Created in 1969, the Division of Recreation and Parks, a division of the Department of Natural Resources, assumed the duties of the Board of Historic Parks and Memorials and the Outdoor Recreational Development. With its mission to "provide resource-based recreation while preserving, interpreting and restoring natural and cultural resources," the Division regulates all parks and recreational areas held by the state.
The series in the Division of Recreation and Parks record group are divided into Administrator Records, Operational Records, Land Acquisition and Construction Files, Exhibit Files, Project Files, and Audio and Visual Records. The series in each section are arranged alphabetically.
The series in the Division of Recreation and Parks record group are divided into Administrator Records, Operational Records, Land Acquisition and Construction Files, Exhibit Files, Project Files, and Audio and Visual Records. The series in each section are arranged alphabetically.
Administrator Files
Chief of Education and Information Charles H. Schaeffer's Administrative and Reference Files, 1936-1959, (bulk 1954-1959) (Series S1945)
After becoming an independent agency in 1949, the Board created the position of Chief of Information and Education to implement and coordinate publicity, public interpretation such as brochures, signs, and exhibits, and advertising for the Florida Park Service (FPS). Charles H. Schaeffer, former park service director, served as the second chief in 1953. Schaeffer was a landscape architect and Board of Forestry employee in 1935 when the FPS was created. As director, he coordinated the acquisition and construction of the first state parks with the Civilian Conservation Corps and the National Park Service.
The series contains newspaper and magazine articles, correspondence relating to publicity and interpretation, radio scripts, brochures, maps, annual reports, memoranda, post cards, and photographs. These files provide information on the parks' historical and natural resources, recreational practices, Florida tourism, Florida print and broadcast media, the Board of Parks' activities, and park operations. The series also includes several files created in the 1930s by Schaeffer and the Civilian Conservation Corps including bird lists, maps, radio scripts, news releases, and clippings.
Extent: 2.5 cubic feet
Arrangement: Alphabetically by subject
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Chief of Education and Information Ralph Hager's Administrative and Public Relations and Historical Files, 1934-1964 (Series S1951)
The series contains the public relations and historical files maintained by the Office of the Director of the Florida Park Service in the 1950s and early 1960s for use as reference in answering the public's questions, requests, and concerns on park operation, policy, and history. The historical files were originally active director's office files created in the 1930s when the Florida Park Service (FPS) was working alongside the Civilian Conservation Corps. In the 1950s, these files were re-labeled "history files" and placed in this series. The series documents the Highlands Hammock Association, a citizens advisory group that established and helped administer Highlands Hammock State Park; FPS history and expansion; complaints about visitor service, park facilities, fees charged, and rules enforced; the formation of policy on pets, camping, fees, and other services; and FPS publicity and interpretation.
Extent: 3.0 cubic feet
Arrangement: Arranged by subject
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Chief Naturalist Jim Stevenson's Administrative Files, 1967-1989 (Series S1956)
From the 1930s till the 1970s, biologists were referred to as naturalists in the Florida Park Service (FPS). The naturalists were primarily concerned with interpretation and visitor program development. By the 1970s, they began to coordinate resource management issues such as species protection, exotic removal, and controlled burns, as well as conducting trainings and historic preservation efforts. Jim Stevenson replaced the first Chief Naturalist, Carol Beck, when she retired in 1969. He left the FPS in the 1990s and retired from DEP as Environmental Coordinator in 2003.
The series contains interpretive naturalist monthly reports, personal contact reports, park brochure drafts, and correspondence with other naturalists and state parks. The records document the types and quantity of interpretive programs given at parks, summaries of monthly activities of interpretive naturalists including trainings, exhibit design, personal programs, and resource management, and early drafts of various park brochures.
Extent: 2.25 cubic feet
Arrangement: Arranged by subject
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Additional Resources: Jim Stevenson's oral history (#845), housed at the Reichelt Oral History Program, Department of History, Florida State University, contains additional information on the activities of Chief Naturalist Jim Stevenson.
Chief Naturalist Jim Stevenson's Interpretation and Research Files, 1938-1977, (bulk 1969-1977) (Series S1952)
From the 1930s till the 1970s, biologists were referred to as naturalists in the Florida Park Service (FPS). The naturalists were primarily concerned with interpretation and visitor program development. By the 1970s, they began to coordinate resource management issues such as species protection, exotic removal, and controlled burns, as well as conducting trainings and historic preservation efforts. Jim Stevenson replaced the first Chief Naturalist, Carol Beck, when she retired in 1969. He left the FPS in the 1990s and retired from DEP as Environmental Coordinator in 2003.
The series documents the responsibilities and activities of the position, including developing interpretive programs and exhibits, preserving historic structures and natural ecosystems, documenting animal and plant life, resource management, and designing brochures and other published materials. The series provides information on the history, natural resources, and development of three state park properties: the Barnacle, Long Key, and Myakka River state parks. Records include bird lists, clippings, trip reports, correspondence, memoranda, field observations, manuscripts, press releases, and interpretive plans.
Extent: 0.75 cubic feet
Arrangement: Arranged by subject
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Additional Resources: Jim Stevenson's oral history (#845) housed at the Reichelt Oral History Program, Department of History, Florida State University, contains more information on the activities of Chief Naturalist Jim Stevenson.
Director Emmet Hill's Administrative Files, 1936-1959, (bulk 1953-1958) (Series S1943)
Between 1948 and 1969, the Florida Park Service's administrative staff consisted of a Board comprised of five governor-appointed citizens, a director, assistant director, fiscal agent, publicity chief, and various stenographers. Emmet Hill served as director from 1953 to 1960. Hill began working for the National Park Service (NPS) with their CCC state park camps. Hill transferred in 1936 to the NPS's Central Design Office in Tallahassee, where he assisted with the layout and design of Florida Caverns, Highlands Hammock, Fort Clinch, Hillsborough River and Torreya state parks. He joined the Florida Park Service as a landscape architect in July 1941. Beginning in 1944, he worked for the Georgia state park system and a private business until the Board of Parks and Historic Memorials hired him as director in 1953.
