Discover Palm Beach County History in a Restored 1916 Courthouse

Historical Society of Palm Beach County — West Palm Beach History Museum

Discover local history at the Richard & Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum

The Historical Society of Palm Beach County operates the Richard & Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum in the historic 1916 courthouse in West Palm Beach. The museum and the Society present a variety of experiences for visitors, students, and community groups, including museum general admission, educational school group tours, mock trials, rotating exhibitions, and seasonal events.

Why search for Palm Beach County history tours here

• Authentic historic setting: programming is presented in a restored 1916 courthouse location.
• Diverse experiences: choices include self-guided visits, curated exhibits, interactive mock trials, and themed events.
• Educational focus: school group tours are designed as 90-minute experiences with age-appropriate options.

Featured experiences and tours (what to expect)

• Wish You Were Here: Tourism in the Palm Beaches — A focused exhibition that traces tourism in Palm Beach County from its 1875 roots to modern leisure and recreation.
• Educational School Group Tour — A 90-minute guided program that can include exploration of the historic courthouse or an interactive mock trial for older students.
• Museum General Admission — Self-guided access to the 'Places' exhibit and other displays highlighting county stories and artifacts.
• Private Mock Trial Experience — An evening program staged in the 1916 courtroom that blends theatrical performance with legal role-play for participants or audience members.
• Haunting History — A guided evening cemetery tour that presents pioneer stories and local biographies under a near-full moon.
• History Talks & Sunshine Cinema — Lecture series and exhibitions such as Sunshine Cinema: Florida in Film that examine Florida’s cinematic and cultural history.
• Cocktails in Paradise & Women’s History Initiative — Community-focused events and panel discussions hosted in historic spaces across the county.
• Mock Trial: Is This A Case Of Mistaken Identities? — Interactive courtroom programming that invites participants to assume roles of judge, attorney, or witness.

Plan visits, group bookings, and private events

The Historical Society of Palm Beach County provides options for individual visitors, school groups, and private bookings. School tours emphasize curriculum-aligned history and hands-on engagement. Private mock trials and themed evening events are offered in the historic courtroom for groups and special occasions.

Keywords for search visibility

Palm Beach County history tours, West Palm Beach museum, Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum, 1916 courthouse, museum general admission West Palm Beach, educational school tours Palm Beach County, mock trial experience, Haunting History Woodlawn Cemetery, Sunshine Cinema Florida in Film, Cocktails in Paradise event.

Visitor tips

• Check the museum’s calendar for upcoming talks, mock trials, and seasonal events.
• School group organizers can select a standard courthouse tour or an interactive mock trial format.
• Private experiences and evening events often combine performance, participation, and social elements like light bites or cocktails.

This page highlights the Historical Society of Palm Beach County’s programs and museum offerings in West Palm Beach, focused on authentic local history education, interactive courtroom events, and curated exhibits that document the county’s evolving story.