Step into the stories of Palm Beach County's past at the Richard & Pat Johnson Museum. Enjoy a flexible, self-guided tour that uncovers local legends and historical moments in an engaging way.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as it involves slow walking indoors and light standing.
Wildlife
History
The Palm Beach County region played a significant role in early South Florida development, particularly through agriculture and maritime trade.
Conservation
The museum actively promotes sustainable practices by using energy-efficient lighting and encouraging digital brochures to reduce paper waste.
Historical Society of Palm Beach County
Step into the stories of Palm Beach County's past at the Richard & Pat Johnson Museum. Enjoy a flexible, self-guided tour that uncovers local legends and historical moments in an engaging way.
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.
Start Early to Avoid Crowds
Plan your visit during weekday mornings to enjoy a quieter museum experience with more space to explore exhibits.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Although it’s an indoor tour, expect to spend a couple of hours walking through various exhibits.
Check Museum Hours Ahead
Operating hours can vary seasonally or due to special events—verify before your visit to avoid disappointment.
Photography Allowed Without Flash
Feel free to take pictures of exhibits but avoid using flash to protect delicate displays.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Provides support and comfort during your indoor exploration of the museum exhibits.
Light Sweater or Jacket
Helpful for cooler indoor air conditioning, especially during the hot Florida summer months.
summer
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated before or after your visit, as Florida’s climate can be warm year-round.
Smartphone with Flash Disabled
Useful for taking photos of unique exhibits without harming sensitive displays.