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Museum
Get Involved
Programs & Events
Research
- Archives
- Research Room
Education
Historical Society
- About Us
- Awards
  - Judge James R. Knott Historical Contribution Award
  - Fannie James Pioneer Achievement Award

Historical Society of Palm Beach County

Archival Evening

Honoring Pauline Pitt

Wednesday, January 20, 2027 at 7 pm

The Colony Hotel

Contact Us

Phone: 561.832.4164

Mail:
P.O. Box 4364
West Palm Beach, FL 33402

Visit:
300 N. Dixie Highway
West Palm Beach, FL 33401

MUSEUM HOURS

Mon – Sat 10 am – 4 pm
Sunday Closed

HSPBC ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE HOURS

Mon – Friday 9 am – 5 pm

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What makes an object in a museum truly unforgettab

What makes an object in a museum truly unforgettable? Sometimes, it is the story behind it. 🌊🏄‍♂️

In this video, Tom Warnke, Executive Director of the @surfingfloridamuseum, takes us inside Surfing Florida: A Photographic History to highlight one of the fascinating objects on display and share the story behind it.

From historic surfboards and vintage photographs to the people, places, and moments that shaped Florida's surf culture, this exhibition is packed with incredible stories waiting to be discovered.

Whether you are a lifelong surfer, a beach lover, a history buff, or simply looking for something fun to do this summer, come experience the history of Florida surfing for yourself.

🌊 Surfing Florida: A Photographic History
📍 Historical Society of Palm Beach County
🎟️ Free admission
📅 On display through October 31

Come see the stories, the boards, the photographs, and the history that helped make Florida surfing iconic.

#SurfingFlorida #PalmBeachCountyHistory #SurfCulture #FloridaSurfing #SurfHistory #FreeMuseum #SummerFun #FamilyFun #WestPalmBeach #ThePalmBeaches #MuseumExhibit #HistoricPalmBeachCounty #SupportLocalMuseums #PhotographyExhibit #FloridaHistory

🔎 Get a closer look at Benjamin Franklin: Creating

🔎 Get a closer look at Benjamin Franklin: Creating an American Icon with Zachary Jacobson, the collector who spent decades bringing this remarkable collection together.

Join Zach for a special tour and discover the fascinating stories, rare treasures, and behind-the-scenes details that bring the exhibit to life.

📅 August 1, 8, 18 & 22
⏰ Noon

Reserve your spot at pbchistory.org and experience the exhibit from the perspective of the collector who made it possible!

Thank you to our sponsors, Gunster and Forman Capital, for helping bring this remarkable exhibition to our community.

@gunsterlaw

#BenjaminFranklin #BenjaminFranklinExhibit #CreatingAnAmericanIcon #AmericanHistory #HistoryMuseum #MuseumExhibit #PalmBeach #WestPalmBeach #PalmBeachCounty #SouthFlorida #HistoryLovers #MuseumTour #BehindTheScenes #RareBooks #AmericanHistory250

Welcome to the Archivist’s Corner, where every pho

Welcome to the Archivist’s Corner, where every photo has a story.

Ever wondered what Palm Beach looked like before cars and roads?

For many years, part of the island’s intrigue and appeal to permanent residents and wealthy tourists was that they didn’t need paved streets to navigate their small community. Especially during the era of Henry Flagler’s glamorous hotels, Palm Beach’s prestige was based on its status as a remote tropical outpost, peacefully cut off from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

As seen in the first photo, tourists often relied on horse-drawn buggies to transport them through the island’s rustic but scenic trails. We see North County Road as it appeared in the 1890s, years before actual streets were paved on the island in the 1910s, when a chunk of land south of Flagler’s Royal Poinciana Hotel was dredged, filled, and platted for the construction of bungalows and cottages.

By the 1930s, modern life had caught up with Palm Beach. The second photo shows us what it looked like at its junction with the same North County Road featured in the first photo, but years later. Both photos highlight Palm Beach’s transformation from an isolated tropical getaway for the few to a fully modernized tourist destination for the many.

#PalmBeachHistory #HistoricalSocietyPBC #PalmBeachCountyHistory #PalmBeach #FloridaHistory #HistoryMatters #ThenAndNow #LocalHistory #HenryFlagler #HistoricPalmBeach #OldFlorida #VintageFlorida #SouthFloridaHistory #HistoryLovers #ExploreHistory

📰 Step back to 1738 and see history in print. On

📰 Step back to 1738 and see history in print.

On display in Benjamin Franklin: Creating an American Icon is an original issue of The Pennsylvania Gazette from 1738, published when Benjamin Franklin was the newspaper's sole proprietor. One of the most influential newspapers in colonial America, The Gazette helped shape public opinion and spread ideas that would define a nation.

This remarkable piece is just one of the many rare artifacts featured in the exhibition, alongside books printed by Franklin, portraits and busts from his lifetime, and historic objects that explore how he became one of America's most enduring icons.

📅 On view through August 31, 2026
📍 Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum
🎟️ Complimentary Admission

Presented in honor of America's 250th anniversary.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Gunster and Forman Capital, for making this exhibition possible.

#PBCHistory #BenjaminFranklin #PennsylvaniaGazette #America250 #HistoryMuseum #WestPalmBeach #PalmBeachCounty #FoundingFathers #MuseumExhibit #FreeAdmission

Congratulations to our Surf's Up Giveaway winner..

Congratulations to our Surf's Up Giveaway winner... Brett Thomas!

