👥 Who: City of Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park & Cultural Center, former Councilwoman Chris Gibson, local museum staff, and volunteers
🏛️ What: Opening of a new museum store as part of the Indian Temple Mound Museum’s expansion and renovation
📅 When: Saturday, November 1, 2025; expanded hours begin December 6
📍 Where: 139 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach, Florida
💡 Why: To enhance the museum experience, provide new retail offerings, and expand gallery exhibit space for local history
The City of Fort Walton Beach’s Heritage Park & Cultural Center will open a new museum store at the Indian Temple Mound Museum on Saturday, November 1, marking a significant milestone in the museum’s years-long expansion and renovation project.
The Museum Store will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays throughout November. Starting Saturday, December 6, the store’s hours will expand to Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors will have the opportunity to browse and purchase a wide range of unique items, including locally inspired artwork, historical reproductions, and educational materials tied to the region’s rich history.
The museum’s expansion and renovation project has been in development for several years, aimed at improving the visitor experience and providing more space for exhibits that highlight the unique history of Fort Walton Beach and the surrounding area. The grounds for the new building were generously donated by former Fort Walton Beach City Councilwoman Chris Gibson and her family. Gibson, who was a longtime advocate for local history and cultural preservation, supported the museum’s mission to preserve, present, and share thousands of years of regional history.
Funding for the project came from multiple local sources, including the City of Fort Walton Beach’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), the Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department (TDD), and the Okaloosa County ½ cent sales tax. These combined resources allowed the museum to expand its gallery space, update exhibits, and modernize facilities for visitors.
“The new museum store will provide an enhanced experience for our guests, allowing them to take home a piece of local history while supporting the museum’s ongoing operations,” said a representative of the Heritage Park & Cultural Center. “We are excited to welcome the community to explore the new space and discover the wide variety of items available.”
The renovation and expansion will allow museum staff and volunteers to update displays and exhibits over the coming months. The museum will reopen in phases to ensure exhibits are thoughtfully updated and the new gallery spaces are fully utilized. Visitors can expect a combination of permanent and rotating exhibits, offering insights into the rich cultural and historical heritage of Fort Walton Beach and the surrounding region.
Heritage Park & Cultural Center, which houses the Indian Temple Mound Museum, is located at 139 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548. The museums of Heritage Park will close for observed holidays. The City of Fort Walton Beach’s Recreation and Cultural Services Department oversees the museum division and encourages residents and visitors to plan their visits according to the posted hours.
The Heritage Park & Cultural Center and the Indian Temple Mound Museum continue to serve as key cultural resources for Fort Walton Beach and the surrounding communities, offering educational programs, exhibits, and events that celebrate the region’s history. The opening of the new museum store represents another step in the city’s ongoing commitment to preserving and sharing this history with the public.
For more information about the Indian Temple Mound Museum, the new museum store, and Heritage Park & Cultural Center, residents and visitors can contact the City of Fort Walton Beach Recreation and Cultural Services Department.
Pro Communi Bono
St. Francis De Sales, Ora Pro Nobis!
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