Powel Crosley Estate welcomes public visitors when annual Open House tradition returns next month

Powel Crosley Estate welcomes public visitors when annual Open House tradition returns next month
Posted on 02/24/2022

BRADENTON (Feb. 24, 2022) – The Powel Crosley Estate Foundation and the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau will revive the annual Open House days at historical Powel Crosley Estate, March 8-9.

Every half hour from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on those days, docents will tour visitors around the mansion, built in 1929. The mansion served as the winter home of Powel Crosley, the American innovator who is most revered for bringing radio to the masses through the manufacturing of inexpensive radios during radio’s first defining decade. A variety of Crosley radios and memorabilia will be on display throughout. The mansion is located at 8374 N. Tamiami Trail.

Powel Crosley Estate hosted 103 events in 2021. Crosley was the Gold Winner in the 2021 Best of SRQ Magazine Local Event Venues. Here Comes The Guide also featured Crosley as one of the Best Unique Wedding Venues in Florida.

“Over the years as the Crosley Estate has become a popular wedding and event venue in our region, but there have been few opportunities for public visitors to tour this great asset,” said Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Elliott Falcione. “We are excited to open the estate doors once again to the public and celebrate the rich history found within the Bradenton Area and the contributions Powel Crosley made to the radio industry while living here. They’ll walk away with a new appreciation for the area and one of Florida’s most beautiful wedding venues.”

No reservations are needed and there is no admission cost for this event, but donations are appreciated.

Inducted in 2013, Crosley is one of 183 members in the National Radio Hall of Fame. By the time of his death in 1961, he had played a pivotal role in inventing, introducing and manufacturing a myriad of items, including:

  • WLW Radio/Cincinnati – “The Nation’s Station” – which fed network programming to NBC and Mutual in the 1930’s, and used an unprecedented experimental 750,000-watt transmitter
  • The first compact economy car
  • The first auto radio
  • The facsimile machine
  • The 35mm camera
  • Four airplanes

About the Powel Crosley Estate

Built in 1929 for Powel Crosley's wife, Gwendolyn. The Mediterranean Revival-style mansion, named "Seagate" is situated directly on the water features a circular tower and a carriage house in addition to the main building and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Its architecture pays tribute to a bygone era, but the estate has the modern amenities that allow it to successfully host meetings, weddings, holiday parties and other events.

For more information, visit www.PowelCrosleyEstate.com or call (941) 722-3244 to make an appointment to view the facility.