Discover the historic properties and community spaces that define our island's heritage and continue to bring our community together.
Help us protect and preserve Terra Ceia's historic landmarks for future generations.
Your generous donation helps fund critical preservation projects, including the stabilization of the historic VIA Hall and maintenance of the community dock. Every contribution makes a difference in protecting our island's heritage.
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Featured Site
One of Florida's oldest continuously operating women's civic organizations
The Village Improvement Association (VIA) Hall stands as a testament to Terra Ceia Island's rich civic history. Established in 1901, the VIA was the first women's club in Florida and has been central to community life for over a century.
The building has served as a central gathering place for community events, meetings, and celebrations for generations. Today, the TCI Preservation Foundation is dedicated to preserving this important landmark for future generations.
Once the home of Tocobaga chiefs — the first place in Florida to be named a State Archaeological Site
The flat-topped ceremonial mound—composed of sand, shell, and village debris—measures 100 by 170 feet at the base and is 20 feet in height. Archaeological excavations have disclosed at least three periods of Native American cultures (Manasota, Weedon Island, and Safety Harbor), the earliest dating back 2,000 years.
The ten-acre site that contains the Temple Mound and the Prine Burial Mound was deeded to the State of Florida in 1948 by Mrs. R.H. Prine of Terra Ceia and Karl A. Bickel of Sarasota. The site is named after Mr. Bickel's wife, Madira. This was the first site in Florida to become a state archaeological site.
955 Bayshore Drive, Terra Ceia FL 34250
Year Round, Free: 8:00 a.m. until sundown
1948 — First FL State Archaeological Site
Life was simple — primary interests were hunting and fishing. Kitchen middens along the shore of the bay were probably begun during this period.
A.D. 700 to A.D. 1300 — This period produced some of the most artistic pottery found in Florida.
Villages became larger as agriculture rose in importance. This is also the period when the first Spanish explorers arrived.