Villagers can step back in time to Old Florida this holiday season with a visit to the Historic Baker House in Wildwood.
Baker House staff and volunteers offered a VIP sneak preview this past week in which docents in period costume guided guests through the home that was built in the 1890s. Christmas decorations filled every room of the house.
History Museum Specialist Angela Love explained the history of the house, which was built by Sen. David H. Baker and how several generations of his family lived there until the house was donated to Wildwood in 2012.
Most of the house is in original condition. It consists of two main structures, the main house and separate kitchen, dining room and servants quarters in a rear building. A covered walkway connects the buildings.
More than 20 volunteers help with maintenance, give tours and hold programs to promote this well-preserved relic of Old Florida history. The volunteers are from Wildwood, The Villages and parts of Sumter County.
Tanya Mikeals wore a period costume as she guided visitors through the upstairs of the home. She is a Sumter County resident who graduated from a local high school with three of Sen. Baker’s three great-grandsons.
Christmas tours will be held according to the following schedule:
Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dec. 1 from noon to 4 p.m.
Dec. 3 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Dec. 10 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dec. 15 from Noon to 4 p.m.
Dec. 19 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Dec. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dec. 22 from noon to 4 p.m.
Dec. 27 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Dc. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased for $10 by calling (352) 461-0134 or by visiting www.wildwood-fl.gov.