Historical Resources serves as a division of the City of Venice.  Its three main purposes are to:

• Preserve, interpret, and display the city’s historical collection
• Manage the city’s historic preservation program
• Oversee public and city art within the city of Venice

Three full-time employees assisted by almost twenty volunteers operate the Division of Historical Resources. Historical Resources is responsible for administering the Venice Museum and the Julia Cousins Laning and Dale Laning Archives & Research Center. 

The mission of the Venice Museum and the Julia Cousins Laning and Dale Laning Archives & Research Center is to collect, preserve and interpret historical and prehistorical material relating to the city of Venice and its neighboring communities.  The Division accomplishes this through the acquisition and preservation of documents, records, objects, photographs, and paleontological materials related to the area we know today as Venice.  In addition, the division provides programs and events to reach out to Venice residents and visitors, assists with research requests, and provides historical context for issues affecting the city.  In this capacity, the division works closely with its friends at Venice Heritage, Inc.

The division also manages the city’s historic preservation program.  Through Chapter 66, Article VII and Chapter 87, Section 7 of the municipal code, the division works to preserve and promote the historic built environment of the city of Venice. It is the keeper of the local register of historic resources and works to ensure the city complies with all state and federal preservation regulations.  In this capacity, the division works with the Historic & Architectural Preservation Board.

The division is the overseer of the city’s public art and city art per Resolution 2010-10.  This ranges from artwork in City Hall to statues and murals that adorn our community.  In this capacity, the division works with the Public Art Advisory Board.

Our vision is that the Division of Historical Resources will serve as a critical community asset that preserves the past and prepares the present to meet the future.