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Historical Society of Palm Beach County

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To help kick off the Palm Beach “season,” which runs from about October to April, we’re highlighting the Orange Blossom Special. From 1925 to 1953, this luxury passenger train brought tourists and residents to South Florida in style, operating during the winter months and offering an opulent travel experience. On its first regular journey in November 1925, the train departed New York City and arrived in West Palm Beach the following evening.

The Seaboard Air Line (SAL) Railway, a major competitor of the Florida East Coast (FEC) Railway, operated the train. As SAL president, Solomon Davies Warfield recognized the potential profits in South Florida’s land and building boom during the 1920s. Architect L. Philips Clarke, of Harvey & Clarke, designed Seaboard’s West Palm Beach station on Tamarind Avenue. Built in the Mediterranean Revival style, the station opened in 1925. Restored in 1991, the historic building still serves Amtrak and Tri-Rail passengers today.

In 1927, the Orange Blossom Special extended its service to Miami, adding another destination to its Florida routes. Throughout its nearly thirty-year history, the train became known for its luxury accommodations and passenger amenities. In the dining car, passengers enjoyed lavish meals, including mulligatawny soup, stuffed lamb chops, pineapple fritters, and Florida-grown vegetables. Afterward, travelers retired to their spacious Pullman sleeping accommodations or mingled in the lounge.

The Orange Blossom Special also became a symbol of escaping the chilly Northeastern winters for South Florida’s warmth and sunshine. Its legacy lives on in the fiddle tune “Orange Blossom Special,” written by Ervin T. Rouse in 1938 and later recorded by Johnny Cash in 1965. Swipe left to explore historic postcards from our archive featuring the train and its Tamarind Avenue station, along with digitized menus from its dining cars.

Visit pbchistory.org to explore our 2026–2027 Season Guide, featuring upcoming HSPBC exhibitions, events, and programs! by @pbchistory

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2 days ago

🌊 Time is running out to catch this wave! 🏄‍♀️

Surfing Florida: A Photographic History is riding off into the sunset on October 31, and you don’t want to miss it!

From iconic surf photography to the stories, people, and culture that shaped Florida’s surf scene, this exhibition celebrates the Sunshine State’s rich surfing history and the community that keeps it alive.

Whether you’re a lifelong surfer, a beach lover, or a Florida history enthusiast, there’s still time to dive in before the waves roll out. 🌴

📍 Visit the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum
📅 On view through October 31
🎟️ Free admission

Catch the exhibit before it’s gone!

#SurfingFlorida #PalmBeachHistory #HistoricalSocietyOfPalmBeachCounty #FloridaHistory #SurfCulture #FloridaSurf #MuseumExhibition #PalmBeachCounty #VisitPalmBeach by @pbchistory

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6 days ago

Today, we’re commemorating the 139th anniversary of the death of James “Ed” Hamilton, who disappeared while traversing the “Barefoot Mailman” route between Lake Worth and Miami.

In the late 19th century, South Florida was sparsely populated. With no road connecting Lake Worth and Miami and no regular ships, homesteaders relied on mailmen who walked miles along the beach, where wet sand made walking barefoot easier. Hamilton knew the Pierces, a pioneer family on Hypoluxo Island.

On this day in 1887, Charlie Pierce was one of the last people to see Hamilton alive. In “Pioneer Life in South East Florida” (1970), Pierce recalls Hamilton stopping at the family homestead for lunch while carrying mail to Miami. Hamilton mentioned feeling ill, and Pierce urged him to let someone else finish the route. Hamilton insisted on continuing south.

Hamilton never reached the Fort Lauderdale House of Refuge. He likely died at Hillsboro Inlet, where mail carriers crossed using a boat reserved for them. A stray traveler may have taken Hamilton’s boat and left it on the opposite shore, prompting him to swim across, where he likely drowned.

Although drowning is the accepted explanation, accounts differ. Sensationalist newspapers claimed sharks attacked and ate Hamilton, but Pierce wrote that the “large dangerous variety” rarely visited the inlet. He also described Hamilton as an “excellent swimmer” who could have crossed under “ordinary circumstances.” Investigating the scene, Pierce found no body or signs of sharks—only Hamilton’s clothes and tracks of “numerous” alligators . . .

Two photographs offer a glimpse into this history: one shows Hamilton with the Pierce family and fellow Barefoot Mailman Andrew W. Garnett; the other depicts the Pierce family homestead on Hypoluxo Island, where Hamilton stopped for his final lunch. Though his death remains a mystery, the Barefoot Mailman endures as a symbol of pioneer savvy and grit in South Florida. by @pbchistory

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9 days ago

A little history, a little music, and an unforgettable evening at Glazer Hall. ✨🥂

Thank you to everyone who joined the Young Friends of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County for Cocktails in Paradise: A Stroll Through The Royal on October 8! With more than 160 guests joining us throughout the evening, it was a wonderful night of connection, cocktails, and exclusive experiences.

