Located at 137 W. Michigan Avenue in DeLand, the West Volusia Historical Society complex consists of the DeLand House Museum, the Robert M. Conrad Educational and Research Center - an archive/library and educational programming center - and the Lue Gim Gong Memorial Grove.

The DeLand House Museum is a picturesque Neoclassical Revival home enlarged and transformed about 1912 from a small Frame Vernacular dwelling built in 1886. Extensive renovations to the Museum were completed in June 2024. The Museum tells stories of DeLand’s exciting Progressive Era through the Great Florida Land Boom of the 1920s, when its longest owners, Dr. Charles and Alma Farriss of Stetson University made it their family home. The interior also showcases an extensive collection of period photographs, authentic artifacts and memorabilia that trace the history and development of DeLand and the surrounding area.

The Robert M. Conrad Educational and Research Center Archives hold hundreds of vintage photos, maps, directories, phone books and genealogies from community histories dating from the late 1800s. The Center was developed from a generous donation from DeLand's Conrad family in honor of their descendant, Robert M. Conrad, and expanded with a one-story, two-room addition funded in part by the Volusia County ECHO program and sponsored by the City of DeLand in 2008. 

Research Opportunities

The WVHS Complex supports research of the history of West Volusia and serves as a resource for residents and visitors wanting to learn more about our history and its preservation

Educational Outreach

The Society offers interesting and engaging lectures, parlor chats with re-enactors, workshops and exhibits for youth and adults. Our gift shop offers a wide variety of books and the Boutique offers an array of gift items handcrafted by our Makers' Guild.

Special Events

A number of special events are offered throughout the year including the Oakdale Cemetery History Walk, Christmas Candlelight Tours, Annual Fundraising Gala, and the Tour of Historic Homes.

DeLand House Museum

Robert M. Conrad Education and Research Center