum - Honors the military men and women as well as civilian personnel who trained and worked in Carrabelle and Franklin County during 1942 through 1946. The museum houses numerous displays of military artifacts, photos and memorabilia of many types. Plus the Motor Pool building displays the museum’s military vehicles on site – WWII DUKW, German Lieferwagen, and WWII Jeep. Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum is located at 1873 Highway 98 West, directly across from Carrabelle Beach where military troops practiced D-Day beach assaults. Saturday hours 11 am-5 pm. www.campgordonjohnston.com/

(850) 697-8575
museum@campgordonjohnston.com


Carrabelle History Museum - Features local artifacts and exhibits including Carrabelle's Native American people, Shipwrecks of Dog Island, the Steamship “Tarpon”, the original “World’s Smallest Police Station”, Carrabelle industry and culture (seafood, lumber and more) and families from the pioneer days to the present. Carrabelle History Museum is located at 106 SE Avenue B, Carrabelle, FL. Saturday hours 10 am-5 pm. www.carrabellehistorymuseum.org

850-697-2141
carrabellehistorymuseum@gmail.com


Crooked River Lighthouse - The history and the science of the lighthouse are displayed through interesting exhibits, including a historical setting of the early 1900’s, various lighthouse beacons, the methods of constructing a skeletal tower lighthouse, plus the lighthouse’s original 1895 Fresnel lens! Also on display are the original Keeper’s House clock, a barometer, an antique glass fire grenade, and more. Crooked River Lighthouse is located at 1975 Hwy 98 West, Carrabelle. Saturday hours 9 am-5 pm. www.crookedriverlighthouse.com

850-697-2732
carrabellelighthouse@gmail.com

Full Moon Events

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Harvest Moon SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 8-10 pm 

The Crooked River Lighthouse will be hosting a Full Moon Event on Tuesday, September 17, from 8:00-10:00 pm in Carrabelle, FL. Visitors can enjoy the gorgeous natural surroundings of St. George Sound and Carrabelle Beach under the glow of the full Harvest Moon.

Visitors can also have an after-hours visit in the Keeper’s House Museum and see the exhibit for the lighthouse’s original, historic Fresnel lens. Guests may also enjoy the glowing bonfire in the park (weather permitting). Bring a chair and enjoy the evening. 

While at this Full Moon event, evening climbs are also available for those brave souls who are bold enough to venture to the top of the tallest Forgotten Coast lighthouse. Evening climbs cost $10 for climbers (age 13+). Timed tower climb tickets are required for those who wish to climb the lighthouse tower during this event. Timed tickets are available at GET TICKETS or by dropping by our gift shop. Advance ticket purchase is strongly suggested as these tickets may sell out. 

Those who would like to help offset the additional costs for this after-hours event and support the lighthouse are welcome to make a donation either in advance at DONATION or donate in person at the event.  

Hunter's Moon THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 7:30-9:30 pm 

The Crooked River Lighthouse will be hosting a Full Moon Event on Thursday, October 17, from 7:30-9:30 pm in Carrabelle, FL. Visitors can enjoy the gorgeous natural surroundings of St. George Sound and Carrabelle Beach under the glow of the full Hunter's Moon.

Visitors can also have an after-hours visit in the Keeper’s House Museum and see the exhibit for the lighthouse’s original, historic Fresnel lens. Guests may also enjoy the glowing bonfire in the park (weather permitting). Bring a chair and enjoy the evening. 

While at this Full Moon event, evening climbs are also available for those brave souls who are bold enough to venture to the top of the tallest Forgotten Coast lighthouse. Evening climbs cost $10 for climbers (age 13+). Timed tower climb tickets are required for those who wish to climb the lighthouse tower during this event. Timed tickets are available at GET TICKETS or by dropping by our gift shop. Advance ticket purchase is strongly suggested as these tickets may sell out. 

Those who would like to help offset the additional costs for this after-hours event and support the lighthouse are welcome to make a donation either in advance at DONATION or donate in person at the event.  

Beaver Moon FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 6-8 pm 

The Crooked River Lighthouse will be hosting a Full Moon Event on Friday, November 15, from 6:00-8:00 pm in Carrabelle, FL. Visitors can enjoy the gorgeous natural surroundings of St. George Sound and Carrabelle Beach under the glow of the full Beaver Moon.

Visitors can also have an after-hours visit in the Keeper’s House Museum and see the exhibit for the lighthouse’s original, historic Fresnel lens. Guests may also enjoy the glowing bonfire in the park (weather permitting). Bring a chair and enjoy the evening. 

While at this Full Moon event, evening climbs are also available for those brave souls who are bold enough to venture to the top of the tallest Forgotten Coast lighthouse. Evening climbs cost $10 for climbers (age 13+). Timed tower climb tickets are required for those who wish to climb the lighthouse tower during this event. Timed tickets are available at GET TICKETS or by dropping by our gift shop. Advance ticket purchase is strongly suggested as these tickets may sell out. 

Those who would like to help offset the additional costs for this after-hours event and support the lighthouse are welcome to make a donation either in advance at DONATION or donate in person at the event.  

Blues & BBQ Full Moon SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 6-9 pm 

The Crooked River Lighthouse will be hosting a Blues & BBQ Full Moon Event on Sunday, December 15, from 6:00-9:00 pm in Carrabelle, FL. Visitors can enjoy the gorgeous natural surroundings of St. George Sound and Carrabelle Beach under the glow of the full Cold Moon.

