Introduction
From spears and pioneers to hurricanes and famous names, explore it all here at Palm Beach County History Online!
Palm Beach County History On-Line is part of our mission to make history accessible, interesting, and meaningful. Our site which is still a work in progress was created to help broaden the audience and widen the reach for local history access beyond visitors restricted from visiting the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum during standard operating hours.
We aim to have the site become a one-stop shop for all your county history questions. New information will be added periodically.
The Historical Society of Palm Beach County wishes to thank the Marshall E. Rinker Sr. Foundation, Inc. and the Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin Counties for their foresight in funding the development of this site. Other contributors to the site include content research by Lise Steinhauer, site graphic design by Black Design and images provided by the archives of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County, Loxahatchee River Historical Society and the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum. Technical development of the website provided by Fusedog Media Group.
Temporary Exhibit at the Johnson History Museum
Claiming La Florida: On Board with Juan Ponce de León
Temporary Exhibit examines Juan Ponce de León and life on board a 16th century Spanish ship. On display November 6, 2012 - June 29, 2013.
“Claiming La Florida: On Board with Juan Ponce de León" is a new temporary exhibition to open in November 6, 2012, at the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum in the restored 1916 Court House in downtown West Palm Beach, to mark the 500th anniversary of Juan Ponce de León claiming Florida for Spain.
Click here for more information.
Historical Society of Palm Beach County
Online Archive Catalog
The HSPBC’s collection catalog is now online and available for browsing. While not everything in the collections is online, this is a great place to begin doing research or looking at photographs.
►Click here to begin your search.
We hope you enjoy and share in our unique history.
Preserving our past to secure our future
Since its founding in 1937, the Historical Society of Palm Beach County has been the “go-to” resource history education and research, assembling an extraordinary collection of documents, photographs and artifacts that tell the fascinating story of the people who made Florida and Palm Beach County an exceptional area to live, work and learn. The Society has partnered with the School District of Palm Beach County to provide programs for elementary and middle school students. Research in the archives is by appointment, and open
to members in the Society free of charge.
The Museum
Located in the restored 1916 Courthouse in West Palm Beach, the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum enriches the lives of children and adults alike by making local history accessible, interesting and meaningful. History comes alive in two permanent galleries and rotating temporary exhibits that reflect the influence of the many cultures in our County’s diverse history, from the earliest Native American inhabitants to the present day. It also explores the natural environment and many communities that have contributed to our County’s distinct identity.
Group tours available with advance reservations (10 or more)
300 N. Dixie Highway
Downtown West Palm Beach, Florida 33401
Tuesday – Saturday, 10am -5pm
The Tustenegee
The Tustenegee is an online journal of Palm Beach County history published annually by the Historical Society of Palm Beach County.
To view or download PDF, click here, or click on journal at the top of the page.