This series contains the administrative files for Director Emmet Hill documenting his responsibilities and decision-making. The series documents many of the major issues and activities of the Florida Park Service in the 1950s, including cooperatives with the National Park Service, Game and Fresh-Water Fish, State Road Department, and various non-Florida state agencies. The files provide information on the operation and development of several state parks including Fort Pickens, Three Rivers, Highlands Hammock, Little Talbot Island, Florida Caverns, and Anastasia state parks.
Extent: 2.5 cubic feet
Arrangement: Arranged by subject
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Additional Resources: Series S1948, Reading Files, 1957-1960, contains Hill's correspondence from 1957 to 1960.
Director Fran Mainella's Administrative Files, 1989-2001, (bulk 1992-1999) (Series S2123)
Before becoming director of the Florida Park Service from 1989 to 2001, Fran Mainella worked as a counselor for the Jake Gaither Community Center with the Tallahassee Recreation and Parks Department (1977-1978), as director of the Lake Park Recreation and Parks Department (1978-1983), and as executive director of the Florida Park and Recreation Association (1983-1989). On June 4, 2001, President George W. Bush appointed Mainella as director of the National Park Service (NPS).
The series contains the administrative files for Director Fran Mainella, documenting her responsibilities and decisions. The series also documents many major issues and activities of the Florida Park Service in the 1990s, including hurricanes, visitor relations, funding, ecosystems management, public nudity, park expansion, changes in pet policies, a statewide reservation system, creating citizen support organizations, the creation of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and several legal matters.
Extent: 16.5 cubic feet
Arrangement: Arranged by subject
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Additional Resources: Fran Mainella's oral history (#1114), housed at the Reichelt Oral History Program, Department of History, Florida State University, contains additional information on the background and activities of FPS Director Fran Mainella.
After becoming an independent agency in 1949, the Board created the position of Chief of Information and Education to implement and coordinate publicity, public interpretation such as brochures, signs, and exhibits, and advertising for the Florida Park Service (FPS). Charles H. Schaeffer, former park service director, served as the second chief in 1953. Schaeffer was a landscape architect and Board of Forestry employee in 1935 when the FPS was created. As director, he coordinated the acquisition and construction of the first state parks with the Civilian Conservation Corps and the National Park Service.
The series contains newspaper and magazine articles, correspondence relating to publicity and interpretation, radio scripts, brochures, maps, annual reports, memoranda, post cards, and photographs. These files provide information on the parks' historical and natural resources, recreational practices, Florida tourism, Florida print and broadcast media, the Board of Parks' activities, and park operations. The series also includes several files created in the 1930s by Schaeffer and the Civilian Conservation Corps including bird lists, maps, radio scripts, news releases, and clippings.
Extent: 2.5 cubic feet
Arrangement: Alphabetically by subject
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Chief of Education and Information Ralph Hager's Administrative and Public Relations and Historical Files, 1934-1964 (Series S1951)
The series contains the public relations and historical files maintained by the Office of the Director of the Florida Park Service in the 1950s and early 1960s for use as reference in answering the public's questions, requests, and concerns on park operation, policy, and history. The historical files were originally active director's office files created in the 1930s when the Florida Park Service (FPS) was working alongside the Civilian Conservation Corps. In the 1950s, these files were re-labeled "history files" and placed in this series. The series documents the Highlands Hammock Association, a citizens advisory group that established and helped administer Highlands Hammock State Park; FPS history and expansion; complaints about visitor service, park facilities, fees charged, and rules enforced; the formation of policy on pets, camping, fees, and other services; and FPS publicity and interpretation.
Extent: 3.0 cubic feet
Arrangement: Arranged by subject
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Chief Naturalist Jim Stevenson's Administrative Files, 1967-1989 (Series S1956)
From the 1930s till the 1970s, biologists were referred to as naturalists in the Florida Park Service (FPS). The naturalists were primarily concerned with interpretation and visitor program development. By the 1970s, they began to coordinate resource management issues such as species protection, exotic removal, and controlled burns, as well as conducting trainings and historic preservation efforts. Jim Stevenson replaced the first Chief Naturalist, Carol Beck, when she retired in 1969. He left the FPS in the 1990s and retired from DEP as Environmental Coordinator in 2003.
The series contains interpretive naturalist monthly reports, personal contact reports, park brochure drafts, and correspondence with other naturalists and state parks. The records document the types and quantity of interpretive programs given at parks, summaries of monthly activities of interpretive naturalists including trainings, exhibit design, personal programs, and resource management, and early drafts of various park brochures.
Extent: 2.25 cubic feet
Arrangement: Arranged by subject
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Additional Resources: Jim Stevenson's oral history (#845), housed at the Reichelt Oral History Program, Department of History, Florida State University, contains additional information on the activities of Chief Naturalist Jim Stevenson.
Chief Naturalist Jim Stevenson's Interpretation and Research Files, 1938-1977, (bulk 1969-1977) (Series S1952)
From the 1930s till the 1970s, biologists were referred to as naturalists in the Florida Park Service (FPS). The naturalists were primarily concerned with interpretation and visitor program development. By the 1970s, they began to coordinate resource management issues such as species protection, exotic removal, and controlled burns, as well as conducting trainings and historic preservation efforts. Jim Stevenson replaced the first Chief Naturalist, Carol Beck, when she retired in 1969. He left the FPS in the 1990s and retired from DEP as Environmental Coordinator in 2003.
