The Boca Raton Historical Society (BRHS) is a non-profit membership organization, founded in 1972. Since its inception, the BRHS has taken on ambitious restoration projects, provided first-rate cultural programming, and followed its mission: to collect, preserve, and present information and artifacts relevant to the past and evolving history of Boca Raton, and to maintain a visible role in education and advocacy of historic preservation in our community.

The BRHS is known primarily for its stewardship of two landmark buildings in Boca Raton: Town Hall and the F.E.C. Railway Station (the Count de Hoernle Pavilion). Both buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and have received the Florida Trust’s prestigious Historic Preservation Award. These restorations, paid for by private and public funds, are testaments to the community’s dedication to preservation. Through these projects, the Historical Society has set the architectural tone for the city and achieved a leadership role in downtown redevelopment and new development in Boca Raton.

The Historical Society’s current focus is its offering of a wide range of educational opportunities that provide the community with a tangible link between its past and present. It begins with its own vital repository of archival information about the formative years of Boca Raton, its families, and its economy. The Town Hall library houses a permanent exhibition of historic maps, photographs and documents, Mizner memorabilia, and other treasures.

The Historical Society presents special exhibits that draw upon its own archival materials as well as traveling exhibits from other cultural organizations. Topics range from history and architecture to arts, crafts, and photography. All exhibits are free and open to the public.

Town Hall Talks is a lecture series hosted by the Historical Society. A variety of historical topics are presented to the community via guest speakers who are experts and/or authorities in their field.

The Historical Society conducts regular tours of the Boca Raton Resort & Club, the Boca Express Train Museum, Town Hall, and trolley tours of historic and contemporary Boca Raton. Tours for the Scouts include activities at Town Hall or the Boca Express Train Museum for those seeking the Local Lore and other history patches and badges or requirements.

Ticket To Ride is the Historical Society’s signature education program for schools. It is conducted at the Boca Express Train Museum and focuses on the importance of historic preservation as well as local and state history. The program supplements schools’ social studies curriculum, aligns with the Sunshine State Standards, and contains FCAT skills.

Lesson plans detailing the local history of Boca Raton have been researched, written, and produced by BRHS staff and volunteers. The program augments the Florida history curriculum taught in local schools and is offered to area teachers on-line and is free of charge.

As part of its community outreach program, the Historical Society offers slide presentations to schools, civic groups, and clubs for a nominal fee. Other resources are available to the community as well such as: the recently created historical video of Boca Raton. A 50-minute documentary of the personalities and events that transformed Boca Raton into the thriving city it is today. (This video has been donated to area schools and libraries and is available for sale at the Fire Bay Gift Shop.) And the Society’s two published books on the history of Boca Raton: Boca Raton: A Pictorial History and A Stroll Through Boca Raton’s Early History From A – Z. (Both books are for sale in the community and Fire Bay Gift Shop and have been donated to local libraries.)

Hours: The Boca Raton Historical Society is open Monday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Phone: (561) 395-6766
Fax: (561) 395-4049
Location:
Town Hall
71 North Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33432

Websites: www.bocahistory.org , www.bocabacchanal.com