DeBary Hall Historic Site
Location: 198 Sunrise Blvd., DeBary
Get directions to site
History is alive at DeBary Hall Historic Site, a magnificent 19th century hunting estate overlooking the St. Johns River in DeBary, Florida. The site is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and includes DeBary Hall, the oldest intact building in southwest Volusia County.
Built in 1871, DeBary Hall was the winter retreat of a European-born wine merchant who chose the St. Johns River country for his hunting estate. Frederick deBary tried his hand at orange growing and commercial steamboating, but his Florida estate became a center of sport hunting and hospitality.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, some of the country’s wealthiest people visited DeBary Hall to spend winters hunting, fishing and swimming in the cool springs nearby, then relaxing in the shade of the veranda enjoying a cool drink and the news of the day. DeBary reportedly entertained Presidents Ulysses S. Grant and Grover Cleveland; the Astors, Goulds and Vanderbilts; and the Prince of Wales, who went on to become King Edward VII.
Today’s historic site covers 10 acres and includes the 8,000-square-foot hunting lodge, stables and other structures.
We invite you to explore history at DeBary Hall Historic Site. You’ll find remarkable buildings, a treasure trove of historical images, and many good stories.
Upcoming events
DeBary Hall: Give the Gift of Roses
November 12 @11:30 am to 1:00 pm
Join certified Master Gardener Pat LeClair to learn which roses grow best in Florida during this interactive Lunch & Learn. Attendees can plant a rose to give or keep at Christmas. Bring your lunch and gardening questions for this informative discussion.
Registration is not required. For more...
DeBary Hall: Health Matters - the Eyes
November 14 @1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Join registered nurse Susan Araujo for an engaging and easy-to-understand exploration of the eyes. Participants will look more deeply into how our eyes work and how we can keep them healthy and happy. This presentation is part of the Lemonade Lectures series. Light refreshments and lemonade will be ...
DeBary Hall: Historic Bike Ride
November 18 @9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Take a guided bike tour from Green Springs Park to the Osteen Civic Center and back. Learn about local history from DeBary Hall’s staff during this 11.5-mile ride along the East Central Regional Rail Trail. Participants must bring a bicycle and helmet. Sunscreen and bottled water are recommended. ...
DeBary Hall: Line Dancing
November 19 @5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Line dancing is a great way to exercise your mind and body. Join DeBary Hall staff for beginner line dances to various music genres. This program will be held in DeBary Hall's stable, 198 Sunrise Blvd., DeBary. There is a $5 charge for each class.
Registration is not required. For more informatio...
DeBary Hall: Story Time
November 20 @9:30 am to 10:30 am
Children are invited to Kids Corner, a free story time featuring stories, songs, and activities, at DeBary Hall Historic Site, 198 Sunrise Blvd., DeBary. The program is designed for preschoolers, but children of all ages are welcome. Reservations are not required for this program, which is offe...
DeBary Hall: Accordion Concert
November 21 @1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Join the Central Florida Accordion Club for a lively afternoon of singing and dancing to the rich sounds of the accordion. From timeless tunes to polkas and beyond, this merry group of talented musicians will educate and entertain guests during a two-hour concert in DeBary Hall’s theater.
For m...
DeBary Hall: Santa's Breakfast
December 5 @9:00 am to 10:30 am
Families are invited to enjoy a continental-style breakfast, festive Christmas music, and the sights and sounds of the season as they await the arrival of everyone’s favorite holiday visitor. Once Santa Claus arrives, children can listen to his enchanting Christmas tales, share their wishes, and p...
DeBary Hall: Holiday Candlelight Tours
December 11 @5:30 pm to 6:00 pm
Candlelight will fill the mansion with a warm, inviting glow during these special evening tours, highlighting the home’s historic treasures and holiday decorations. Guests will be escorted to the mansion for an open-style tour, where they can explore the home, admire its many Christmas trees and f...
DeBary Hall: Holiday Candlelight Tours
December 11 @6:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Candlelight will fill the mansion with a warm, inviting glow during these special evening tours, highlighting the home’s historic treasures and holiday decorations. Guests will be escorted to the mansion for an open-style tour, where they can explore the home, admire its many Christmas trees and f...
DeBary Hall: Holiday Candlelight Tours
December 11 @6:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Candlelight will fill the mansion with a warm, inviting glow during these special evening tours, highlighting the home’s historic treasures and holiday decorations. Guests will be escorted to the mansion for an open-style tour, where they can explore the home, admire its many Christmas trees and f...
DeBary Hall: Holiday Candlelight Tours
December 11 @7:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Candlelight will fill the mansion with a warm, inviting glow during these special evening tours, highlighting the home’s historic treasures and holiday decorations. Guests will be escorted to the mansion for an open-style tour, where they can explore the home, admire its many Christmas trees and f...
DeBary Hall: Holiday Candlelight Tours
December 12 @5:30 pm to 6:00 pm
Candlelight will fill the mansion with a warm, inviting glow during these special evening tours, highlighting the home’s historic treasures and holiday decorations. Guests will be escorted to the mansion for an open-style tour, where they can explore the home, admire its many Christmas trees and f...
DeBary Hall: Holiday Candlelight Tours
December 12 @6:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Candlelight will fill the mansion with a warm, inviting glow during these special evening tours, highlighting the home’s historic treasures and holiday decorations. Guests will be escorted to the mansion for an open-style tour, where they can explore the home, admire its many Christmas trees and f...
DeBary Hall: Holiday Candlelight Tours
December 12 @7:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Candlelight will fill the mansion with a warm, inviting glow during these special evening tours, highlighting the home’s historic treasures and holiday decorations. Guests will be escorted to the mansion for an open-style tour, where they can explore the home, admire its many Christmas trees and f...
DeBary Hall: Holiday Tea
December 19 @11:00 am to 12:30 pm
Celebrate the season with an elegant Victorian holiday tea, surrounded by the mansion’s festive decor. Hostesses dressed in Victorian attire will share the history of tea and offer instruction on tea etiquette, and guests will also enjoy a tour of the historic house.
Tickets are $25 per person...
