Where is the museum located, and what will I find inside?

The museum is located right in the heart of town at 609 2nd Street. The complex features two historic buildings: The Lutterloh Building (1870): Houses exhibits on Native American history, 19th-century cedar wood pencil mills, Florida’s early coast-to-coast railroad, and the local seafood industry. The Andrews House: The 100-year-old original office of the historic palm-fiber factory, showcasing early island manufacturing and maritime trade.

What is the story behind the "Fiber Factory"?

Founded in 1910 by Dr. Dan Andrews, the Standard Manufacturing Company ("The Fiber Factory") breathed new life into Cedar Key's economy by crafting durable brushes from native sabal palm fibers, providing local jobs for over four decades. Visitors can even watch a special video featuring Dr. John Andrews (Dr. Dan’s son)—who was born in the very home that inspired the business—sharing first-hand accounts of this history.

How much does it cost to attend the demonstration and visit?

Admission for both buildings of the museum and live craft demonstration is $5.00 per person, and admission is free for those 12 and under and for museum members.

Cedar Key Historical Society Museum | Live Demonstrations & Island History Guide

✨This article is proudly brought to you in partnership with the
Cedar Key Historical Society and Museum. ✨

Whether you are a long-time resident or planning a visit to Cedar Key, step into the past through interactive live demonstrations, historic architecture, and extensive regional exhibits at the Cedar Key Historical Society and Museum.

Live Demonstrations: Sabal-Palm-Fiber Brush-Making

Experience a seldom-seen piece of local heritage as artisan Pam Wadley brings traditional island craftsmanship back to life.

Pam demonstrates the intricate process of transforming raw palm fibers into handcrafted brushes and whisk brooms right before your eyes. This live event offers a rare look at a dying art form inside a truly authentic setting—the factory's 100-year-old original office building.

Event Details & Visitor Information

When: Every 2nd and 4th Thursday, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: The Andrews House Building at the Cedar Key Historical Society Museum (Entrance: 609 2nd Street)
Admission: $5.00 per person | Free for Museum Members and 12 and under

Explore Two Historic Buildings of Cedar Key History

The museum complex spans two historic structures filled with artifacts, photographs, and historical records:

The Lutterloh Building (1870): Houses exhibits covering prehistoric Native American artifacts, the 19th-century cedar wood pencil mills, Florida’s early coast-to-coast railroad, and the evolution of the local seafood industry.
The Andrews House: The original 100-year-old office of the Standard Manufacturing Company. It features displays on early 20th-century island manufacturing, maritime trade, and more.

The Legacy of The Standard Manufacturing Company ("The Fiber Factory")

Founded by Dr. Dan Andrews in 1910, the Standard Manufacturing Company breathed new life into Cedar Key's economy with its pioneering work in manufacturing durable brushes from native sabal palm fibers. Over four decades, the "Fiber Factory" provided a major economic boost and essential jobs for local residents—a source of community pride still celebrated today. (Visit CedarKeyHistory.org)

In the photo below is a view of the Standard Manufacturing Company, built by Dr. Daniel Andrews Sr. on the eastern tip of the island, which manufactured Donax Brushes and brush fibers out of young cabbage palms from 1910 until 1952 except during World War II when it closed for a lack of workers. Palm fibers were shipped nationwide and as far as Canada, Germany, and Australia. Locally known as the “Fiber Factory.” Standing at the left is St. Clair Whitman - operator of the first museum in Cedar Key.

sepia photo of a building with a palm tree and two men

View of the Standard Manufacturing Co. "fiber plant" in Cedar Key, Florida. (https://floridamemory.com)

Books & Local Memorabilia Gift Shop

Before wrapping up your visit, explore the museum gift shop for a curated selection of regional history books for purchase, including works on 19th-century Cedar Key, local memoirs, and coastal Florida literature. You can also pick up an "Old Cedar Key Walking Tour Guide Book" at the museum if you would like to explore and learn more about the historical buildings around town at your own pace. You will also find unique memorabilia and keepsakes to take a piece of island history home with you.

What Did You Learn at the Museum?

Have you visited the museum? Leave a comment below sharing your favorite exhibit or the coolest piece of history you discovered at the Cedar Key Historical Society Museum!