Vero Heritage, Inc. presented a retrospective on Vero Beach and Indian River County history and architecture March 13 at the Heritage Center in downtown Vero. The themefor this fourth annual Heritage Celebration was “If these walls could talk,” and the center was filled with displays, artifacts, oversize photos and other exhibits depicting not only local history but also ongoing historic preservation efforts. The displays included a series of panels with photos of restored buildings called the “Wall of Fame,” as well as an equal number of panels showing historic buildings that have fallen victim to the wrecking ball  on a “Wall of Shame.”

Vero Heritage Inc. president, Elizabeth Graves-Bass was more than pleased with the turnout. “It’s great that so many people care about our local history and many of these people have had a hand in preserving it.”

County Historian, Ruth Stanbridge, handed out a new brochure from the Indian River County Historical Society, “Our Roads Into History,” which includes maps of the area highlighting historical sites. Printed histories of the buildings were also handed out at each exhibit.

The event attracted hundreds of attendees. The Heritage Center was built in 1935 and has served as the town’s community center, a USO club during World War II, recreation department office, and was itself rescued from possible demolition by Vero Heritage, Inc. It was then restored to original specifications and is now on the National Register of Historic Places.