arts & entertainment

David Simpson will lead a birding tour on Sunday, December 7^th at the Hallstrom Conservation Area from 8:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. The cost is $15 per person and includes light refreshments. A private tour of the historic Hallstrom House will follow. A limited number of reservations are available. You can reserve your place at www.irchistorical.org/events. The Hallstrom Conservation Area is located at 1605 Old Dixie Highway S.W., Vero Beach, 32962.

David Simpson has over 30 years of experience leading birding tours. He is familiar with all aspects of Florida wildlife, and has extensive knowledge of land management practices, local history, native plants, and the many critters encountered in Florida.

During the Thanksgiving holiday, the Hallstrom House is closed on Wednesday, November 26. On Sunday, November 30, the Hallstrom House will be open for tours from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

In 1999, Miss Ruth Hallstrom bequeathed her childhood home and outbuildings on a 5-acre parcel to the Indian River County Historical Society for the preservation of the house, its collections, and stately grounds.

The property serves as a living museum that documents a bygone way of life in southern Indian River County, Florida. The collections include artifacts, photographs, paper documents, furniture, and memorabilia. In June 2002, the Hallstrom Farmstead was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The property was built in 1909 by Swedish immigrant Axel Hallstrom, who had his pineapple plantation on this farmstead.

For over thirty years, the Indian River County Historical Society has contributed to the historical and environmental resources of Indian River County, the Indian River Lagoon area, and the State of Florida. Through educational programs, historical preservation, and community events, the Historical Society fosters a deep appreciation for our shared local heritage. The Historical Society is a non-profit organization.

For more information or to volunteer with the Historical Society, call 772-778-3435 or email indianriverhisto@bellsouth.net