by Holly Finch, Director of Advancement and Communications – Historical Society of Palm Beach County
Long before storm warnings and nautical charts were easily accessible, finding and avoiding treacherous reefs along our coastline was extremely difficult for early navigators. The history of Palm Beach County will be traced through the stories of eight early shipwrecks in this year’s special exhibit at the admission-free Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum. Shipwreck: Discovering Lost Treasures, will open on September 5, 2017, and remain open Monday-Saturday (except holidays) through June 30, 2018.
First identified and named by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon in 1513, the Gulf Stream current has since been utilized by shipping traffic as a nautical highway. The current’s proximity to the east coast of Florida, the often-volatile nature of the Atlantic Ocean, and the frequency with which the area is visited by hurricanes all speak to the abundance of shipping disasters throughout our area’s history.
By examining known wrecks within the current borders of Palm Beach County, Shipwreck will provide guests with insight into our county’s development and habitation during various periods of Florida history. The popular subject of shipwrecks will serve as a lens through which visitors will explore the impact on the people and places associated with these events.
The museum’s new exhibit, historic courtroom, and permanent galleries are open to the public Monday-Friday 10 am to 5 pm; and Saturday 10 am to 4 pm. For information regarding the HSPBC’s memberships, lecture series, and special events, please visit www.hspbc.org.
ABOUT THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF PALM BEACH COUNTY
Since 1937 the Historical Society of Palm Beach County has collected, preserved, and shared the county’s history. The Society reaches hundreds of thousands of Palm Beach County’s residents and visitors of all ages through its archival collections, the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum in West Palm Beach’s historic 1916 Courthouse, and community and education programs. To make a donation, become a member, or learn more about the HSPBC, please call 561.832.4164 or visit www.hspbc.org.
ABOUT THE RICHARD AND PAT JOHNSON PALM BEACH COUNTY HISTORY MUSEUM
The Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum enriches the lives of children and adults alike by making local history accessible, interesting, and meaningful. The Museum contains two second-floor interactive, permanent exhibits—The People Gallery and The Place Gallery—and a Rotating Exhibit Gallery.
ABOUT THE 1916 HISTORIC COURTROOM AND FOURTH-FLOOR BALCONY
In addition to the permanent and rotating galleries on the museum level (second floor), visitors may tour the Courthouse’s two-story, 2,897-square-foot historic courtroom and balcony on the third and fourth floors of the building. A visit to the seat of the county’s judicial beginnings is a central component to the museum experience.
DOCENT TOURS
The Historical Society has a comprehensive docent program of more than fifty docents, each with many hours of hands-on training. The docents enhance the overall educational experience for visitors and school groups by providing guided tours of the museum, available by reservation. Please contact Rhonda Gordon at 561.832.4164 ext. 110 or rgordon@historicalsocietypbc.org to make a reservation.