The series documents the responsibilities and activities of the position, including developing interpretive programs and exhibits, preserving historic structures and natural ecosystems, documenting animal and plant life, resource management, and designing brochures and other published materials. The series provides information on the history, natural resources, and development of three state park properties: the Barnacle, Long Key, and Myakka River state parks. Records include bird lists, clippings, trip reports, correspondence, memoranda, field observations, manuscripts, press releases, and interpretive plans.
Extent: 0.75 cubic feet
Arrangement: Arranged by subject
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Additional Resources: Jim Stevenson's oral history (#845) housed at the Reichelt Oral History Program, Department of History, Florida State University, contains more information on the activities of Chief Naturalist Jim Stevenson.
Director Emmet Hill's Administrative Files, 1936-1959, (bulk 1953-1958) (Series S1943)
Between 1948 and 1969, the Florida Park Service's administrative staff consisted of a Board comprised of five governor-appointed citizens, a director, assistant director, fiscal agent, publicity chief, and various stenographers. Emmet Hill served as director from 1953 to 1960. Hill began working for the National Park Service (NPS) with their CCC state park camps. Hill transferred in 1936 to the NPS's Central Design Office in Tallahassee, where he assisted with the layout and design of Florida Caverns, Highlands Hammock, Fort Clinch, Hillsborough River and Torreya state parks. He joined the Florida Park Service as a landscape architect in July 1941. Beginning in 1944, he worked for the Georgia state park system and a private business until the Board of Parks and Historic Memorials hired him as director in 1953.
This series contains the administrative files for Director Emmet Hill documenting his responsibilities and decision-making. The series documents many of the major issues and activities of the Florida Park Service in the 1950s, including cooperatives with the National Park Service, Game and Fresh-Water Fish, State Road Department, and various non-Florida state agencies. The files provide information on the operation and development of several state parks including Fort Pickens, Three Rivers, Highlands Hammock, Little Talbot Island, Florida Caverns, and Anastasia state parks.
Extent: 2.5 cubic feet
Arrangement: Arranged by subject
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Additional Resources: Series S1948, Reading Files, 1957-1960, contains Hill's correspondence from 1957 to 1960.
Director Fran Mainella's Administrative Files, 1989-2001, (bulk 1992-1999) (Series S2123)
Before becoming director of the Florida Park Service from 1989 to 2001, Fran Mainella worked as a counselor for the Jake Gaither Community Center with the Tallahassee Recreation and Parks Department (1977-1978), as director of the Lake Park Recreation and Parks Department (1978-1983), and as executive director of the Florida Park and Recreation Association (1983-1989). On June 4, 2001, President George W. Bush appointed Mainella as director of the National Park Service (NPS).
The series contains the administrative files for Director Fran Mainella, documenting her responsibilities and decisions. The series also documents many major issues and activities of the Florida Park Service in the 1990s, including hurricanes, visitor relations, funding, ecosystems management, public nudity, park expansion, changes in pet policies, a statewide reservation system, creating citizen support organizations, the creation of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and several legal matters.
Extent: 16.5 cubic feet
Arrangement: Arranged by subject
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Additional Resources: Fran Mainella's oral history (#1114), housed at the Reichelt Oral History Program, Department of History, Florida State University, contains additional information on the background and activities of FPS Director Fran Mainella.
Operational Records
Board of Parks and Historic Memorials Budgets, 1948-1969 (Series S1942)
The series contains the proposed legislative and operating budgets for the Board of Parks and Historic Memorials. Supporting documentation includes reports, news clippings, and correspondence. The budgets provide insight into the operation of parks, work projects and other major activities in the various parks, visitation and revenue figures, lists of employees and positions, and future plans for the parks.
Extent: 0.75 cubic feet
Arrangement: Arranged by year
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Board of Parks and Historic Memorials, Operational Study Administrative and Correspondence Files, 1950-1952 (Series S1944)
This series contains the administrative and correspondence files generated by Board attorney J. Kenneth Ballinger who was hired to inspect the Florida Park Service's operations, including the director's office, park procedures and visitation, as well as the acquisition and planning of new state park properties. The series includes confidential trip reports, correspondence with individual board members, and director's office memoranda. The records provide information on early state parks and other recreational areas such as Little Talbot Island, Fort Pickens, Torreya, Hugh Taylor Birch, and St. Andrews state parks, Dade Battlefield, and Stephen Foster Memorial. Issues include African-American park visitation, budgets, marketing, legislation, and re-organization of the park service.
Extent: 0.25 cubic feet
Arrangement: Unarranged
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Cape St. George Administrative Records, 1974-1987 (Series S1967)
The series documents the state's administration and operation of Cape St. George. The series contains general correspondence; budget correspondence; fiscal contracts; management plan correspondence; construction or repair work orders; purchase orders and requisitions; property transfers; resource management plans such as wildlife observations, sea turtle workshops, hunting, solid waste disposal and animal removal procedures; emergency protection plans such as fire, law enforcement, storm and vandalism damage assessments, and encroachments; visitor services; and maintenance procedures for general park maintenance, signage, animals, vehicles, and equipment. Maps, newspaper clippings, photographs, slides, and monographs are also included in the series.
Extent: 2 cubic feet
Arrangement: Arranged by subject, then chronological
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Daily Work Logs, 1956-1960 (Series S1949)
The series contains the daily work logs created by field employees of the Florida Park Service. The logs record the employee's name, position, park, and type of work and project performed. The files provide insight into the operation and activities within Florida's state parks in the 1950s. The projects involved alterations and additions to historic structures and natural ecosystems.