Visitors can also have an after-hours visit in the Keeper’s House Museum and see the exhibit for the lighthouse’s original, historic Fresnel lens. Guests may also enjoy the glowing bonfire in the park (weather permitting). Bring a chair and enjoy the evening. 

While at this Full Moon event, evening climbs are also available for those brave souls who are bold enough to venture to the top of the tallest Forgotten Coast lighthouse. Evening climbs cost $10 for climbers (age 13+). Timed tower climb tickets are required for those who wish to climb the lighthouse tower during this event. Timed tickets are available at GET TICKETS or by dropping by our gift shop. Advance ticket purchase is strongly suggested as these tickets may sell out. 

Those who would like to help offset the additional costs for this after-hours event and support the lighthouse are welcome to make a donation either in advance at DONATION or donate in person at the event.   

 

ABOUT FULL MOON EVENING EVENTS

Enjoy this opportunity to see the gorgeous natural surroundings of the St. George Sound and Carrabelle Beach under the glow of the rising full moon. Take an after-hours self-guided tour of the Keeper’s House Museum and visit the new exhibit for the lighthouse’s original, historic Fresnel lens. Browse inside the Lighthouse Gift Shop for unique nautical gifts and souvenirs.  Chill by the glowing bonfire in the park (weather permitting). Bring a chair and enjoy the evening with us.

At the Full Moon event, evening climbs are also available for those brave souls who are bold enough to venture to the top of the tallest Forgotten Coast lighthouse. Climbers will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the bay. Evening climbs cost $10. All climbers must be at least 44 inches tall. There will be a time limit for viewing from the top. Tickets are required for those who wish to climb the lighthouse tower during this event. Tickets are available by dropping by our gift shop. Advance purchase is strongly suggested as slots may sell out. A limited number of climbers (max of 8) are allowed at one time.

Guests who would like a more leisurely climbing experience are welcome to enjoy one of the daytime climbs available every Wednesday through Sunday. Masks are welcome but not required.

Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council. 

 

 

Country Markets

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COUNTRY "SUPER" MARKET, SAT, OCT 5, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Make plans to join us at the expanded Country “SUPER” Market on Saturday, October 5, from 9 am to 3 pm at Lighthouse Park, 1975 Hwy 98 W in Carrabelle. There will be something for everyone, from market-fresh goods to unique nautical souvenirs and gifts from the Keeper’s House Gift Shop. The Country “SUPER” Market will feature an array of local and regional vendors with a variety of gifts and goodies. Visitors can shop for fresh roasted coffee, delicious baked goods including breads, cakes and more, organic farm-fresh produce, fresh eggs, grass-fed beef, starter plants, handcrafted balms and sprays, regional art and photography, local crafts, custom bags, jewelry, decor items, clothing, pepper jelly, wildflower jellies, homemade salsa, pickled okra, hot sauce and more. Carrabelle’s own A Train Stop food truck will be at this event as well with delicious fresh cooked meals.

Author and historian Robert Jacob will be attending from 9 am to 12 pm for a book signing and meet & greet. Robert has over 50 years experience in living history portrayals and is passionate about dispelling myths and inaccuracies found in historical records. He has written several books including A Pirate’s Life in the Golden Age of Piracy, Pirates of the Florida Coast: Truths, Legends, and Myths, and Blackbeard: The Truth Revealed.

 Admission to the park for the Country "Super" Market is free to the public. 

Guests can also visit the free Museum and browse inside the Lighthouse Gift Shop for unique nautical gifts. In addition, visitors have the unique opportunity to climb to the top of the lighthouse for a breathtaking view of the Bay. And make sure to look for the Spring and Fall Vintage Flea & Country Farmer's Market. 

Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council. 

FIRST, THIRD & FIFTH SATURDAYS 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Now is a great time to check out the Country Farmer’s Market at the Crooked River Lighthouse in Carrabelle. Markets are 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Lighthouse Park, 1975 Hwy 98 West in Carrabelle. The open-air market at the foot of the Lighthouse features local vendors with perfect gifts and goodies like farm-fresh produce, locally handcrafted jewelry, batch roasted coffee, grass-fed beef, handmade goods and craft items, delicious baked goods including cinnamon rolls, artisan breads, and cookies, gorgeous art & photography, handcrafted balms, aromatic herbs, and so much more. Plus, there will be book signings, unique t-shirts, vegetable seeds, and exotic starter plants to explore.

 Admission to the park for the Country Market is free to the public. 

Guests can also visit the free Museum and browse inside the Lighthouse Gift Shop for unique nautical gifts. In addition, visitors have the unique opportunity to climb to the top of the lighthouse for a breathtaking view of the Bay. And make sure to look for the Spring and Fall Vintage Flea & Country Farmer's Market. 

Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council. 

BE A MARKET VENDOR!

The Market is growing steadily and is encouraging vendors to join and may sign up at any time. The cost to be a vendor is $10 a market. Vendors are asked to bring all supplies needed with them (enough cash / change for the day, table, chairs, signage, etc.). If you are interested or have questions, please contact the lighthouse at 850-697-2732 or carrabellelighthouse@gmail.com.