Main Page - John Gorrie Museum State Park

A red brick building with white columns houses the museum.

Manager's Message

Welcome to John Gorrie Museum State Park! While you are walking around historic Apalachicola, please stop in and let Ranger Willie McNair share our local history and the contibutions made by Dr. John Gorrie.

- Tony Tindell, Park Manager

Welcome to John Gorrie Museum State Park

A young physician named John Gorrie moved to Apalachicola in the early 1800s when it was a prominent port of trade, commerce, and shipping in Florida. Gorrie served as postmaster, city treasurer, town councilman, and bank director. Concern for his yellow fever patients motivated Gorrie to invent a method for cooling their rooms. He became a pioneer in the field of air conditioning and refrigeration by inventing a machine that made ice, and received the first U.S. Patent for mechanical refrigeration in 1851. A replica of his ice-making machine is on display at the museum, as well as exhibits chronicling the colorful history of Apalachicola, which played an important role in Florida's economic development. Hours are 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m., Thursday through Monday, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Located on Sixth Street in Apalachicola, off U.S. 98.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about John Gorrie Museum State Park, please call 850-653-9347.

Hours of Operation

The visitor center is open from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The center is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.