Cortez Village Historical Society 11655 Cortez Road West, Cortez, FL 34215

Welcome to the Cortez Village Historical Society, located at 11655 Cortez Road West, Cortez, Florida. Our museum, the Cortez Cultural Center, offers a captivating journey through the rich history of the Village of Cortez, one of the last remaining fishing communities on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Situated south of Tampa Bay, Cortez boasts a fishing heritage that dates back to the Native Americans and Spanish explorers who first inhabited the area.

Originally known as Hunter’s Point, Cortez was settled in the 1880s by pioneering families like the Guthries, Taylors, and Fulfords, many of whose descendants still reside in the village today. The Cortez Village Historical Society has played a pivotal role in preserving the village’s legacy, achieving recognition as a historical landmark with ninety-seven of its buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

At the Cortez Cultural Center, we are dedicated to preserving “old Florida” history, sharing the stories of the founding families and the evolution of the community. Our exhibits begin with the Guthrie and Fulford families in 1880, offering insights into the lives of Cortez women who took on new roles during wartime, and recounting tales of boats bringing visitors to the historic Albion Inn. While our timeline currently extends to the 1980s, future expansions will capture the village’s history up to the present day.

Join us as we celebrate the enduring spirit of Cortez and explore the fascinating stories that have shaped this remarkable fishing village. Discover more about the opening of the Cortez Cultural Center and immerse yourself in the vibrant history of our community.