Extent: 5 cubic feet
Arrangement: Alphabetical by park name
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Minutes, 1958-1969 (Series S2257)
The series consists of transcripts of board meeting minutes of the Florida Board of Parks and Historical Memorials, which documents issues discussed and decisions made by the board. The minutes document key components and topics of each of the board meetings, including proposed land acquisitions and exchanges; condemnation proceedings; administrative duties related to audits, installation of park gates, road construction, use of prison labor, legislative services, exhibits, historic sites inventories, and preservation of historic sites; regional requests, activities, acquisitions and proposals from each of the five advisory council regions; resolutions regarding conservation and preservation issues; and proposed name changes to state parks.
Extent: 0.25 cubic feet
Arrangement: Chronological
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Minutes, 1963-1968 (Series S2258)
The series contains the transcripts of minutes of the Florida Outdoor Recreational Development Council and the Florida Outdoor Recreational Planning Committee. The minutes document budgetary issues, land acquisitions, and resolutions and provide information on several natural areas across the state, including islands, rivers, and wetlands, as well as various historic properties, such as the Kingsley and Goodwood plantations.
Extent: 0.50 cubic feet
Arrangement: Chronological
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Personnel Profile Surveys, 1977-1984 (Series S1957)
The series contains the personnel profile survey questionnaires and summaries for the Florida Park Service, which provide statistical data on the Park Service's workforce, including educational, gender, racial, and employment data.
Extent: 2 cubic feet
Arrangement: Chronological by year
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Reading Files, 1957-1960 (Series S1948)
The series contains the reading files for the Florida Park Service's central office between 1957 and 1960. The records include all outgoing correspondence, documenting the activities and policies of the fiscal branch, chief of information and education, and the director's office; memoranda; and telegrams. The series contains a small amount of incoming correspondence. The files provide information on park operations, acquisition and development of new park areas, visitor relations, marketing, political issues, budgetary and personnel matters, policy formation, and daily park service administrative functions.
Extent: 3.25 cubic feet
Arrangement: Chronological by month, for several months the records are divided between the director's office files and the chief of information and education files
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Reference Files, 1953-1963, (bulk 1961-1963) (Series S1947)
After becoming an independent agency in 1949, the Board created the position of Chief of Information and Education to implement and coordinate publicity, public interpretation such as brochures, signs, and exhibits, and advertising for the Florida Park Service (FPS). Following Charles Schaeffer's death in October 1959, Ralph Hager assumed the position.
The series contains surveys, correspondence with other state agencies and legislators, annual reports, long-range plans, statistical and visitation studies, trip reports, budgets, and financial records used to document the Florida Park Service's activities and operations for use in publicity and public relations. The series provides information on the parks' historical and natural resources, Florida tourism, the Board of Parks' activities, daily park operations, and future development plans.
Extent: 1 cubic foot
Arrangement: Arranged by subject
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Additional Resources: Series S1948, Reading Files, 1957-1960, contains Hager's correspondence from 1960. Series S1945, Charles H. Schaeffer's Administrative and Reference Files, 1936-1959, contains material on Hager's predecessor as Chief of Information and Education.
State Park Administrative Correspondence Files, 1963-1984 (Series S1972)
The series documents park activities and operations and provides information on the parks' historical and natural resources, park activities and daily operational procedures. The series contains monthly reports, personal contact reports, correspondence with board members, director's office memoranda, and correspondence with other state agencies and state parks. The records provide information on programs offered at the parks, visitor tabulations, camping procedures and regulations, concessionaire reports, monthly activities, training programs and workshops, personnel programs, law enforcement procedures and training, employment opportunities and procedures, resource management, budget and financial information, safety inspections, environmental concerns, accessibility, crisis and incident management, emergency plans, energy consumption, and building design standards.
Extent: 2 cubic feet
Arrangement: Alphabetical by subject, the chronological
Finding Aid: Folder listing
The series contains the proposed legislative and operating budgets for the Board of Parks and Historic Memorials. Supporting documentation includes reports, news clippings, and correspondence. The budgets provide insight into the operation of parks, work projects and other major activities in the various parks, visitation and revenue figures, lists of employees and positions, and future plans for the parks.
Extent: 0.75 cubic feet
Arrangement: Arranged by year
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Board of Parks and Historic Memorials, Operational Study Administrative and Correspondence Files, 1950-1952 (Series S1944)
This series contains the administrative and correspondence files generated by Board attorney J. Kenneth Ballinger who was hired to inspect the Florida Park Service's operations, including the director's office, park procedures and visitation, as well as the acquisition and planning of new state park properties. The series includes confidential trip reports, correspondence with individual board members, and director's office memoranda. The records provide information on early state parks and other recreational areas such as Little Talbot Island, Fort Pickens, Torreya, Hugh Taylor Birch, and St. Andrews state parks, Dade Battlefield, and Stephen Foster Memorial. Issues include African-American park visitation, budgets, marketing, legislation, and re-organization of the park service.
Extent: 0.25 cubic feet
Arrangement: Unarranged
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Cape St. George Administrative Records, 1974-1987 (Series S1967)
The series documents the state's administration and operation of Cape St. George. The series contains general correspondence; budget correspondence; fiscal contracts; management plan correspondence; construction or repair work orders; purchase orders and requisitions; property transfers; resource management plans such as wildlife observations, sea turtle workshops, hunting, solid waste disposal and animal removal procedures; emergency protection plans such as fire, law enforcement, storm and vandalism damage assessments, and encroachments; visitor services; and maintenance procedures for general park maintenance, signage, animals, vehicles, and equipment. Maps, newspaper clippings, photographs, slides, and monographs are also included in the series.
Extent: 2 cubic feet
Arrangement: Arranged by subject, then chronological
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Daily Work Logs, 1956-1960 (Series S1949)
The series contains the daily work logs created by field employees of the Florida Park Service. The logs record the employee's name, position, park, and type of work and project performed. The files provide insight into the operation and activities within Florida's state parks in the 1950s. The projects involved alterations and additions to historic structures and natural ecosystems.
