3 Best Landmarks in Gainesville, FL

Matheson History Museum located in the heart of downtown Gainesville, the Matheson History Museum is home to the Historic Matheson House, permanent and temporary exhibits on Alachua County and Florida history, and a local history library and archives filled with resources for the researcher and the curious alike. Throughout the year we host a variety of programs on local and Florida history. Admission is FREE.

The Matheson is a great small museum in Gainesville that has exhibits on local history- current exhibit is on the music in Gainesville during the 70s. Worth the visit- also check the events calendar as they host several great lectures.

They have new 40 year celebration of Tom Petty exhibition. They have art painting and his guitar and other items. Most notably they have a new interactive computer display for Tom Petty.

One of the oldest houses in Alachua County, the Historic Haile Homestead was the home of Thomas Evans Haile, his wife Esther Serena Chesnut Haile and 14 of their children. The Hailes came here from Camden, South Carolina in 1854 to establish a 1,500-acre Sea Island Cotton plantation which they named Kanapaha. Enslaved black craftsmen completed the 6,200-square-foot manse in 1856. The 1860 census showed 66 slaves living here. The Hailes survived bankruptcy in 1868 and turned the property into a productive farm, growing a variety of fruits and vegetables including oranges. Serena Haile died in 1895; Thomas in 1896. The Homestead, which passed to son Evans, a prominent defense attorney, became the site of house parties attended by some of Gainesville’s most distinguished citizens. The Hailes had the unusual habit of writing on the walls; all together over 12,500 words with the oldest writing dating to the 1850’s. The Homestead was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. A restoration was completed in 1996. Still partly owned by descendants of Evans Haile, the Homestead is one of the few remaining homesteads built by Sea Island cotton planters in this part of Florida.

I photographed 48 of 50 states and this was one of my Florida stops! We got a tour from Cadence and Gus! Young folks that were engaged storytellers that were passionate about being in the space. Respectful, thorough and thoughtful.. Cadence was amazing… thank you so much for the tour and sharing your heart with us.

Very informative staff. Well preserved, beautiful location and gorgeous house. Definitely a good family trip.