LARGO - The Archives & Library at Heritage Village, Pinellas County's 21-acre living history museum, provides a treasure trove of resources and is free and open to the public. In addition to photos, scrapbooks, maps, and a 3500-volume library, visitors will soon be able to see restored episodes of "Pinellas Past," a video journal that has been capturing Pinellas County history since 1984. Initially, "Pinellas Past" was recorded using the best existing technology, but the years have not been kind to the master tapes and as a result, early signs of deterioration were becoming apparent.
Heritage Village was recently awarded funds from the Florida Local Historical Records Grant Program to preserve the first two years of those master tapes in a new, more stable format. Matching funds were provided by the Pinellas County Historical Society. Subjects documented include pioneer family interviews, architecture, ethnic and cultural group histories and local takes on nationwide issues. Once the transfer is complete, early episodes of "Pinellas Past" will be available for viewing on DVD at the Archives & Library. Eventually, media clips will be offered on the Heritage Village Web site, allowing remote access.
The Archives & Library is open to the public Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9-11 a.m., or by appointment. Pinellas County residents with a valid driver's license or ID card may check out items for a 2-week period. Call (727) 582-2128 for more information or visit www.pinellascounty.org/Heritage. Heritage Village is located at 11909 125th St. N., Largo.