Extent: 5 cubic feet
Arrangement: Alphabetical by park name
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Minutes, 1958-1969 (Series S2257)
The series consists of transcripts of board meeting minutes of the Florida Board of Parks and Historical Memorials, which documents issues discussed and decisions made by the board. The minutes document key components and topics of each of the board meetings, including proposed land acquisitions and exchanges; condemnation proceedings; administrative duties related to audits, installation of park gates, road construction, use of prison labor, legislative services, exhibits, historic sites inventories, and preservation of historic sites; regional requests, activities, acquisitions and proposals from each of the five advisory council regions; resolutions regarding conservation and preservation issues; and proposed name changes to state parks.
Extent: 0.25 cubic feet
Arrangement: Chronological
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Minutes, 1963-1968 (Series S2258)
The series contains the transcripts of minutes of the Florida Outdoor Recreational Development Council and the Florida Outdoor Recreational Planning Committee. The minutes document budgetary issues, land acquisitions, and resolutions and provide information on several natural areas across the state, including islands, rivers, and wetlands, as well as various historic properties, such as the Kingsley and Goodwood plantations.
Extent: 0.50 cubic feet
Arrangement: Chronological
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Personnel Profile Surveys, 1977-1984 (Series S1957)
The series contains the personnel profile survey questionnaires and summaries for the Florida Park Service, which provide statistical data on the Park Service's workforce, including educational, gender, racial, and employment data.
Extent: 2 cubic feet
Arrangement: Chronological by year
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Reading Files, 1957-1960 (Series S1948)
The series contains the reading files for the Florida Park Service's central office between 1957 and 1960. The records include all outgoing correspondence, documenting the activities and policies of the fiscal branch, chief of information and education, and the director's office; memoranda; and telegrams. The series contains a small amount of incoming correspondence. The files provide information on park operations, acquisition and development of new park areas, visitor relations, marketing, political issues, budgetary and personnel matters, policy formation, and daily park service administrative functions.
Extent: 3.25 cubic feet
Arrangement: Chronological by month, for several months the records are divided between the director's office files and the chief of information and education files
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Reference Files, 1953-1963, (bulk 1961-1963) (Series S1947)
After becoming an independent agency in 1949, the Board created the position of Chief of Information and Education to implement and coordinate publicity, public interpretation such as brochures, signs, and exhibits, and advertising for the Florida Park Service (FPS). Following Charles Schaeffer's death in October 1959, Ralph Hager assumed the position.
The series contains surveys, correspondence with other state agencies and legislators, annual reports, long-range plans, statistical and visitation studies, trip reports, budgets, and financial records used to document the Florida Park Service's activities and operations for use in publicity and public relations. The series provides information on the parks' historical and natural resources, Florida tourism, the Board of Parks' activities, daily park operations, and future development plans.
Extent: 1 cubic foot
Arrangement: Arranged by subject
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Additional Resources: Series S1948, Reading Files, 1957-1960, contains Hager's correspondence from 1960. Series S1945, Charles H. Schaeffer's Administrative and Reference Files, 1936-1959, contains material on Hager's predecessor as Chief of Information and Education.
State Park Administrative Correspondence Files, 1963-1984 (Series S1972)
The series documents park activities and operations and provides information on the parks' historical and natural resources, park activities and daily operational procedures. The series contains monthly reports, personal contact reports, correspondence with board members, director's office memoranda, and correspondence with other state agencies and state parks. The records provide information on programs offered at the parks, visitor tabulations, camping procedures and regulations, concessionaire reports, monthly activities, training programs and workshops, personnel programs, law enforcement procedures and training, employment opportunities and procedures, resource management, budget and financial information, safety inspections, environmental concerns, accessibility, crisis and incident management, emergency plans, energy consumption, and building design standards.
Extent: 2 cubic feet
Arrangement: Alphabetical by subject, the chronological
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Land Acquisition and Construction Files
Construction Files, 1954-1961 (Series S1353)
The series contains specifications for construction, public bids, blueprints, and correspondence relating to the construction of various facilities within state parks.
Extent: 6 cubic feet
Arrangement: Alphabetical by park name
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Restrictions: Any building plans, blueprints, schematic drawings, or diagrams of government facilities or structures in this series are exempt from public disclosure as per Florida Statutes Chapter 119.071 (Chapter 2002-67, Laws of Florida, HB 735, 2002).
Construction Plans for Florida State Parks, 1935-1942 (Series S1611)
The series contains the plans developed by the Florida Forest and Park Service in conjunction with a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) park building project under the supervision of the National Park Service, United State Department of the Interior. The series includes profiles and plans for various sections of the park; major and minor park trails; park exits; water, sewage, and lighting systems; and signs, markers, and buildings.
Extent: 83 items
Arrangement: Arranged by park, then by the subject of the plan
Finding Aid: Item list
Restriction: Any building plans, blueprints, schematic drawings, or diagrams of government facilities or structures in this series are exempt from public disclosure as per Florida Statutes Chapter 119.071 (Chapter 2002-67, Laws of Florida, HB 735, 2002).
Additional Resources: Series S1270, Bureau of Historic Preservation, Florida State Parks Project Files, contains blueprints, building plans and drawings, and other records relating to development of these and other CCC-built parks in Florida; and Series S1352, Florida Park Service, State Park Project Files, contains files of the Park Service Director relating to development of these parks.
