Mission Statement

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 state and local governments, organizations, foundations, and citizens to raise monies for historical preservation projects and educational programs.


Our Accomplishments

For over twenty years, the Indian River County Historical Society has contributed to preserving the historical and environmental resources of Indian River County, the Indian River Lagoon area, and the State of Florida. From advocacy leadership to countywide programs, the Society has continued good stewardship and sound educational practices. Some of our most successful projects have been:

  • "Saving Jungle Trail" a 7.5-mile greenway
  • Managing a countywide historic marker program
  • Participating in historical property surveys for Vero Beach, Indian River County, and Fellsmere
  • Launching a countywide archaeological survey for Indian River County
  • Listing a number of historic places and sites on the National Register
  • And publishing numerous articles, brochures, and an official history book, A History of Indian River County, "A Sense of Place."


The Indian River County Historical Society has acquired these historic properties for the public to enjoy:

  • 1903 Vero Beach Railroad Station in downtown Vero Beach purchased for $1.00.
  • 1918 Hallstrom House and five adjoining acres on Old Dixie Highway in south county bequest from a Society member.


Both of these properties are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and are open to the public. A description of these unique properties and the story on how the Society obtained them can be found in the enclosure, or by viewing our Properties page.


Each of these historic buildings, in their own way, offers a distinct look at the history of Indian River County and its rich heritage. They also offer destination points for children, their teachers, and parents to understand and study the history of Indian River County and Florida.


Board Of Directors


Hildie Tripson

President

A Florida native. Hildie loves all things historical. She has owned a floral design shop (Waldo's Gardens) located here in Vero Beach for the past 20 years. Hildie is married to Mark Tripson with three children that all reside in Vero Beach as well.


Richard Votapka

Secretary

Rich has lived in Indian River County since 1975. He and his wife, Linda, have three sons and a daughter all born and raised in Sebastian. Rich is a registered professional engineer currently practicing in Vero Beach. A former City of Sebastian Councilman and Mayor, he has also been involved with the Boy Scouts as Cubmaster, Scoutmaster and Committee Chairman. Rich joined the Pioneer Preservation of Fellsmere Committee in April, 2008 bringing his interest and research of Fellsmere and was voted on the IRCHS Board of Directors in June 2008.

 

Jerry Sintes

Treasurer

Jerry is a Certified Public Accountant with over twenty years of experience.  He currently serves as the Vice President - Controller for Bimini Capital Management, Inc. in Vero Beach.  Originally from New Orleans, and a graduate of Louisiana State University, Jerry has lived in Indian River County since 2006.

 

Marion Newbold

Born in Shanghai, China, my mother and I refugeed to America due to the Japanese attack.  I grew up on my Grandfather's ranch in The Ojai, Calif. My family were early pioneers and settlers in Ventura County and were always involved in community affairs. I attended Marymount Girls School in Santa Barbara, CA. and upon Graduation I went to the University of Colorado. I married and moved to Fairfield Ct. where we raised two children.

In Ct., I have served on the Conservation Commission, I was the first woman to serve on the County Soil Conservation Commission, I carried the water portfolio for the League of Woman, voters testifying for the them on the first Clean Water Act. I was president of the Long Hill Garden Club and taught for 28 years in high school and college; physics, chemistry, biology, earth science, and DNA laboratory techniques. I served on the Ct. State teachers association constitution revision board and have degrees in Biology, Limnology, and Bio Ethics.

In Vero, I have been a member of the Bougainvillea circle of the IRC garden club and horticulture chairmen for them, I have been on the board of Adult Literary and a tutor there also, I am a member of AAUW and a past board member serving for them on the Cultural Council. I have volunteered for many years at McKee gardens and for the last two years have been engaged in an investigative research project on water lilies. I am at present the archivist at the Hallstrom Farmstead.  

 

 

County Historian


Ruth Stanbridge

Ruth is a Charter Member since the Society's incorporation in 1983 holding positions of President, Vice President and Project Manager. She currently serves as County Historian (appointed, January 1997) for Indian River County. With a background in natural history, Ruth retired from State of Florida Office of Environmental Services, then served on the County Planning and Zoning Commission and as District 2 Commissioner on Board of County Commissioner. Ruth also finds the time for her historical research and grant writing business. Ruth's historical successes include saving and restoring the Vero Beach RR Station, saving Jungle Trail, restoring the Hallstrom Farmstead's main house, and writing "Special Places."� Although born in South Carolina, Ruth has been in Indian River County since the 7th grade, sharing her love of history, particularly the rich and diverse history of Indian River County.