Newberry unveils interactive story map highlighting city's historical growth and resources

The City Commission Meeting held on May 5, 2025, in Newberry, Florida, focused on the unveiling of a new interactive story map that highlights the city's rich historical context. The presentation, led by a local educator, showcased the evolution of Newberry from its early settlement days through the phosphate industry to its current growth.

The story map features historic imagery and interactive elements, allowing users to explore significant sites within the city, including those eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Notable locations highlighted include the Newberry Church of Christ and the Circle Building, which currently serves as a real estate office. The map also documents properties that have been demolished, providing a comprehensive view of the city's changing landscape.

Commission members expressed appreciation for the project, noting its potential as a valuable resource for both residents and visitors. The map is designed to be a living document, with plans for ongoing updates as new information becomes available or as historic sites undergo changes.

In addition to the story map, discussions included the integration of QR codes at various historical locations to enhance visitor engagement. The commission also touched on the importance of preserving oral histories, with plans to edit and share interviews from community members to further enrich the narrative of Newberry's past.

The meeting concluded with a call for further research into local historical claims, such as the Bank of Newberry's resilience during the Great Depression and the city's longstanding Watermelon Festival, which is believed to be one of the oldest in the United States. The commission aims to validate these stories to strengthen the community's historical identity.