Land Acquisition and Administrative Records, 1964-1970 (bulk 1964-1967) (Series S1940)
Signed into law on May 13, 1963, the Outdoor Recreation and Conservation Act created the Outdoor Recreational Committee, consisting of the governor, the director of the Board of Conservation, one trustee from the Internal Improvement Fund, and the chairmen of the boards of Forestry, Parks and Historic Memorials, State Roads, Florida Development Commission, and the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission. The committee was tasked with the development of a statewide recreation plan for the acquisition and development of public recreation areas. Several properties the committee acquired became state parks, including Hontoon Island, Honeymoon Island, Caladesi Island, and Cape Florida.
The series contains the records of the Outdoor Recreational Committee, including correspondence, proposal and appraisal reports, memoranda, maps, publications, photographs, and news clippings. The bulk of the records are the land acquisition proposals arranged alphabetically by county.
Extent: 2.25 cubic feet
Arrangement: Arranged by subject
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Land Acquisition Proposal Records, 1964-1981 (Series S1095)
The series documents proposals for parks that the Division Recreation and Parks rejected. The proposals contain correspondence, memoranda, maps, publications, photographs, and slides. The proposals for the counties beginning with the letters A through C are not included.
Extent: 12.5 cubic feet
Arrangement: Alphabetical by counties, proposals for the counties beginning with the letters A through C are not included
Finding Aid: Box listing
State Park Management Criteria Statements, 1970-1992 (Series S1955)
This series contains the criteria and management statements for Florida state parks that were created between 1970 and 1992, documenting each park's acquisition, its natural and historic features, interpretive and resource protection plans, and future development plans. The state parks include natural and cultural areas, state historic and archaeological sites, state gardens, and recreation areas. In addition, each file contains copies of all land records for the state park properties, including deeds, leases, conveyances, land titles, and Trustees of the Internal Improvement Fund land transfers. Some files also include maps, park layouts, and satellite photos. These records document the management philosophies and goals of the Florida Park Service as well as the histories of the various state park properties.
Extent: 6.25 cubic feet
Arrangement: Arranged by park name
Finding Aid: Folder listing
State Park Surveys, 1934-1935 (Series S1351)
The series contains state park surveys conducted by the Florida Park Service and the Florida Emergency Relief Administration, which were conducted to find suitable sites for state parks. The series includes copies of the two surveys completed in 1934 and 1935; a general explanation of the project; an index to the second survey; a copy of the final report; and assorted maps.
Extent: 1 cubic foot
Arrangement: Numerical
Finding Aid: Folder listing
The series contains specifications for construction, public bids, blueprints, and correspondence relating to the construction of various facilities within state parks.
Extent: 6 cubic feet
Arrangement: Alphabetical by park name
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Restrictions: Any building plans, blueprints, schematic drawings, or diagrams of government facilities or structures in this series are exempt from public disclosure as per Florida Statutes Chapter 119.071 (Chapter 2002-67, Laws of Florida, HB 735, 2002).
Construction Plans for Florida State Parks, 1935-1942 (Series S1611)
The series contains the plans developed by the Florida Forest and Park Service in conjunction with a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) park building project under the supervision of the National Park Service, United State Department of the Interior. The series includes profiles and plans for various sections of the park; major and minor park trails; park exits; water, sewage, and lighting systems; and signs, markers, and buildings.
Extent: 83 items
Arrangement: Arranged by park, then by the subject of the plan
Finding Aid: Item list
Restriction: Any building plans, blueprints, schematic drawings, or diagrams of government facilities or structures in this series are exempt from public disclosure as per Florida Statutes Chapter 119.071 (Chapter 2002-67, Laws of Florida, HB 735, 2002).
Additional Resources: Series S1270, Bureau of Historic Preservation, Florida State Parks Project Files, contains blueprints, building plans and drawings, and other records relating to development of these and other CCC-built parks in Florida; and Series S1352, Florida Park Service, State Park Project Files, contains files of the Park Service Director relating to development of these parks.
Land Acquisition and Administrative Records, 1964-1970 (bulk 1964-1967) (Series S1940)
Signed into law on May 13, 1963, the Outdoor Recreation and Conservation Act created the Outdoor Recreational Committee, consisting of the governor, the director of the Board of Conservation, one trustee from the Internal Improvement Fund, and the chairmen of the boards of Forestry, Parks and Historic Memorials, State Roads, Florida Development Commission, and the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission. The committee was tasked with the development of a statewide recreation plan for the acquisition and development of public recreation areas. Several properties the committee acquired became state parks, including Hontoon Island, Honeymoon Island, Caladesi Island, and Cape Florida.
The series contains the records of the Outdoor Recreational Committee, including correspondence, proposal and appraisal reports, memoranda, maps, publications, photographs, and news clippings. The bulk of the records are the land acquisition proposals arranged alphabetically by county.
Extent: 2.25 cubic feet
Arrangement: Arranged by subject
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Land Acquisition Proposal Records, 1964-1981 (Series S1095)
The series documents proposals for parks that the Division Recreation and Parks rejected. The proposals contain correspondence, memoranda, maps, publications, photographs, and slides. The proposals for the counties beginning with the letters A through C are not included.
Extent: 12.5 cubic feet
Arrangement: Alphabetical by counties, proposals for the counties beginning with the letters A through C are not included
Finding Aid: Box listing
State Park Management Criteria Statements, 1970-1992 (Series S1955)
This series contains the criteria and management statements for Florida state parks that were created between 1970 and 1992, documenting each park's acquisition, its natural and historic features, interpretive and resource protection plans, and future development plans. The state parks include natural and cultural areas, state historic and archaeological sites, state gardens, and recreation areas. In addition, each file contains copies of all land records for the state park properties, including deeds, leases, conveyances, land titles, and Trustees of the Internal Improvement Fund land transfers. Some files also include maps, park layouts, and satellite photos. These records document the management philosophies and goals of the Florida Park Service as well as the histories of the various state park properties.
