Growing up in DeLand in the 1890s

This program for youth ages 6 - 12 and adults who accompany them explores life as a kid during the time that Carl Farriss, the young son of Stetson professors Dr. and Mrs. Farriss lived in the house on Michigan Avenue which now is home to the DeLand House Museum. Visit the home where Carl lived, view old photos in a stereoscope and make a paper toy that he and his friends may have played with. Check in at Conrad Center, 137 W Michigan Ave, DeLand. 11 am - 12 pm. $5 for youth; $10 for adults. Kids with an ECHO Ranger Passport accompanied by one adult attend free.  Call 386-740-6813. RSVP is required by September 18th 

Saturday, October 18, 2025

Thursday, October 23, 2025

Ed Blackman will share the history of Lake Helen from 1883 to 1922 with emphasis on early hotels and commerce in the immediate area of Lae Helen and Cassadaga, including the Harlan Hotel. He will present a personal project - an accurate digital reconstruction of the Harlan. Ed studied Design at 

the Pratt Institute in NY and worked for many years as an architectural illustrator in South Florida. He also designed the addition to Hopkins Hall in Lake Helen, and is an accomplished watercolor artist. Lunch will include sandwiches: Roast Beef, Turkey and a Vegetarian option. Preordering is not required. Participants will make their sandwich choices along with chips, fruit, dessert and water at the event.  Cost is $15. Conrad Center, 137 W Michigan Ave, DeLand. noon to 1:30 pm.

Friday & Saturday,  October 10 - 11,  2025

Historic Oakdale Cemetery Walk

The 35th annual Cemetery Walk tells the stories of Town & Gown: DeLand and Stetson University 1900 - 1940. Meet key individuals who helped establish DeLand as progressive and forward-thinking. Walking small group tours begin from 5:30 - 6:50 pm. Make your reservation today by calling 386-740-6813 to confirm your time slot. Check this web page for more details.

Wednesday, October 8,  2025

Walking Tour of the old Northwest Residential Historic District

See many architectural landmarks and hear stories of our intriguing pioneers. Tour departs at 10:30 am from WVHS Conrad Educational & Research Center, 137 W Michigan Avenue in DeLand. Advance reservations required. Click here for more details & tour dates. 

Wednesday, October 22,  2025

Walking Tour of the Historic Stetson University Campus

Walk through the historic district of this beautiful campus and learn how it grew from a single academy building in 1884 to the magnificent building around the Holler Fountain. Tour departs at 10:30 am from WVHS Conrad Educational & Research Center, 137 W Michigan avenue in DeLand. Click here for more details & tour dates.