Have you ever wondered what Palm Beach County was like 150 years ago? No, it wasn’t just palm trees and beaches—it was the beginning of a tourism boom that shaped the paradise we know today! The Wish You Were Here exhibit is your backstage pass to the history of vacationing in this sunny slice of Florida. Perfect for history buffs and beach bums alike, this exhibit dives into the evolution of our county’s tourism industry, showcasing its growth through vibrant artwork, interactive displays, and a whole lot of nostalgia.
Running from November 15th to June 28th, this isn’t your typical museum trip. You’ll discover how Palm Beach County became a must-visit destination and how the dream of escaping to paradise has evolved over the past century and a half. Whether you’re a local looking to connect with your roots or a visitor wanting to soak up more than the sun, this is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Experiences:
Flip through a 140-year-old diary (virtually, of course), listen to the smooth jazz that once filled the air at the famous Sunset Lounge, and soak in the beauty of never-before-seen paintings by the iconic Highwaymen. These highlights give you a peek into the heart and soul of the area’s history.
But there’s more! The exhibit also explores Palm Beach County’s love affair with sports. From the crack of a baseball bat in spring training to the elegance of polo, tennis, and golf, you’ll find memorabilia from some of the biggest names in the game. It’s a fun and fascinating way to see how sports helped shape the county’s reputation as a playground for both athletes and fans.
Whether you’re a history buff, sports lover, or just curious about the area’s past, this exhibit promises a unique journey you won’t forget. Don’t miss it!
Artist in Residence: Kyle Lucks
A natural-born creator,
Lucks has been turning his vivid imagination into stunning visual art since he was a kid. Growing up in a creative household, he found early inspiration in his father’s collection of sports books, sketching athletes and action scenes that eventually earned him national recognition. In fact, at just 12 years old, one of his hockey drawings was published in
Sports Illustrated—a pretty epic start for any young artist! Fast forward to today, and Lucks is renowned for his bold, large-scale portraits of athletes, musicians, and cultural icons.
“As the Artist in Residence for The Historical Society of Palm Beach, I am honored to present my original artwork inspired by 150 years of tourism in Palm Beach County, on display at the the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum.” - Lucks