We are especially grateful to Glazer Hall for welcoming us into their beautiful space, Paul Labrecque for the exclusive experience, and the Dreyfoos School of the Arts string quartet for adding the perfect soundtrack to the evening. Thank you to The Royal Poinciana Plaza and all our partners and sponsors for helping make this event possible.

Cocktails in Paradise continues December 10 with A Stroll on the Wildside at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary. We can’t wait to see you there! 🐾

A special thank you to our 2026–2027 Cocktails in Paradise sponsors:
@paullabrecquesalon @glazerhall @theroyalpoincianaplaza @buschwildlife @freshprincechris @markerconstruction @tralongoandtaylor @wellingtonflorist @munyonspawpaw

📸: @capehartphoto

#HSPBC #YoungFriends #CocktailsInParadise #PalmBeachEvents #GlazerHall by @pbchistory

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10 days ago

👻 History has a haunting side...

On October 22 & 23, we’re heading back to Woodlawn Cemetery for the 6th Annual Haunting History. And this year, the characters are back by popular demand. 🪦

Under a nearly full moon, local pioneers will rise from the pages of Palm Beach County’s past to share chilling tales of murder, mayhem, scandal, and the lives they left behind.

🕯️ October 22 & 23
🌕 7–8:30 PM
📍 Woodlawn Cemetery

Our docents from the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum will bring these stories to life... or perhaps we should say, back to life. 👀

Space is limited, and there are NO walk-ins. So if you’re brave enough to spend an evening with Palm Beach County’s ghosts, reserve your spot before they disappear. 👻

Ticket can be found at pbchistory.org

#HauntingHistory #PalmBeachCountyHistory #WestPalmBeach #PalmBeachHistory #WoodlawnCemetery #HistoricPalmBeach #HistoryAfterDark #SpookySeason #HalloweenInPalmBeach #HSPBC by @pbchistory

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12 days ago

A special thank you to @pbnotables and Krystian von Speidel for highlighting Escribiendo Nuestra Historia (Writing Our History) and helping shine a light on the stories, achievements, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino members of the Palm Beach County community.

We are also incredibly grateful to our sponsors and partners who helped make this celebration possible:

✨ Latin Quarter of West Palm Beach (@latinquarterwpb)
✨ Don Ramon Restaurante Cubano & Social Club (@donramonrestaurant)
✨ West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority
✨ Florida Power & Light (@insidefpl)
✨ Suramed Health Center P.A. (@suramedwpb)
✨ Searcy Law, Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, PA (@searcylaw)

Thank you for helping us celebrate the people and stories that continue to shape the history of our community and ensuring these important stories are part of the history we tell.

📸: Capehart Photography

#EscribiendoNuestraHistoria #WritingOurHistory #HispanicHeritage #HispanicHistory #PalmBeachCounty #WestPalmBeach #PalmBeachHistory #HSPBC by @pbchistory

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14 days ago

History comes to life when students can experience it, ask questions, and connect the past to the world around them.

This week, the Historical Society of Palm Beach County welcomed the Mobile Museums of Tolerance as part of a two-week educational partnership bringing an important conversation about history, empathy, and civic responsibility to more than 600 local students.

We were proud to welcome Commissioner Gregg Weiss, County Administrator Joe Abruzzo, Colin Shalo of the Simon Wiesenthal Center (@simonwiesenthalcenter), and Alex Lewy of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County (@jewishpalmbeach) as we kicked off this important initiative.

Together, the Historical Society of Palm Beach County and the Mobile Museums of Tolerance (@mobilemuseumsoftolerance) are providing a two-hour educational program for Palm Beach County School District (@pbcsd) students. The program combines HSPBC’s Stories of Rescue, an exhibition featuring photographs and archival research from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum that explores the extraordinary choices ordinary individuals made in the face of persecution, with the Mobile Museum of Tolerance, a high-tech, interactive learning environment designed to help students connect those historical lessons to the challenges of today’s world.

#HSPBC #PalmBeachCounty #MobileMuseumsofTolerance #TeachingTolerance #StoriesOfRescue #HolocaustEducation #HistoryEducation #CivicEducation #SimonWiesenthalCenter #JewishFederationofPalmBeachCounty #PalmBeachCountySchools #MuseumEducation by @pbchistory

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17 days ago

October is bringing courtroom drama, cocktails, and a little spooky history to the Historical Society of Palm Beach County! ⚖️🍸👻
📅 10/1: Mock Trials Return to the Historic Courtroom
📅 10/8: Cocktails in Paradise: A Stroll Through The Royal
📅 10/22 & 10/23: Haunting History at Woodlawn Cemetery

From history brought to life in the courtroom to an evening of cocktails and exclusive experiences at The Royal Poinciana Plaza, October has something for every history lover. Then, as the full moon approaches, join us at Woodlawn Cemetery for the return of Haunting History and the chilling stories of Palm Beach County’s past.

