Know Your Roots
Educating the Public on the Value of Community, Commitment, & Innovation
17869 NW Pioneer Settlement Rd-Blountstown, FL 32424
Panhandle Pioneer Settlement One of the Best Florida Towns
Additional Information
14 Best Towns in Florida in 2024 (A Local’s Picks)
The Panhandle Pioneer Settlement just earned a shout-out in the recent Travel Lemming article on 14 Best Towns in Florida, written by our Florida local writer Ethan Thoren.
You can find our mention under the heading “Blountstown” in the article here: https://travellemming.com/towns-in-florida/
Living-History Museum in Blountstown, Florida
What We Do
Panhandle Pioneer Settlement is a living-history museum in Blountstown, Florida. We aim to acquire, document, research, historical buildings restoration, furnishings, and tools from the 1820s to the 1940s to educate the public on their roots.
Historical Buildings in Florida
We have a collection of 18 historical buildings from 1820 to the 1940s, arranged on five acres resembling an idyllic farm community. The buildings were shifted from their original locations in Calhoun County to preserve some of our history.
Our Founders
Willard & Linda Smith founded Panhandle Pioneer Settlement in July 1989 to bring life to the history of Florida from the 1820s through World War II. We also host a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, as well as historical and educational classes on traditional skills and crafts.
Historical Buildings in Florida
We have a collection of 18 historical buildings from 1820 to the 1940s, arranged on five acres resembling an idyllic farm community. The buildings were shifted from their original locations in Calhoun County to preserve some of our history.
PIONEER CAMP RENTALS
The Panhandle Pioneer Settlement has 3 new rental options that will be available soon for individuals, Families, and Groups.
1. Overnight Pioneer Cabins Site Rentals
2. Overnight Tent camping Site Rentals
3. Day use only Site Rentals (Includes pavilion, fire pit, bathrooms, and Kitchen when available)
The expected available date is after July 1st, 2023. For more information, please contact The Settlement Office at 850-674-2777 or by e-mail at PioneerSettlement@panhandlepioneer.us.
The Rental Agreement Form and additional information can be found under the
“RENTALS, FIELD TRIPS, ETC” page on our
website at https://panhandlepioneer.org/rentals%2C-field-trips%2C-etconce it becomes available.
Announcements
BLACKSMITH CLASS
Broom Making Class
Broom Making Class
Blacksmith Classes
If you enjoy hands-on experience, this is the place to be. Join us in the art of shaping heated iron and steel (forging) with hand tools. This will be an all-day event, so pack your lunch. You must be 18 years old or accompanied by an adult. Required items you must bring or wear: Safety Glasses, Leather Gloves, and Long Pants. Cost is $75.00 per person. There is limited space available. Current available classes:
BLACKSMITH SCHEDULE for 2025-2026:
Saturdays from 9:00am to 3:00pm Central Time
- Saturday, September TBD, 2025
- Saturday, September TBD, 2025
- Saturday, October TBD, 2025
- Saturday, October TBD, 2025
- Saturday, November TBD, 2025
- Saturday, November TBD, 2025
- Saturday, December TBD, 2025
- Saturday, December TBD, 2025
- Saturday, February TBD, 2026
- Saturday, February TBD, 2026
- Saturday, March TBD, 2026
- Saturday, March TBD, 2026
- Saturday, April TBD, 2026
- Saturday, April TBD, 2026
- Saturday, May TBD, 2026
- Saturday, May TBD, 2026
***
September 2025 through May 2026
Tickets can be purchased at the below website, by phone (850-674-2777), or in person at the office.
https://panhandlepioneer.org/store/ols/categories/classes
Broom Making Class
Broom Making Class
Broom Making Class
Broom Making Class
at the
Panhandle Pioneer Settlement
Come and learn how to make your own whisk broom and pot scrubber! We'll be working with broom corn (sorghum) and string to make a functional piece of art! All supplies are provided. Some arm and hand strength are required.
.
TBD, (10:00am to 12:00p, CST)
Cost: $25
Class Size Minimum: 5
.
If we do not have 5 people registered within 3 days prior to the class date, the class will be cancelled and all money refunded, or you can register for the next scheduled class.
Call our office to register. 850-674-2777
Register on-line at: https://panhandlepioneer.org/store/ols/categories/classes
Canning Class
Broom Making Class
Canning Class
at the
Panhandle Pioneer Settlement
Come and learn how to can your own food! No need to bring anything, but yourself.
However, you may want to bring a sturdy box and several kitchen or hand towels to take hot canned food home.
.
TBD
Cost: $50
Class Size Minimum: 4
.
Class Size Min of 4 People (Maximum of 8 People) must register within 3 days prior to the class date or class may be rescheduled.
Call our office to register. 850-674-2777
Register on-line at: https://panhandlepioneer.org/store/ols/categories/classes
Become A Host
We use volunteers to host in our 17 building/museums at various events throughout the year including Pioneer Day, Old Fashioned Christmas and Folk Life Day.
We encourage students (ages 15 and above), adults, retirees, and families to volunteer. There is no requirement to be a history buff, just have a willingness to learn and enjoy meeting new people. Also, this is a good opportunity to earn Bright Futures volunteer hours.
Host Training Schedule:
Dates and Times: TBD
*Call the office to register
*No Admission
Wood Workers Needed
The Panhandle Pioneer Settlement is in search of Wood Workers that would be interested in helping to set up the new wood working shop.
In addition, wood workers who are interested in volunteering in teaching, setting up wood working groups/clubs, carvers, bowl makers, etc.
Please contact the office at 850-674-2777 if interested.
Share the big news
Please review the Calendar of Events under the Events page for events throughout the year.
Share with Friends and Family.
Click the More Event located below the list of events for additional events information.
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STORE
Our General Store has unique gifts and is open during all events and can also be visited 6 days a week.
Duck Knives
Our handcrafted knives are uniquely shaped like a duck’s head with a cutting edge on either side of the duck’s bill for easy cutting in both directions.
The blade is made of 440-C Stainless, the handles are made of Micarta with mosaic pins and come in three different lengths.
These knives can be purchased at the Settlement or at our on-line store.
Volunteering
The Panhandle Pioneer Settlement has opportunities for Volunteers
***
If you are interested, please contact our office at 850-674-2777
***
Graduates and Bright Futures applicants: Earn your hours, have fun with your friends, and make new friends!
Adults: Believe in something bigger than yourself. Your life is worth a noble motive.
Seniors: To the world you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world.
Benefits
*Free meals during events.
*Pioneer attire provided during the events.
*Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner.
*Annual membership and perks as volunteer hours accumulate.
*Apprenticeships may be available with Demonstrators and crafters.
Bright Future Scholarships
Bright Future Scholarships
The Panhandle Pioneer Settlement has unique and fun opportunities that may qualify for the Bright Future Scholarship Service Hours Requirement.
The Students can volunteer during Weekend Events, school field trip groups, concession stand help, garden maintenance, and maintenance of the grounds. Call the office @850-674-2777 for availability.
As always, check with your school counselor with questions.
Please contact the office at 850-674-2777 if interested.
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