Extent: 6.25 cubic feet
Arrangement: Arranged by park name
Finding Aid: Folder listing
State Park Surveys, 1934-1935 (Series S1351)
The series contains state park surveys conducted by the Florida Park Service and the Florida Emergency Relief Administration, which were conducted to find suitable sites for state parks. The series includes copies of the two surveys completed in 1934 and 1935; a general explanation of the project; an index to the second survey; a copy of the final report; and assorted maps.
Extent: 1 cubic foot
Arrangement: Numerical
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Exhibit Files
Civilian Conservation Corps Museum Exhibit Oral Histories, 1990 (Series S1919)
The series consists of five 30-minute videos of oral histories by former Civilian Conservation Corps enrollees, conducted by the Florida Park Service in 1990 for a museum exhibit at Highlands Hammock State Park. The interviewees discussed events from 1933 through 1942 at camps in Olustee, Niceville, Miami, Biscayne Bay, and Highlands Hammock and Gold Head state parks. The men discussed life during the Depression, their decisions to join the CCC, food and work in the camps, and conditions in the surrounding towns.
Extent: 0.50 cubic feet
Arrangement: Unarranged
Finding Aid: Folder listing, as well as a brief index to the videos, with interviewee names, camp locations, and running times
Fort Clinch Exhibit Materials, 1765, 1820-1940 (Series S1319)
After setting aside 420 acres of land on Amelia Island in 1842, construction began on a fort in 1847 and continued through the outbreak of the Civil War. The fort, placed under Confederate control in 1861, was regarrisoned by Federal troops in Mach 1863. The fort was sold in March 1929, as it was no longer needed for military purposes.
The series contains exhibit materials from Fort Clinch State Park including many documents relating to the Civil War, the history of Fernandina, and the history of Fort Clinch.
Extent: 1.5 cubic feet
Arrangement: Unarranged
Finding Aid: Folder listing
State Park Exhibit Planning Files, 1956-1992 (Series S1965)
The series contains correspondence files maintained by the Board of Parks and Historic Memorials and the Division of Recreation and Parks. The series documents exhibit planning projects that had been proposed or completed at various state parks from 1956 to 1973. The correspondence files include exhibit scripts, exhibit sketches, floor plans, inventories of state park properties and artifacts, park related expenditures, National Register nomination forms, invoices, museum objectives, photographs, and other general correspondence regarding each state park facility.,
Extent: 3.5 cubic feet
Arrangement: Arranged by subject
Finding Aid: Folder listing
The series consists of five 30-minute videos of oral histories by former Civilian Conservation Corps enrollees, conducted by the Florida Park Service in 1990 for a museum exhibit at Highlands Hammock State Park. The interviewees discussed events from 1933 through 1942 at camps in Olustee, Niceville, Miami, Biscayne Bay, and Highlands Hammock and Gold Head state parks. The men discussed life during the Depression, their decisions to join the CCC, food and work in the camps, and conditions in the surrounding towns.
Extent: 0.50 cubic feet
Arrangement: Unarranged
Finding Aid: Folder listing, as well as a brief index to the videos, with interviewee names, camp locations, and running times
Fort Clinch Exhibit Materials, 1765, 1820-1940 (Series S1319)
After setting aside 420 acres of land on Amelia Island in 1842, construction began on a fort in 1847 and continued through the outbreak of the Civil War. The fort, placed under Confederate control in 1861, was regarrisoned by Federal troops in Mach 1863. The fort was sold in March 1929, as it was no longer needed for military purposes.
The series contains exhibit materials from Fort Clinch State Park including many documents relating to the Civil War, the history of Fernandina, and the history of Fort Clinch.
Extent: 1.5 cubic feet
Arrangement: Unarranged
Finding Aid: Folder listing
State Park Exhibit Planning Files, 1956-1992 (Series S1965)
The series contains correspondence files maintained by the Board of Parks and Historic Memorials and the Division of Recreation and Parks. The series documents exhibit planning projects that had been proposed or completed at various state parks from 1956 to 1973. The correspondence files include exhibit scripts, exhibit sketches, floor plans, inventories of state park properties and artifacts, park related expenditures, National Register nomination forms, invoices, museum objectives, photographs, and other general correspondence regarding each state park facility.,
Extent: 3.5 cubic feet
Arrangement: Arranged by subject
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Project Files
Engineers' Field Books, 1962-1968 (Series S1973)
The series contains Florida Park Service surveyors' engineers' field books. The books were used to record the measurements and azimuth data necessary for determining the land to be surveyed for park projects. Parks surveyed include Anastasia, Bahia Honda, Fort Clinch, Highlands Hammock, Hillsborough River, Little Talbot Island, Myakka River, O'Leno, and Torreya.
Extent: 1 cubic foot
Arrangement: Chronological by year or range of years, then alphabetical by state park
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Historical Marker Files, 1961-1968 (Series S1954)
The Board of Parks and Historic Memorials identified and marked historic sites, a major function of the agency. Sites included early towns, roads, banks, military forts, or historic events such as Civil War battles, constitutional conventions, or significant inventions. The Board’s Chief of Information and Education administered the historical marker program. After the selection of a site, a short historic essay was written, often authored by well-known Florida historians such as Samuel Proctor, William Warren Rogers, and Dena Snodgrass, followed by the erection of a two-sided metal plaque on or nearby the historic site.
The series contains files documenting specific marks. The files, labeled with the marker's title, marker number, and the county the site was located within, include records such as correspondence, marker text and drafts, historic research, and sign specifications. Along with historical information for each site, the records also provide a sense of popular perceptions of Florida history in the 1960s, with the majority of the markers concerning the Civil War and other military-related sites. The series only contains files from Alachua through Gulf counties.