Learn more and RSVP at pbchistory.org

#PalmBeachHistory #HistoricalSocietyPB #OctoberAtHSPBC #MockTrials #CocktailsInParadise #HauntingHistory #PalmBeachEvents by @pbchistory

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18 days ago

History needs a voice. Yours.

Do you love local history? Enjoy meeting new people? Become a docent at the Historical Society of Palm Beach County and help bring our community’s stories to life!

Our upcoming four-week Docent Training Program is the perfect opportunity to explore Palm Beach County’s rich history while learning how to lead engaging tours for visitors of all ages.

Training Schedule:
Mondays & Fridays
October 19 through November 13
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Whether you’re a lifelong history enthusiast or simply looking for a meaningful way to give back, we’d love to have you join our team.

Interested or have questions? Visit pbchistory.org

#PalmBeachCounty #Volunteer #MuseumDocent #LocalHistory #VolunteerOpportunity #Community #HistoryMatters #LoveWhereYouLive #HSPBC #PalmBeach #WestPalmBeach #MuseumLife by @pbchistory

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20 days ago

👻 History has a haunting side...

On October 22 & 23, we’re heading back to Woodlawn Cemetery for the 6th Annual Haunting History. And this year, the characters are back by popular demand. 🪦

Under a nearly full moon, local pioneers will rise from the pages of Palm Beach County’s past to share chilling tales of murder, mayhem, scandal, and the lives they left behind.

🕯️ October 22 & 23
🌕 7–8:30 PM
📍 Woodlawn Cemetery

Our docents from the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum will bring these stories to life... or perhaps we should say, back to life. 👀

Space is limited, and there are NO walk-ins. So if you’re brave enough to spend an evening with Palm Beach County’s ghosts, reserve your spot before they disappear. 👻

#HauntingHistory #PalmBeachCountyHistory #WestPalmBeach #PalmBeachHistory #WoodlawnCemetery #HistoricPalmBeach #HistoryAfterDark #SpookySeason #HalloweenInPalmBeach #HSPBC by @pbchistory

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25 days ago

⚖️ ORDER IN THE COURT! Mock Trials are back.

The gavel is ready. The courtroom is set. And the verdict? That’s up to you.

On October 1, step inside the Historic Courtroom at the Palm Beach County History Museum for an evening where history meets courtroom drama. Watch as attorneys, witnesses, and jurors bring a historic case to life through argument, testimony, and a little friendly competition.

Come for the history. Stay for the drama. And whatever you do, don’t miss your chance to see what happens when the courtroom doors close. 👀

📅 October 1
🕠 5:30–8:00 PM
🎟️ 21+
📍 Historic Courtroom

The court is back in session. The only question is: will you be in the jury box?

🎟️ Register at pbchistory.org

#MockTrial #HistoryInAction #PalmBeachHistory #PBCHistory #CourtroomDrama #InteractiveHistory #HistoryLovers #PalmBeachEvents #WestPalmBeach #HistoryComesAlive by @pbchistory

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a month ago

A little history. A little music. Cocktails, shopping, and an evening at one of Palm Beach’s most iconic destinations. ✨🍸

On October 8, the Young Friends of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County are taking over The Royal Poinciana Plaza for A Stroll Through The Royal, and you’re invited.

Step inside for an evening of exclusive experiences, including private tours of Paul Labrecque and Glazer Hall, cocktails with friends, and a special performance by a string quartet from Dreyfoos School of the Arts.

Think Palm Beach glamour with a side of history, all wrapped into one unforgettable night.
This is one evening you won’t want to hear about the next day. Grab your tickets and join us at The Royal. 🥂

📅 October 8, 2026
⏰ 5:30–7:30 PM
📍 Paul Labrecque, Glazer Hall & The Royal Poinciana Plaza
🎟️ $75 non-members | $50 members

Don’t miss the second event of the season! Join us December 10 at Busch Wildlife for A Stroll on the Wildside. 🐾

A huge thank you to our Cocktails in Paradise 2026–2027 Sponsors for helping make this series possible: Paul Labrecque (@paullabrecquesalon), Glazer Hall (@glazerhall), The Royal Poinciana Plaza (@theroyalpoincianaplaza), Busch Wildlife (@buschwildlife), Christopher Adeleke of Douglas Elliman (@freshprincechris), Marker Construction (@markerconstruction), Wellington Florist (@wellingtonflorist), and Munyon’s Paw Paw (@munyonspawpaw).

Tickets are limited, so grab yours at pbchistory.org and join us in paradise! by @pbchistory

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a month ago