Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum, West Palm Beach

About Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum

The Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum occupies the second floor of the restored 1916 Historic Courthouse in downtown West Palm Beach. Visitors explore rotating exhibits such as Surfing Florida: A Photographic History and Stories of Rescue that document the region's past. The museum houses millions of objects and images spanning over 12,000 years of Palm Beach County and Florida history. A fourth-floor Children's Education Area features hands-on activities designed for younger visitors, with docents in period attire hosting Story Time and Craft Programs for ages eight and younger on select Wednesdays and Saturdays. The museum also offers engaging lectures and public programs including Mock Trial events, History Talks, and themed programming that brings local history to life. Visitors can tour the collection during regular business hours, with group tours available by pre-registration. The Research Department operates by appointment, providing access to the permanent archival collection.