Costumed Koreshan Unity Members at the Tea House and Garden, c. 1925.
Friends of Koreshan State Park is dedicated to the protection and enhancement of historic, environmental and recreational resources of Koreshan State Park for present and future generations.
What we do
The Friends of Koreshan State Park serves as the Citizens Support Organization (CSO) for the park. Our fundraising activities support the park through work projects, programs, events, restoration of historic buildings and landscapes, outreach programs, historical exhibits, guided tours, and interpretive programs.
How can you help?
- Give your time: Volunteer to work at Koreshan State park. Positions are available for a wide variety of interest and expertise. Call (239) 949-2379 to learn more.
- Financial Support: Become a member, make a donation, a memorial gift, sponsor events, or remember the park in your will. Contact us for more details.
Your generosity will directly benefit Koreshan State Park.
Friends of the Koreshans Timeline
CORPORATE FACTS
| November 9, 1987 | Friends of Koreshan, Inc., incorporated |
| July 17, 1989 | Name change to Koreshan Unity Alliance, Inc. |
| August 8, 2011 | Name change to Friends of Koreshan State Historic Site, Inc. |
FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
During the 1980s and well into the 1990s, the CSO partnered with the Koreshan Unity, Inc. to produce Lunar and Solar festivals. These events memorialized Koreshan events held each spring and fall to commemorate the birthdays of Victoria Gratia and Cyrus R. Teed. These festivals were held by the Koreshan followers over the years.
In the late 1990s, it was decided that the CSO would begin a new fundraising event, the Ghost Walk, a theatrical production with vignettes depicting life in the Unity during the golden years. This has been the premier fundraising event orchestrated by the CSO ever since. Additional events include the Estero Concert Series, the Farmers Market, the Antique Engine/Quilt Show, and the Antique Car/Arts & Crafts Show.
Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been raised by the events over the years and are used for improvement to the Park.
RESTORATIONS AND GRANTS
| 1988 | Master Plan for historic site updated with $7,500.00 grant |
| 1989 | Founders House restoration plan, $20,000.00 grant-in-aid |
| 1990 | Restoration Plan for Damkohler Cottage, CSO funded |
| 1991 | Restoration of Damkohler Cottage, CSO funded |
| 1991 | Archaeological excavation at Founder’s House, |
| 1992 | Topographical survey of Koreshan Site, $16,200.00 grant |
| 1993 | Mound Key survey and brochure, $26,077 grant |
| 1993 | Koreshan State Historic Site mapping project. A detailed depiction of the existing structures and features in the historic district and identification of potential archeological areas. |
| 1993 | Restoration of Founders House, $106,875.00 grant |
| 1993 | Museum Assessment Program Map II, $1,975.00 grant |
| 1993 | Conservation Assessment Program (CAP), $6,510.00 grant |
| 1994 | Planetary Court restoration plan, $6,500.00 grant |
| 1999 | Planetary Court Phase I restoration, $244,088 grant |
| 1999 | Restoration plan for the New Store, $20,000.00 grant |
| 2000 | Planetary Court Phase II restoration, $156,711.00 grant |
| 2001 | Art Hall restoration plan, $13,000.00 grant |
| 2002 | Art Hall Phase I restoration, grant |
| 2003 | Restoration of historic bridges, $4,600.00 grant |
| 2004 | Restoration plan for bakery building, $7,414.00 grant |
| 2004 | Restoration plan for small machine shop, CSO funded |
| 2004 | Restoration plan for Membership Cottage (Schlendler Cottage), CSO funded |
| 2007 | Art Hall Phase II restoration, $261,409.00 grant |
| 2015 | Restoration plan for industrial buildings, CSO funded $5,800.00 |
| 2014 | Restoration of Membership Cottage (Schlendler Cottage), $20,000 + 13,000 grants |
| 2016 | Mound Key Improvement Planning, $117,000.00 grant |