Turpentining artifacts on display at the Walton History Museum. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors — Old turpetining tools and pottery sherds are just a few of the many artifacts at the Walton History Museum. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

Peek into the past in DeFuniak Springs

Interested in learning about Walton County’s history? Head over to the Heritage Museum in DeFuniak Springs and take a journey into the past.

Run by volunteers with the Walton County Heritage Association, the museum offers a peek into area history from 1885 – 1945. A variety of historical artifacts including arrowheads, old turpentine pottery shards, military information and more are on hand at the museum.

Rubye Walden's rug on display at the Walton County History museum. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors — Rubye Burton’s rug on display at the Walton County History museum. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

One of the highlights is a handmade 12 ft. x 17 ft. wool hook rug made by former first lady of Walton, Rubye Burton.

Known as the Lady of the Lake for her landscaping efforts along Lake DeFuniak, Burton was also the first female Gulf Oil distributor in the United States. Born in 1900, she lived to be 101.

Pick up a brochure and take a self-guided tour of the historic homes around Lake DeFuniak on Circle Drive. Interesting facts and historic information are in your hands as you take the scenic tour. You can also download a brochure by clicking here.

Located in the old L&N Railroad depot on Circle Drive, the museum is open Tues. – Sat. from 1 – 4 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, go to: http://www.waltoncountyheritage.org

1140 Circle Drive, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435
Tel: (850) 951-2127