Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum facts for kids
The Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum is a cool place to learn about the past in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida. This museum is packed with millions of items and pictures! They show more than 12,000 years of history from Palm Beach County and Florida.
You can explore many different exhibits here. Some are online, and others are in person. They have permanent displays called "People and Places" galleries. Plus, new special exhibits open every fall in the Courtroom Gallery on the third floor. The museum is run by the Historical Society of Palm Beach County. You can find it inside a historic courthouse building from 1916, located at 300 North Dixie Highway.
What is the History of the Museum Building?
The building where the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum is located has a long and interesting story. It's known as the "old county courthouse."
When Was the Courthouse Built?
Construction on this historic courthouse started in 1916 and finished in 1917. When it was new, this building held all the county offices and its only courtroom. Before this courthouse was built, Palm Beach County's offices were in an old schoolhouse in West Palm Beach. The very first county officer to work in the new building was James M. Owens, the county tax assessor, along with his deputy, Myrtle Miller.
How Was the Courthouse Saved?
Over the years, the courthouse changed. During World War II, new parts were added to protect the original building. By 1972, these additions had completely surrounded the old courthouse.
In 2002, the building was almost torn down! This happened a few years after a brand-new courthouse complex opened across the street. But people in the community really wanted to save this important piece of Palm Beach County history. They worked hard to protect it. Because of their efforts, the Board of County Commissioners decided to spend nearly $20 million to restore the old building.
The restoration work began a couple of years later, in 2004. During this process, the newer parts that had wrapped around the original building were removed. Other additions were also taken away, bringing the courthouse closer to its original look.
