Is the Haunting History tour suitable for children?

The event is family-friendly with content suitable for most ages, but parental discretion is advised due to some mature themes.

Can I purchase tickets on the day of the event?

No, walk-ins are not permitted. Tickets must be purchased in advance due to limited space.

What should I wear to the tour?

Wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes and bring layers as evening temperatures can vary.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

The tour takes place on uneven pavement in low light, which may pose challenges for wheelchair users.

Are flashlights provided during the tour?

Participants are encouraged to bring their own flashlight or headlamp for safety.

Will there be seating available during the tour?

The event involves walking with no scheduled seating; prepare to stand and move throughout the 90 minutes.

Haunting History Tours by Historical Society of Palm Beach

Palm Beach County offers more than sun-soaked beaches and vibrant cityscapes—it holds shadows of a gripping past waiting to be experienced in an entirely unique setting. The Historical Society of Palm Beach County invites visitors to uncover this hidden side through its annual Haunting History event at Woodlawn Cemetery in West Palm Beach. This 90-minute guided tour, held under the dim glow of a nearly full moon, reveals the captivating and often chilling stories of early pioneers and settlers who shaped the region. The eerie ambiance of Woodlawn Cemetery—one of the oldest burial grounds in the county—provides the perfect backdrop for narratives of murder, tragedy, and survival told by passionate docents from the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum.

Located on South Dixie Highway, Woodlawn Cemetery is a historical landmark where live storytelling blurs the lines between past and present. The walk takes guests past weathered headstones and monuments, each marking the final resting places of influential local figures. As the stories unfold, the cemetery’s cracked pavement and looming oaks seem to breathe with history. The unique combination of setting and storytelling offers visitors a memorable way to connect with Palm Beach’s less visible heritage.

What makes this experience stand out is the fusion of history with immersive, atmospheric storytelling. It’s a rare opportunity to learn about Palm Beach County’s roots without the confines of a traditional museum visit. The Historical Society carefully curates these tours to appeal to history buffs and adventure-seekers alike, creating an evening that honors the past while inviting reflection in the present.

With limited tickets and no walk-ins allowed, this event ensures an intimate group experience. Interested visitors should plan ahead and bring a flashlight, bug repellent, and sturdy, closed-toed shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain in low light. Haunting History by the Historical Society provides a distinctive, hands-on option for anyone eager to engage with Palm Beach County’s legacy in a way that’s as thrilling as it is educational.

About Historical Society of Palm Beach County

Historical Society of Palm Beach County preserves and shares the history of Palm Beach County from its early settlement through modern times. Located in West Palm Beach, the Society operates the Richard & Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum in the historic 1916 courthouse, hosting permanent and rotating exhibits that chronicle local culture, tourism, and community life. The Society offers a range of public programs and experiences, including guided and self-guided museum visits, educational school group tours, interactive mock trials, seasonal events, and lecture series.

Educational school group tours provide focused 90-minute experiences tailored to different grade levels, with options to explore the 1916 courthouse or participate in an interactive mock trial for older students. Museum general admission includes access to the 'Places' exhibit and self-guided exploration of artifacts and stories from across the county. Specialized experiences highlight unique local narratives: 'Wish You Were Here: Tourism in the Palm Beaches' examines the evolution of regional tourism; 'Sunshine Cinema: Florida in Film' explores the state’s filmmaking history; and community events such as Haunting History, Cocktails in Paradise, and Women’s History Initiative present thematic programming for different audiences.

The Society supports public engagement through history talks and private experiences hosted in historic spaces. As a long-established cultural organization based in West Palm Beach, the Historical Society of Palm Beach County collaborates with local experts, docents, and community partners to offer educational, immersive, and accessible history programming for residents and visitors alike. Admission options and event schedules are available on the website.

Haunting History Tours by Historical Society of Palm Beach

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