About Us

West Pasco Historical Society, Inc. Museum and Library
6431 Circle Boulevard
New Port Richey, Florida 34652
Telephone : (727) 847-0680
Email : info@westpascohistoricalsociety.org

The Building
The museum is housed in a building which originally served as the Seven Springs school house. The school was apparently in operation from 1913 to 1925, but the schoolhouse which became our home was built in late 1914 or early 1915. The building subsequently became a private residence. It was moved to Sims Park over several days in October 1981 and dedicated on January 16, 1983. The Library addition was added in 1992. The interior of the building was extensively remodeled in 2010-11. At the grand re-opening ceremony on Sept. 10, 2011, the museum was re-named the Rao Musunuru, M. D., Museum and Library, in honor of a significant donor for the museum renovation. The museum is handicapped accessible.

Library
While the Library does stock novels, biographies, etc., it is primarily used by historians searching for details of early settlers and historical facts concerning local areas, the county, and the State of Florida. It also contains a large selection of photographs and maps.

Collections
The Museum has many permanent displays of early businesses in the area such as: the Zane Rankin Grocery, McKay Shoe Repair, Thomas Meighan Theater, and the New Port Richey Press. Also shown is a typical early 1900s Pioneer Parlor. Numerous items of early origins are from local residents. Other exhibits are changed often for special holidays or events, e.g., Santas, glassware, African art, valentines, books, etc. Seminole and Timucuan Indian artifacts, along with Mayan items, are displayed in the Indian Gallery.

Meetings
General and Board meetings are held the 1st Wednesday of each month at 3:00 pm. Talks and presentations of local interest are given periodically and are announced through the media. The public is invited to all programs.

Gift Shop
Unusual items, the best from area crafters, unique gift items, works of art in wood, ceramic, and mixed media, jewelry, and more.

We stock the hard-cover book West Pasco’s Heritage, published by the West Pasco Historical Society. This book is available for $15.

We stock the following soft-cover books, which are $5.00 each:

• Tales of West Pasco - Ralph Bellwood
• The Story of Hudson, Florida - Harry G. Miller
• Now and Then in New Port Richey - Kathleen Strode (line drawings)
• The Genesis of New Port Richey - Elroy Avery

These books can be ordered by mail at the address above. There is a $2.00 shipping and handling fee for one book and $3.00 shipping and handling fee for 2 or more books.

Open
Fridays and Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 PM except in June and July, and Tuesdays from 10:00 to 1:00 PM throughout the year. Also during special events held in Sims Park. Special times can be arranged for school classes or groups for tours.