ABOUT US
Reel in Some History
The Cortez Cultural Center showcases the history of the Village of Cortez, an active fishing community on the west coast of Florida, north of Sarasota Bay.
Cortez is one of the last remaining fishing villages on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Our fishing history goes back to the Native Americans and Spanish who first lived and explored the area.
Originally called Hunter’s Point, Cortez was settled in the 1880s by families such as the Guthries, Taylors and Fulfords. Many of their descendants still live in the village. The organization has helped recognize Cortez as a historical landmark. Ninety-seven of its buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Cultural Center focuses on preserving “old Florida” history and stories of founding families in Cortez. Starting with the Guthrie and Fulford families in 1880, visitors to the center can travel through time with exhibits that explore the founding of the village, the fishing livelihood, the musical traditions, and current day conservation efforts.
The Cultural Center is run by the Cortez Village Historical Society, whose mission is "to collect, preserve, and disseminate the history and heritage of the Village of Cortez and the Cortez peninsula on which it is located. We also collect memorabilia reflecting the history of the commercial fishing industry and fishing as a way of life." Come see what we're about!
Read more about us:
Fishermen