Extent: 0.50 cubic feet
Arrangement: Alphabetical by county
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Park Development Project Correspondence and Planning Files, 1980-1987 (Series S1605)
The series consists of correspondence, maps, reports, and other materials documenting the planning and management of state park and recreation area development projects. The series includes proposals and requests for development projects; status reports regarding projects already underway; park and recreation area unit plans indicating the policy and direction for management of those sites; and correspondence and other documents relating to development of the Honeymoon Island State Recreation Area. Discussed parks include Cayo Costa State Park, Guana River State Recreation Area, Honeymoon Island State Recreation Area, Ichetucknee Springs State Park, John U. Lloyd Beach State Recreation Area, Lake Louisa State Park, Myakka River State Park, and Paynes Prairie State Preserve.
Extent: 1 cubic foot
Arrangement: Arranged by topic or record type
Finding Aid: Folder listing
State Park Project Files, 1936-1948 (Series S1352)
The series documents projects completed at the following parks: Florida Caverns State Park, Fort Clinch State Park, Gold Head Branch State Park, and Highlands Hammock State Park. The series contains work orders; correspondence concerning the projects; a file on park attendance and receipts; and some federal and state publications concerning parks.
Extent: 4 cubic feet
Arrangement: Arranged by state park, then alphabetical
Finding Aid: Folder listing
The series contains Florida Park Service surveyors' engineers' field books. The books were used to record the measurements and azimuth data necessary for determining the land to be surveyed for park projects. Parks surveyed include Anastasia, Bahia Honda, Fort Clinch, Highlands Hammock, Hillsborough River, Little Talbot Island, Myakka River, O'Leno, and Torreya.
Extent: 1 cubic foot
Arrangement: Chronological by year or range of years, then alphabetical by state park
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Historical Marker Files, 1961-1968 (Series S1954)
The Board of Parks and Historic Memorials identified and marked historic sites, a major function of the agency. Sites included early towns, roads, banks, military forts, or historic events such as Civil War battles, constitutional conventions, or significant inventions. The Board’s Chief of Information and Education administered the historical marker program. After the selection of a site, a short historic essay was written, often authored by well-known Florida historians such as Samuel Proctor, William Warren Rogers, and Dena Snodgrass, followed by the erection of a two-sided metal plaque on or nearby the historic site.
The series contains files documenting specific marks. The files, labeled with the marker's title, marker number, and the county the site was located within, include records such as correspondence, marker text and drafts, historic research, and sign specifications. Along with historical information for each site, the records also provide a sense of popular perceptions of Florida history in the 1960s, with the majority of the markers concerning the Civil War and other military-related sites. The series only contains files from Alachua through Gulf counties.
Extent: 0.50 cubic feet
Arrangement: Alphabetical by county
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Park Development Project Correspondence and Planning Files, 1980-1987 (Series S1605)
The series consists of correspondence, maps, reports, and other materials documenting the planning and management of state park and recreation area development projects. The series includes proposals and requests for development projects; status reports regarding projects already underway; park and recreation area unit plans indicating the policy and direction for management of those sites; and correspondence and other documents relating to development of the Honeymoon Island State Recreation Area. Discussed parks include Cayo Costa State Park, Guana River State Recreation Area, Honeymoon Island State Recreation Area, Ichetucknee Springs State Park, John U. Lloyd Beach State Recreation Area, Lake Louisa State Park, Myakka River State Park, and Paynes Prairie State Preserve.
Extent: 1 cubic foot
Arrangement: Arranged by topic or record type
Finding Aid: Folder listing
State Park Project Files, 1936-1948 (Series S1352)
The series documents projects completed at the following parks: Florida Caverns State Park, Fort Clinch State Park, Gold Head Branch State Park, and Highlands Hammock State Park. The series contains work orders; correspondence concerning the projects; a file on park attendance and receipts; and some federal and state publications concerning parks.
Extent: 4 cubic feet
Arrangement: Arranged by state park, then alphabetical
Finding Aid: Folder listing
Audio and Visual Records
Photographic Collection, 1948-1970 (Series S236)
The series contains of over 4,000 photographs of state parks, scenic views of Florida, and personnel and activities of the Department of Natural Resources. Images date back to the beginning of the Florida Park Service.
Extent: 4,000 negatives and prints
Arrangement: Arranged numerically
Finding Aid: Searchable index of selected images available: http://www.floridamemory.com/PhotographicCollection/
Maps, 1930-1973 (Series S1971)
The series contains topographic maps, geographic maps, architectural records, oversized photographs, and aerial view photographs created and compiled by the Florida Park Service., which document forests, beaches, roads, and parks in Florida. The series also contains a log book that assisted park staff in creating and updating the maps.
Extent: 2 cubic feet, 23 aerial photograph, 128 old tracings, and 9 photographs
Arrangement: Unarranged
Finding Aid: Container list
Restriction: Oversized, rolled items may be fragile and can only be accessed at the discretion and under direct supervision of Archives staff.
The series contains of over 4,000 photographs of state parks, scenic views of Florida, and personnel and activities of the Department of Natural Resources. Images date back to the beginning of the Florida Park Service.
Extent: 4,000 negatives and prints
Arrangement: Arranged numerically
Finding Aid: Searchable index of selected images available: http://www.floridamemory.com/PhotographicCollection/
Maps, 1930-1973 (Series S1971)
The series contains topographic maps, geographic maps, architectural records, oversized photographs, and aerial view photographs created and compiled by the Florida Park Service., which document forests, beaches, roads, and parks in Florida. The series also contains a log book that assisted park staff in creating and updating the maps.
Extent: 2 cubic feet, 23 aerial photograph, 128 old tracings, and 9 photographs
Arrangement: Unarranged
Finding Aid: Container list
Restriction: Oversized, rolled items may be fragile and can only be accessed at the discretion and under direct supervision of Archives staff.