ECHO-Historical Discoveries

Historical Discoveries

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Project Summary

Volusia County's Historic category preserves the area's rich heritage by protecting and restoring its historical landmarks. Home to over 200 sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places—including downtown neighborhoods, agricultural and educational districts, and individual buildings, churches, and archaeological sites. Historic ECHO projects provide unique opportunities for visitors to step back in time and experience Volusia's fascinating past firsthand while ensuring these irreplaceable historic resources. Since its inception ECHO and its partners have invested $25 million dollars in 51 historic projects throughout the county.

FEATURED SPOTLIGHT

Barberville Pioneer Settlement

Picture of historical building in Volusia County

Tucked away in the heart of Volusia County, the Barberville Pioneer Settlement feels like a journey into Florida’s past. For nearly 40 years, this living history museum has been preserving the pioneer way of life, offering visitors a glimpse into early settlers' daily routines, craftsmanship, and resilience.

As you stroll through the grounds, you’ll encounter a collection of historic buildings, each with a story to tell. The Central School of Barberville, built in 1919, still resonates with lessons from the past, while the Pierson Railroad Depot and Huntington Post Office, both built in 1885, remind visitors of the town’s former lively connection to the outside world. Thanks to $485,352 in ECHO Program funding, the Settlement has restored significant structures, including the Historic Joseph Underhill House, built in 1879, which is Volusia County’s oldest brick home.

But this isn’t just a place to admire old buildings. At Barberville, history comes alive. Visitors can participate in workshops on weaving, blacksmithing, and even square dancing, creating an experience that’s as interactive as it is educational. Throughout the year, the Settlement also hosts festivals and special events, uniting artisans, musicians, and storytellers to celebrate Florida’s rich pioneer heritage.

For families, history enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a unique experience, Barberville Pioneer Settlement provides an unforgettable journey through time. So, step off the beaten path and uncover a part of Florida’s past waiting to be discovered.

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Learn More About Other Projects Below:

This project included the construction of a museum highlighting Jackie Robinson's pivotal role in desegregating baseball in Daytona Beach, featuring historic and personal accounts. Additionally, enhancements were made to the existing ballpark, including expanding the picnic and children's play areas, installing a new scoreboard, and improving sound and lighting systems. This project was for the acquisition of the 1905 Historic Hotchkiss House. Hotchkiss House was built by ELI Hotchkiss, internationally known for marketing the Hotchkiss stapler. The acquisition of Lilian Place, known as "the oldest grand house in Daytona's Beachside," was completed in 2009. Built in 1884 by Laurence Thompson, one of the city's earliest settlers, it stands as the oldest house on Daytona's beachside. The Chamber of Commerce building, originally constructed in the 1930s as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project, underwent a restoration project aimed at revitalizing both its exterior and selected interior areas. This project will renovate the historic building by installing an elevator, replacing six windows and stucco/paint the north side of the building to match the rest of the exterior. The Athens Theatre opened on January 6, 1922, over the years it served as a vaudeville theater, movie house, a place for community theatre and prom parties, and a dinner theater. It was purchased in 1994 by the Mainstreet DeLand Association, Inc. for the purpose of renovation. This project funded the restoration of the theatre. The Athens Theatre opened on January 6, 1922, over the years it served as a vaudeville theater, movie house, a place for community theatre and prom parties, and a dinner theater. It was purchased in 1994 by the Mainstreet DeLand Association, Inc. for the purpose of renovation. This project funded the restoration of the theatre. The Athens Theatre opened on January 6, 1922, over the years it served as a vaudeville theater, movie house, a place for community theatre and prom parties, and a dinner theater. It was purchased in 1994 by the Mainstreet DeLand Association, Inc. for the purpose of renovation. This project funded the restoration of the theatre. The Athens Theatre opened on January 6, 1922, over the years it served as a vaudeville theater, movie house, a place for community theatre and prom parties, and a dinner theater. It was purchased in 1994 by the Mainstreet DeLand Association, Inc. for the purpose of renovation. This project funded the restoration of the theatre. This project will include raised amphitheater seating, a water feature, various military monuments and memorial plaques, flags, landscaping and lighting. The VIA building was given to Oak Hill citizens in 1917 and used for meetings, clubs and City events. This project stabilized the historic building and created ADA compliant restrooms and ramps The Meyer-Davis House was constructed in 1922 as a duplex consisting of 4 rooms, over the years it has been changed to a single dwelling with several additions. The Hasty Cottage/Post Office was built in 1880 as a fishing cottage with the exception of the roof, the cottage has had very few changes. This project restored these properties to their original state. In addition, a parking lot with 5 slips (1 handicap) was added. Acquisition of the Seville Public Elementary School, built in 1914, which closed on June 6, 2008 after 94 years of continuous use. The school was featured on Most Endangered Historic Property List for Volusia County for several years. The building is now a local historic museum, after-school care/summer youth programs, supplemental educational activities, lending library, and a welcome center. Restoration and preservation of the 1914 Historic Seville School. Acquisition of the historic 1879 Joseph Underhill house, a two story brick masonry structure in the Greek Revival architectural style. The Joseph Underhill house is the oldest brick building in Volusia County.