Thank you to everyone who entered and shared your favorite South Florida beach memories. We loved seeing all of your surfing, boogie boarding, and beach adventures!

Brett Thomas, please send us a direct message to claim your prize package!

Didn't win this time? You can still catch the wave by visiting Surfing Florida: A Photographic History, now on view at the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum through October 31, 2026.

Discover the photographs, historic surfboards, and stories that celebrate the people and culture behind Florida's surfing legacy. Best of all, admission is FREE!

Plan your visit at pbchistory.org.

Thank you to our friends at @surfingfloridamuseum for helping us celebrate Palm Beach County's incredible surfing history!

#SurfingFlorida #HistoricalSocietyPBC #PalmBeachHistory #FloridaHistory #SouthFlorida #SurfCulture #MuseumLife #FreeMuseum #ExploreFlorida #VisitPBC #SupportMuseums

Welcome to the Archivist’s Corner, where every pho

Welcome to the Archivist’s Corner, where every photo has a story... and sometimes the newspaper spills all the tea.

William and Viola Landes are pictured on the left with friends on Lake Trail in 1919, posing with their “Red Bug” race cars. But what is the story behind the photograph?

William Landes, a Palm Beach photographer, placed a classified advertisement in the Palm Beach Post on a Saturday in March 1919, requesting to purchase a Red Bug at a low price. The Landes were likely preparing to compete in the Red Bug races held along Lake Worth.

In November of 1919, William parked the Red Bug on Clematis Street, perhaps to make a trip to the Bank, or a pharmacy.

The vehicle survived the races unscathed, only to be “smashed” by a touring car backing into a parking spot on Clematis Street. A police officer was present to document the incident.
Together, photographs and newspaper clippings tell a richer story than either can alone.

Stay tuned for more hidden gems from the archives!

#ArchivistsCorner #PalmBeachHistory #HistoryMuseum #SouthFloridaHistory #FloridaHistory #HistoricPhotos #Archives #ThenAndNow #LoveWhereYouLive #HistoryLivesHere #PBCHistory

🇺🇸 DON'T MISS THESE BEN FRANKLIN EXPERIENCES! 🇺🇸

🇺🇸 DON'T MISS THESE BEN FRANKLIN EXPERIENCES! 🇺🇸

This summer, discover the life and legacy of one of America's most fascinating Founding Fathers with two unforgettable experiences at the Historical Society of Palm Beach County.

📅 July 22 | 5:30 PM
Robert Watson: Benjamin Franklin, The Greatest American
Join acclaimed historian, author, and professor Robert Watson as he explores the remarkable life, wit, innovation, and enduring impact of Benjamin Franklin. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about America's most iconic polymath, this is a talk you won't want to miss.

🏛️ Now through August 31
Benjamin Franklin: Creating an American Icon
Explore this fascinating exhibition celebrating the man behind the legend. Through rare images, artifacts, and engaging stories, discover how Benjamin Franklin became one of the most recognizable figures in American history. Admission is FREE.

Make a day of it, tour the exhibit, attend the lecture, and celebrate America's 250th anniversary with us!

Register today at the link in bio!

#BenjaminFranklin #America250 #HistoricalSocietyPBC #PalmBeachHistory #MuseumLife #FreeAdmission #HistoryTalk #AmericanHistory #SouthFloridaEvents #WestPalmBeach #ThingsToDoWPB #HistoryLovers #PalmBeachCounty #ExploreFlorida #DontMissThis

🏄‍♂️🌊 SURF'S UP GIVEAWAY! 🌊🏄‍♀️ Celebrate Surfing

🏄‍♂️🌊 SURF'S UP GIVEAWAY! 🌊🏄‍♀️

Celebrate Surfing Florida: A Photographic History with the ultimate South Florida beach prize pack!

Here's how to enter:
☀️ Like this post
☀️ Share this post
☀️ Comment below with your favorite photo of yourself surfing, boogie boarding, or enjoying a day at the beach in South Florida!

Must be 21 or older to enter.

One lucky winner will be randomly selected on Tuesday, July 14 and will take home an incredible prize package, including:
🏄 Surfing Florida Museum swag
🏛️ Historical Society of Palm Beach County swag
🎟️ A Historical Society of Palm Beach County membership
🧊 A 2-in-1 Arctic Chiller Bag for your next beach adventure
📚 Two beach-inspired books to fuel your wanderlust
🍹 A bottle of Tito's Handmade Vodka

While you're entering, don't miss Surfing Florida: A Photographic History, now on view at the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum! Explore the people, places, and stories that helped shape Florida's legendary surf culture. Best of all, admission is FREE!

Tag your beach crew and show us your favorite South Florida memories. Good luck!

@surfingfloridamuseum

#SurfingFlorida #HistoricalSocietyPBC #PalmBeachHistory #LoveFL #FloridaHistory #SouthFlorida #SurfCulture #BeachLife #Surfing #BoogieBoarding #PalmBeachCounty #MuseumLife #FreeMuseum #ExploreFlorida #SupportMuseums #VisitPBC #BeachAdventure #TitosHandmadeVodka #Giveaway #Contest

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The Historical Society of Palm Beach County is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and sharing the rich history of Palm Beach County. Through stewardship of archives, exhibitions, and educational programs, we connect our community to its past to inspire understanding and appreciation for generations to come.

©2025 Historical Society of Palm Beach County, All Rights Reserved. | Site By Immersive Spaces, LLC

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