Dive into Florida's cinematic past and Prohibition-era tales through engaging talks at West Palm Beach’s Historic Courthouse. Each session opens a window to the region’s compelling cultural story.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; primarily seated, low physical activity.
Wildlife
History
West Palm Beach’s courthouse is a centerpiece of local history built in 1916, reflecting the region’s stature as it grew into a cultural hub during Florida’s early development.
Conservation
The Historical Society encourages sustainable tourism by promoting the preservation of historic sites and educating visitors about responsible cultural heritage engagement.
Historical Society of Palm Beach County
Dive into Florida's cinematic past and Prohibition-era tales through engaging talks at West Palm Beach’s Historic Courthouse. Each session opens a window to the region’s compelling cultural story.
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.
Historic Venue
1916 Courthouse
Authentic courtroom and museum setting.
Tour Length
90 minutes
Standard school group tour duration.
Experiences Offered
10 experiences
Guided, self-guided, and interactive events.
Location
West Palm Beach, FL
Located in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Book museum general admission, school tours, private mock trials, or upcoming events at the historic 1916 courthouse in West Palm Beach.
Arrive Early for Parking
Free parking is available at 5:00 pm in the lot on 4th Street, just a short walk from the courthouse entry.
Dress in Layers
The courtroom can be cool, so bring a light sweater or jacket for comfort during talks.
Accessibility Friendly
The venue is wheelchair accessible, but check event details for any off-site locations.
Check Talk Dates in Advance
Talks occur monthly and sometimes off-site; confirm dates and locations before booking.
Light Sweater or Jacket
Keeps you comfortable during air-conditioned talks.
all
Notebook and Pen
Useful for jotting down interesting historical facts and references.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
For walking short distances from parking to the courthouse.
all
Water Bottle
Keeps you hydrated especially when visiting during warmer months.
summer