This grant restored the Old Barberville Central High School (c. 1919). This historic schoolhouse serves as the centerpiece of the Pioneer Settlement for the Creative Arts.

The Gamble Place original structures were constructed circa 1907 by James N. Gamble of Procter and Gamble it includes a "Florida Cracker-Style" house, Citrus Packing House, and boat launch. In 1937 his son-in-law Judge Alfred Nippert constructed a Snow White House (Cottage) and accompanying Dwarf Diamond Mine Tower, and Wicked Witch Hut on the property. The historic Hopkins Hall was built by Willard and Betsy Hopkins to serve as a library and community center in 1897. In 1919, the owner, Samuel E. Hopkins donated the center to the City of Lake Helen and gave $1,000.00 for an endowment fund. This project restored the building to it’s original condition adding two handicapped stalls in the restrooms and an ADA accessible ramp. New historical education exhibits at Debary Hall. Funding to add new exhibits and items of interest to the Mansion and for site tours. This will increase visitation and gain repeat visitors with more historic site appropriate information and interpretive displays. DeBary Hall Historic site restoration of original features; decorative piece in front of the mansion steps. The original landscape of the front yard of the mansion included a water fountain feature. We are looking to replicate this and add a new water feature back to the front yard of the mansion. The Clock Tower was constructed in 1936 as a part of a Work Progress Administration (WPA) project to develop the Boardwalk (Oceanfront) Park. This project stabilized the structural deficiencies found in two of the tower buttresses, repaired the damage to the coquina masonry, replaced the electrical systems and refurbished the fountain equipment system. The Bethel AME Church, designed by Mr. John A. Lankford, the first practicing African-American architect and official architect for the National A.M.E. Church, was built in 1907 and began serving worshippers in 1914. It is the oldest African-American church in DeLand and holds a designation as a Historic Building by Volusia County, making it eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. This grant enabled the church to undergo restoration, which included the replacement of the roof to prevent water damage, and extensive work on its woodwork. DeBary Hall was constructed in 1871 by European-born wine merchant Frederick DeBary to serve as a vacation home and hunting estate near Lake Monroe. The estate includes the 8,000 square foot main house, stables and other out buildings. In 2012 water damage was discovered on the second story porch that had damaged the roof and caused deterioration of parts of the balustrade and the porch floor. This Critical Historic Grant restored the damaged portions of the roof and porch. The ECHO Grant funded several key improvements at DeBary Hall, including the renovation of the Historic Stables, the construction of a pavilion equipped with restrooms and picnic tables, and an expansion of the Visitor Education Center. The center now includes a gift shop, additional restrooms, an activities porch, and an administrative office. This project was for the new construction of a Visitor Education Center and the renovation of the Tenant's House at DeBary Hall. This project was for the acquisition of the 1929 First Baptist Church Property (weeping mortar building), demolition of the non-historical portion of the structure, and construction of a new parking lot. The annex building, originally a church constructed in 1929, was acquired by the City through an ECHO grant in 2016. This project focused on renovating the building while preserving its historical integrity and architectural features. This project was for the stabilization of the Joseph Underhill house, a two story brick masonry structure in the Greek Revival architectural style, was built in 1879 and is the oldest brick building in Volusia County. Built in 1913, The Casements served as the winter residence of John D. Rockefeller. A historic restoration and stabilization grant funded this project, which