Step back into 1916 Palm Beach for a drama-filled mock trial in a historic courtroom. Take on a role or watch the scandal unfold in this unique blend of theater and history.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
No physical fitness required; the experience involves sitting and light role-playing
Wildlife
History
The 1916 courthouse played a central role in Palm Beach County’s early legal history and remains a significant architectural landmark.
Conservation
The Historical Society promotes sustainable preservation efforts to maintain the courthouse without compromising its historic integrity or environmental footprint.
Historical Society of Palm Beach County
Step back into 1916 Palm Beach for a drama-filled mock trial in a historic courtroom. Take on a role or watch the scandal unfold in this unique blend of theater and history.
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.
Minimum Group Size Required
This experience requires at least 27 participants to book, so plan accordingly for group attendance.
Dress Comfortably and Neatly
Though there’s no formal dress code, dressing smart casual can enhance your immersion in the historic courtroom setting.
Photography Restrictions
Guests are not permitted to touch objects or use flash photography during the event to preserve exhibits.
Food and Drinks Policy
No food or beverages are allowed inside the museum property during the experience.
Smart Casual Attire
Appropriate clothing helps guests feel immersed and comfortable during the courtroom experience.
Light Jacket or Sweater
Historic buildings can be cool inside, especially in the evenings; layering ensures comfort.
fall|winter|spring
Notebook and Pen
Useful for participants who want to take notes or remember details during the trial.
Camera (without flash)
Discreet photography is allowed but avoid flash to protect historic artifacts.