Mimi Hardman Legacy Fund

Join us in ushering in a new era of historic preservation at the Lake Wales History Museum with the Mimi Hardman Legacy Fund. Celebrating our first milestone, the restoration of the 1916 Seaboard Airline Freight Station, we have successfully transformed this historic site into the Mimi Hardman Collections and Research Center. This facility not only safeguards our valuable collections but also offers public access and honors our founder, Mimi Hardman, having opened its doors on January 23, 2021.

The dedication of this center also marked the launch of the Mimi Hardman Legacy Fund, a crucial initiative aimed at ensuring the ongoing preservation and care of our collections and historic sites. Contributions to this fund support vital projects, such as the development of an Internship Program to maintain and enhance our museum collections, which include an array of artifacts from military uniforms and Victorian quilts to historic maps and local artwork. Additionally, the fund will enable the restoration and opening of the historic Stuart House as a museum, offering interpretive exhibits that delve into the lives of the Stuart family and the broader Lake Wales community.

By donating to the Mimi Hardman Legacy Fund, you not only help preserve the rich history of Lake Wales but also support educational opportunities for local students through the Mimi Hardman Scholarship. This scholarship aids high school seniors in Lake Wales achieve their educational ambitions, fostering the next generation of community leaders. We invite you to be a part of this transformative journey—every donation, no matter the size, plays a crucial role in continuing our mission to save and celebrate our history. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to preserving the legacy of Lake Wales.