Discover Florida’s cinematic legacy at West Palm Beach’s Historical Society. The Sunshine Cinema exhibition highlights the state’s impact on American film with rare artifacts and footage.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
30–90 minutes
Fitness Level
No special physical fitness required; suitable for all ages and mobility levels
Wildlife
History
Florida’s early 20th-century role as a silent film capital in Jacksonville uniquely positioned it in movie history before Hollywood’s rise.
Conservation
The museum prioritizes artifact preservation and sustainability by restricting food/drink and promoting responsible visitor behavior.
Historical Society of Palm Beach County
Discover Florida’s cinematic legacy at West Palm Beach’s Historical Society. The Sunshine Cinema exhibition highlights the state’s impact on American film with rare artifacts and footage.
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.
Accessibility
The museum is stroller and wheelchair accessible via a back entrance; plan accordingly for smooth access.
Ticket Policy
Admission tickets are non-refundable; ensure your schedule aligns before booking.
No Food or Drink
Food and beverages are prohibited inside the exhibit galleries to protect artifacts.
Photography Notice
By entering, expect possible photography or filming; opt out by avoiding filming areas.
Comfortable walking shoes
Ideal for navigating museum spaces and accompanying local historic sites.
Light jacket or sweater
Museum interiors are typically air-conditioned and can feel cool.
fall|winter
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated before or after your visit, especially in Florida’s heat.
summer|spring
Camera or smartphone
Capture memories of external architecture and local surroundings, but note no photos inside exhibits.