Leon County Celebrates 100 Years of Fort Braden’s Historic Schoolhouse and Community Center
Leon County Government celebrated the 100th anniversary of the historic Old Fort Braden School, now the Fort Braden Community Center, on Saturday, Nov. 7, with a community gathering honoring the site’s history and its continued role in bringing residents together.
Built in 1926, the schoolhouse served Fort Braden students until 1993 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The centennial celebration, themed “From Learning to Living: Celebrating 100 Years of Fort Braden’s School and Community Center,” welcomed hundreds of residents for a family-friendly event featuring free food, music, games and activities.
“For 100 years, the Fort Braden School has been an important part of this community’s history,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Christian Caban. “While its role has changed over time, its purpose of bringing people together has remained. This anniversary is an opportunity to honor the generations of families who have made Fort Braden what it is today.”
During the celebration, County officials, County staff and a Fort Braden community advocate shared remarks reflecting on the site’s 100-year history and its lasting significance to the area. After the program, the community gathered in front of the building for a photo to commemorate the centennial celebration.
“Preserving our history means protecting the places and stories that help define our community,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “The Fort Braden Community Center and surrounding area can and will continue to serve residents in new ways while honoring the people and traditions that shaped it. Leon County is proud to help preserve this legacy for future generations.”
The celebration also offered attendees a first look at the new Fort Braden History Wall, installed inside the community center. The display features a timeline of significant events and historical photographs documenting the community’s past. Residents were also invited to bring historical photographs of Fort Braden to be scanned on-site for possible inclusion in the History Wall’s digital display. Residents can continue submitting digital photographs through the online submission form at LeonCountyFL.gov/FBCC100.
“Community centers are more than places to gather; they are places where memories are made and connections grow,” said Leon County Parks and Recreation Director Amanda Heidecker. “Celebrating 100 years of history here makes the future of this building and space so much brighter. We have been honored to maintain this historic landmark and work to keep the space as strong and accessible as the building’s enduring legacy.”
In addition to historical displays and photos, the County launched a collection for a Fort Braden Community Time Capsule, inviting residents to contribute meaningful items and mementos that reflect the community’s history, people and traditions. While event attendees had the opportunity to contribute items during the centennial celebration, the collection will continue throughout the month of November at the Jane G. Sauls Fort Braden Branch Library. Residents are encouraged to stop by during the library’s normal operating hours.
To ensure items can be safely preserved, all contributions must be clean, dry and in good condition. Paper items should be no larger than 5 by 8 inches, and three-dimensional items should be no larger than 3 by 3 by 3 inches. Residents should submit copies of oversized photographs or documents rather than original materials. Food, liquids, plants, perishable items, batteries, hazardous materials, and fragile or bulky objects cannot be accepted. Items that do not meet these guidelines must be approved in advance and may not be accepted.
To learn more about the Fort Braden Community Center and opportunities to share your story, visit LeonCountyFL.gov/FBCC100.
For more information, contact Amanda Heidecker, Leon County Parks and Recreation Director, at 850-606-1470 or HeideckerA@LeonCountyFL.gov, or Mathieu Cavell, Leon County Community and Media Relations, at 850-606-5300 or CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.
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