Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/149186
Sarasota News Leader August 9 & 16, 2013 Page 77 HISTORICAL SOCIETY RECEIVES GRANT FOR SECURITY CAMERAS The Historical Society of Sarasota County has received a grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County for a security camera system for the historic Bidwell-Wood House (1882) and the Crocker Memorial Church (1901), both of which are located at 1260 12th St. in Sarasota's Pioneer Park, the Historical Society has announced. The $3,770 grant is from the Frances T. Bourne Fund at the Community Foundation, a news release says. "It's a sad fact that almost any historical site, monument or even museum in our country can be a target of senseless vandalism," said Historical Society President Howard Rosenthal in the release, "but we can all be encouraged that through modern security technology, we can discourage and diminish violence to places we strive to preserve for future generations. This grant for security cameras at Sarasota County's oldest private residence and at the Crocker Memorial Church demonstrates that our community takes pride in Sarasota history and supports the structures that bear witness to our pioneer past." In 2006, the Bidwell-Wood House and the Crocker Memorial Church were moved by the City of Sarasota to Pioneer Park and placed under the protection of the Historical Society of Sarasota County, a community membership organization of approximately 400 annual and life members, the release notes. The mission of the Historical Society "is to create public awareness of the rich historical heritage of Sarasota and the State of Florida," the release adds. The organization encourages inquiry, research, memorabilia preservation and protection of historic sites, the release points out. A sign welcomes visitors to the Historical Society buildings in Pioneer Park in Sarasota. Photo by Scott Proffitt The Bidwell-Wood House and the Crocker Memorial Church are open for docent-led tours and for community events organized under the auspices of the Historical Society. For more information, visit the website at: www. hsosc.com.