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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

History Talks

22 July

Historical Society of Palm Beach County

Robert Watson: Benjamin Franklin, The Greatest American

300 N Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

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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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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 15 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

⚡ Think you know Benjamin Franklin? Think again.

⚡ Think you know Benjamin Franklin? Think again.

Before he became the face on the $100 bill, Benjamin Franklin was an inventor, scientist, writer, diplomat, entrepreneur, and one of the most influential minds in American history.

This summer, discover the story behind the icon in Benjamin Franklin: Creating an American Icon. See rare books printed by Franklin himself, fascinating artifacts, portraits, and objects that reveal how his image became one of the most recognizable symbols of the United States.

As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, there's no better time to explore the life of the man who helped define a nation.

📅 July 6 – August 31, 2026
📍 Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum
🎟️ Complimentary Admission
Presented as part of America 250.

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

@gunsterlaw

#PBCHistory #BenjaminFranklin #America250 #HistoryLivesHere #WestPalmBeach #PalmBeachCounty #MuseumExhibit #AmericanHistory #FoundingFathers #ThingsToDoInPalmBeach

🎆 Happy Fourth of July from the Historical Society

🎆 Happy Fourth of July from the Historical Society of Palm Beach County! 🇺🇸

For generations, Palm Beach County has celebrated America's birthday with parades, picnics, waterfront gatherings, and community traditions. Join us in taking a trip through our archives to see how Independence Day has been celebrated across the decades.

1) Friends enjoying a cruise near Singer Island, 1930s.
2) "Uncle Sam" walks through the crowds at the Fourth on Flagler Festival, 1990s.
3) A Fourth of July celebration in Flagler Park, West Palm Beach, overlooking Lake Worth, 1917.
4) A parade float moves through the 200 block of Clematis Street during the Fourth of July Parade, 1929.

However you are spending the holiday, you are part of a tradition that has brought our community together for generations. We wish you a safe, happy, and history-filled Fourth of July!

Please note: The Historical Society of Palm Beach County and the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum will be closed Friday, July 3, through Saturday, July 4, in observance of the holiday.

#FourthofJuly #IndependenceDay #America250 #PalmBeachCounty #WestPalmBeach #HistoryMuseum #LocalHistory #FloridaHistory #HistoricPhotos #Archives #CommunityHistory #HistoricalSociety #ExploreHistory #LoveWhereYouLive

✨ Thank you, QUEST Magazine, for featuring our Ann

✨ Thank you, QUEST Magazine, for featuring our Annual Meeting! ✨

We are honored to have our Annual Meeting highlighted by QUEST Magazine. This special evening brought together our members, supporters, and community to celebrate another incredible year of preserving and sharing the rich history of Palm Beach County while looking ahead to an exciting future.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us and continues to support the Historical Society of Palm Beach County. Your dedication helps us keep local history alive for generations to come.

Want to become part of our growing community? Learn more about membership at the link in our bio!

📸: @capehart

#QuestMagazine #AnnualMeeting #HistoricalSocietyPBC #PalmBeachHistory #PreservingHistory #MuseumCommunity #PalmBeach

Stars, stripes, and history take center stage this

The waves may come and go, but this summer, surfin

The waves may come and go, but this summer, surfing history is making a splash in downtown West Palm Beach. 🌊🏄‍♀️🏄‍♂️

Surfing Florida: A Photographic History is now open, and admission is FREE through October 31.
Step inside and get up close to historic surfboards, incredible vintage photography, and the stories of the surfers who transformed Florida's coastline into an iconic surf destination. Discover how Palm Beach County carved out its own place in surfing history, where determination, creativity, and a love of the ocean created a culture that still inspires today.

Whether you're a lifelong surfer, a beach lover, a history buff, or just looking for something fun to do with the family this summer, this exhibition has something for everyone. Kids will love seeing the colorful boards up close, while adults can dive into the fascinating history, larger-than-life personalities, and unforgettable moments that helped define Florida surfing.

So trade the sunscreen for a little history, catch the perfect wave without getting wet, and experience one of the coolest exhibitions of the summer.

Free admission. Open through October 31.

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

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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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