Welcome to Indian River County Historical Society

Upcoming Events:

“I thus declare it!” With those words and his signature on an Executive Order, President Theodore Roosevelt created Pelican Island, the first Federal Bird Sanctuary, nearby Sebastian, Florida, on March 14, 1903.  One hundred and eleven years later, and nearly to the exact date, Theodore Roosevelt will be brought to life by actor and historian Joe Wiegand in “An Evening with Tedd...y Roosevelt,” on the auditorium stage of Sebastian River  (SRHS) High School, 9001 90th Ave (CR 510) in Sebastian.   

The Friday night, March 13th show is sponsored by the Indian River County Historical Society (IRCHS).  Tickets for the 7:00 P.M. show are available in advance for $10 for adults and $8 for students 18 years of age and younger.  Reserved seating is available for an additional $3.  Tickets will be available at the door for $15 each.  For a pre-show “Dinner with Teddy” at Sharky’s Café on the SRHS campus at 5:15 PM Friday night, tickets are $35.  Some of Teddy’s favorite foods will be served and each dinner ticket includes a special reserved seat at the show.  A silent auction will be held before the show, concluding during the show’s intermission. Proceeds will be used to fund the programs of the Indian River County Historical Society.  Tickets and more information are available from the IRCHS at 2336 14th Ave. in Vero Beach by calling  772-778-3435 between 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. M-F, or on the IRCHS website at www.irchistorical.org,  or by e-mailing indianriverhisto@ bellsouth.net.

Joe Wiegand has performed in all 50 states and was featured at the White House during the celebration of Theodore Roosevelt’s 150th birthday.  Joe was also the model for the new statue of Theodore Roosevelt at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, was featured in the History Channel series, The Men Who Built America, and has appeared every year since 2008 at the Pelican Island Wildlife Festival, which begins 10:00 Saturday morning, March 14, at Sebastian’s Riverview Park, the day following the show at SRHS. 

“I want to thank the Indian River County Historical Society for the opportunity to bring the great conservation president to life on stage in Sebastian,” said Wiegand from his home nearby San Diego, California.  “In 1898, thirty-nine year old Lt. Col. Theodore Roosevelt camped with his Rough Riders in the mosquito laden pine and sands of Tampa. One of his volunteers was Frank Vans Agnew, who later married Olivia Fell, daughter of E. Nelson and Anne Palmer Fell, founders of Fellsmere. Long after his presidency, TR’s last hunting adventure was chasing and harpooning the manta ray off the coast of Captiva.  Florida is an important part of Roosevelt’s legacy, and I’m looking forward to a bully good time in Sebastian,” declared Wiegand. Wiegand’s many fans in the region know his performance is funny, inspirational, and great family entertainment. More information on Joe Wiegand and his Teddy Roosevelt Tour can be found at www.teddyrooseveltshow.com.

The Indian River County Historical Society, Inc., established in 1983, is a private, non-profit, 501c3, organized to save, preserve, and restore the historical and environmental resources of Indian River County. In order to accomplish this, the Society works with state and local governments, organizations, foundations, and citizens to raise monies for historical preservation projects and educational programs.

For further information on upcoming events, please call 772-778-3435 and speak to Janice Sellers.   

Membership Information for the Indian River County Historical Society:

The Indian River County Historical Society, Inc. established in 1983, is a private non-profit organization with a simple mission statement - to save, preserve and restore the historical and environmental resources of Indian River County. In order to accomplish this, the Society works with local and state governments, organizations, foundations and citizens to raise monies for historical preservation projects and educational programs.

We would love for you to join us.  Please see memberships fess below:

Individual  --  $25.00                 Silver  --   $100.00                      Platinum  --  $500.00
Family       --  $35.00                 Gold   --   $250.00                      Diamond  --  $1,000.00

If interested in helping us preserve History for future generations to enjoy, please contact our office at 
772-778-3435 or go to the donate icon and indicate which membership applies.  Thank you once again for your support!!!

Volunteers Needed

Do you have 2 hours per week to spend with others sharing your skills to benefit the community through our historical programs?  The properties of the Indian River County Historical Society, Inc. are running in full swing. Our current volunteers are busy manning the phones, giving tours, updating membership lists, preserving documents and photographs, researching and preparing mailings.

We are now accepting applications for Docent Training at the Hallstrom House - volunteer hours (4) four hours a week If interestested, please call:

Janice Sellers
Administrative Assistant
772-778-3435

We would love to add you to our family of volunteers.