History of New Smyrna and Bethune Beach
Before the Spanish even thought of a New World and a search for the Fountain of Youth, local nomadic inhabitants were living their lives in New Smyrna Beach on the banks of the Mosquito Lagoon, raising their families, hunting local game, eating bountiful shellfish from the river (lagoon), and creating a mountain with shells, in what is now known as Turtle Mound.
Between the New Smyrna Beach City limits and Canaveral National Seashore are the unincorporated communities of Silver Sands and Bethune Beach. Bethune Beach came into existence through the efforts of Mary McLeod Bethune, founder of Bethune-Cookman College. Mrs. Bethune with the help of other Floridians, including George Engram and her friend Eleanor Roosevelt, established the Bethune Corporation.
The New Smyrna Beach area is rooted in local culture and art, and has received the distinction of being one of the "100 Best Small Art Towns in America." The area's artistic spirit generates from annual art and music festivals, artist workshops and studios, and local galleries. The world-renowned Atlantic Center for the Arts concentrates on the fields of composing as well as visual and performing arts by attracting aspiring artists in many disciplines from across the country to learn from accomplished artists.
By checking out the local art workshops and studios, many visitors enjoy creating their own unique piece of art through jewelry making, paintings, taking a class in glassblowing and pottery, or learning Bob Ross style painting at the Bob Ross Art Workshop. The local galleries on Canal Street feature the work of hundreds of local artists for viewing and purchase, and the buildings are as interesting as the art within. Music lovers can delight in New Smyrna Beach's plentiful concerts, featuring world-famous musicians and local hidden talent.
Before the Spanish even thought of a New World and a search for the Fountain of Youth, local nomadic inhabitants were living their lives in New Smyrna Beach on the banks of the Mosquito Lagoon, raising their families, hunting local game, eating bountiful shellfish from the river (lagoon), and creating a mountain with shells, in what is now known as Turtle Mound.
Between the New Smyrna Beach City limits and Canaveral National Seashore are the unincorporated communities of Silver Sands and Bethune Beach. Bethune Beach came into existence through the efforts of Mary McLeod Bethune, founder of Bethune-Cookman College. Mrs. Bethune with the help of other Floridians, including George Engram and her friend Eleanor Roosevelt, established the Bethune Corporation.
The New Smyrna Beach area is rooted in local culture and art, and has received the distinction of being one of the "100 Best Small Art Towns in America." The area's artistic spirit generates from annual art and music festivals, artist workshops and studios, and local galleries. The world-renowned Atlantic Center for the Arts concentrates on the fields of composing as well as visual and performing arts by attracting aspiring artists in many disciplines from across the country to learn from accomplished artists.
By checking out the local art workshops and studios, many visitors enjoy creating their own unique piece of art through jewelry making, paintings, taking a class in glassblowing and pottery, or learning Bob Ross style painting at the Bob Ross Art Workshop. The local galleries on Canal Street feature the work of hundreds of local artists for viewing and purchase, and the buildings are as interesting as the art within. Music lovers can delight in New Smyrna Beach's plentiful concerts, featuring world-famous musicians and local hidden talent.