involved renovating The Gallery, the atrium, lighting, waterproofing, safety enhancements (such as fire alarms, sprinklers, and exit stairs), and restroom facilities. Additionally, adjacent Rockefeller Gardens were improved with the construction of an ADA ramp, drainage pond, and irrigation system. A plaza/stage area, fountain feature, and promenade were also added to enhance the gardens. Acquisition of a 36 acre tract of land containing historic significance for conservation. Support for the installation and display of the historic Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune bronze statue in Riverfront Esplanade Park in Daytona Beach, Fl. This project continued the restoration of the Enterprise schoolhouse by refinishing the wood floors on the first level, foyer and stairs, exterior brick work, concrete and painting. A wheelchair ramp was installed making the building ADA accessible, irrigation, landscaping, sidewalk/bike rack and flag pole were also included. This project involved relocating the 1936 Enterprise Schoolhouse, which was donated to the Enterprise Preservation Society by the Volusia County School Board. The schoolhouse was moved to an empty parcel approximately one block away from its original location. The second phase of the Enterprise Preservation Society Project focused on the stabilization and partial restoration of the 1936 Enterprise Schoolhouse building. This project completed the building restoration by replacing the original roof with one that is up to code and approved by the local historic preservation agency. This project was for the acquisition of a FEC Railway Port Orange Train Depot constructed in 1894. This project renovated & reinstalled the third order of Fresnel lens in the original location by the lantern room at the top of the lighthouse tower. The Seabreeze United Church facility was constructed in 1929 and has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1995. The stained glass itself was created in 1904 and donated to the congregation of the Seabreeze United Church in 1905. This project was for the restoration and reinforcement of the stained glass. The Peabody was built in the 1940s at the time of the dedication it was the largest indoor performing arts center in the state of Florida. This project consisted of upgrading the wiring to accommodate today’s specifications and replacing the 1940’s signage, The NSB Sugar Mill was constructed in 1830 as a part of the Crueger-DePeyster sugar works. This project consisted of stabilization, reinforcement and cleaning of the freestanding masonry walls to minimize deterioration of the remaining structure. The Mary McLeod Bethune Home, constructed in the early 1900s and the residence of Dr. Bethune until her passing in 1955, underwent a renovation and update through this project. The university handled most of the exterior woodwork, while this grant focused on essential interior upgrades. This included rewiring for electrical systems, installing a code-compliant fire alarm and sprinkler system, upgrading the HVAC system, and implementing a burglar and video security system. Interior improvements such as painting, drywall installation, cabinet work, and the installation of an ADA-compliant ramp were also completed. This Emergency Stabilization Grant restored the roof of the Daytona Beach Historic Bandshell The Three Chimneys Ruin is the site of oldest successful British sugar plantation, sugar mill and rum distillery in the United States. This project treated the upper surfaces of the main brick structures with substances designed to stop water intrusion, the west end of the brick wall of the boiling house structure will be stabilized and finally restructuring of the complete top surface of the boiling house facility was undertaken. The project centered on the preservation and stabilization of the 19th-century sugar mill ruins located in Sugar Mill Gardens. It included conducting archaeological investigations, constructing a protective roof over the engine room section of the ruins, and installing interpretive boardwalks, kiosks, and signage to enrich visitor understanding of the site.