Our
Projects

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At Barberville Pioneer Settlement, we believe in preserving the past—not just through the artifacts we display or the stories we tell, but in the very way we welcome people into history.

That’s why we’re embarking on a project that’s as practical as it is meaningful: building a modern restroom facility housed inside a replica log cabin, thoughtfully designed in Cracker vernacular architecture. It will look like it belongs to the 1800s—but inside, it will provide the comfort and safety our guests deserve.

This isn't just about plumbing.
It’s about honoring the past while serving the present.

Our current setup—with port-a-potties at events like the Frolic & Jamboree—is far from ideal, especially for the thousands of schoolchildren who visit us each year. They come here to learn, to imagine, to connect. They shouldn’t have to worry about where to go to the bathroom.

The cabin’s large, covered porch will also offer a protected display space to showcase rotating selections from our collection of over 10,000 historical artifacts, spanning from the 1800s through the 1920s. It will be both functional and beautiful—a landmark that embodies our mission.

But we can’t do it alone.

We’re setting aside internal funds. We’re applying for grants. We’re reaching out to local businesses and generous supporters.
All Quality Building Materials has already contributed significantly—we’re deeply grateful. But we still have a long way to go.

If you believe in what we do—if you’ve ever been moved by a moment here, or watched a child’s eyes light up at a living history demo—please consider helping us take this next step.

Every donation, large or small, brings us closer to replacing those port-a-potties with a facility that respects our visitors and reflects our values.

Together, we can build something truly lasting—a place where comfort and history meet.

Since the early 1980s, the Barberville Pioneer Settlement's caboose has stood as a vibrant symbol of railroading history—donated by the Seaboard Coastline Railroad Family System just before cabooses were phased out in favor of modern sensor technology.

Now, after decades of service as a beloved exhibit and educational tool, our caboose is in need of serious restoration—a facelift and body work to preserve its integrity and beauty for generations to come. It’s a favorite among visitors of all ages and a vital part of our historical landscape.

We’re thrilled to share that we’ve already secured $5,000 from the Florida State "America the Beautiful" License Plate Foundation and $2,500 from Clay Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round-Up. But we still need to raise approximately $12,500 more to complete the project.

If you’ve ever climbed aboard, taken a photo, or simply marveled at the bright red caboose during your visit, please consider contributing to its restoration.
Your gift will help us ensure this piece of railroad history stays safe, striking, and standing proud for another hundred years.

We’re launching a campaign to raise funds for a subscription to Candid—the gold standard in nonprofit grant databases.

This powerful tool would give our directors and grant writers access to hundreds of thousands of potential funding opportunities from both public and private sources. It’s a costly annual subscription, but it could be the key to unlocking critical grant money for our ongoing projects and programming—from educational outreach to historical preservation.

Many grantmakers use Candid to verify that their funds go exactly where their mission intends, and without access, we risk being left out of opportunities we’re perfectly suited for.

If you’ve ever visited the Barberville Pioneer Settlement and thought, “Wow, this place is special,” we ask you to give what you can.
Your donation helps us grow, sustain, and share that “wow” with future generations.