HOPS Website

The Historic Ocala Preservation Society, commonly referred to as HOPS, was founded and incorporated in 1980.

Our Mission Statement: To discover, conserve, preserve and memorialize the history and architecture of Ocala and Marion County, Florida; a citizen's action organization for the purpose of conservation and preservation.

HOPS is a a non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to the heritage education of the community and the perservation of historic structures and sites in the Ocala Historic Districts.

Over the past twenty-two years HOPS has contributed greatly to preservation through various programs and projects, including:

* The Formation of the four historic districts, Ocala, Tuscawilla Park, Downtown and supported the formation of West Ocala Historic District.
* Construction of the Ocala and Tuscawilla Park Districts entrance markers in a joint venture with the City of Ocala.
* Reconstruction of the Downtown Gazebo
* Partially Funded the Downtown District Survey
* Historic District Driving & Walking Tour Brochures
* Unique Historic District Street Signage
* Installation of Traffic Calming Devices
* Guided Historic Tours for Marion County Fourth Graders
* Annual Christmas Home Decorating Contest
* Quarterly Beautification Awards for Homeowners
* Restoration of the Snowden House in Tuscawilla Park

These many projects are funded primarily by proceeds received from HOPS Tours, and by donations from hundreds of generous citizens and businesses. Some State of Florida funds were also part of the Snowden House Project.