Historic Tours

Historic Thomas Center

Step into Gainesville’s past with a guided tour of the historic Thomas Center, a beautifully restored Mediterranean Revival landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally built in 1910 as the Sunkist Villa, the home of Major William Reuben Thomas, the building later transformed into the elegant Hotel Thomas in 1928. Today, it serves as a vibrant cultural hub featuring art galleries, 1920s period rooms, and historical exhibits.

Docent-led tours, organized by the Thomas Center Associates, offer visitors an in-depth look at the Thomas family legacy and the building’s evolution. These tours are available for adult groups and fourth-grade classes throughout Alachua County. Self-guided cell phone tours are also welcome during regular hours.

The Thomas Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with gallery hours extending to Saturday afternoons. To schedule a group tour, email thomascenterassociates@gmail.com.

Evergreen Cemetery

Explore Gainesville’s rich history with a self-guided cell phone tour of Evergreen Cemetery, the city’s only municipal cemetery and a tranquil 53-acre outdoor museum. Established in 1856, Evergreen is the final resting place of notable figures such as Major William Reuben Thomas, Florida Senator William Augustine Shands, and environmentalist Marjorie Harris Carr.

The free audio tour features 38 stops, each offering a compelling story about the individuals who shaped Gainesville’s past. Simply visit the cemetery and follow the map to learn about the lives and legacies of these prominent residents.

Evergreen Cemetery is located at 401 SE 21st Ave., Gainesville, FL 32641. For more information, visit the City of Gainesville's Evergreen Cemetery page.