Delray Beach, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/16/2014 -- What were you doing in 1964? It was a pivotal year for America. Civil Rights took center stage, Dylan plugged-in, Ford unveiled the iconic Mustang, the US moved forward in Vietnam and Beatlemania took America by storm.
Amongst the excitement, a group of very caring, professional and amateur historians quietly created a legacy for Palm Beach County and the Delray Beach Historical Society was born on August 26th, 1964.
The original mission of the Society was “to be an organization that preserves the records and to form a significant and authentic history of the City of Delray Beach.” Fifty years later, they have done just that.
Today, the Delray Beach Historical Society now houses and archives a comprehensive history of Delray Beach on behalf of the City and resides in downtown Delray on a campus made up of rescued and restored historic landmarks, complete with a Florida Native Plant Garden. The journey is interesting – what started at the breakfast table with a group of inspired town folk then moved to the top floor of the famous Arcade Tap Room on Atlantic Avenue and then on to the upstairs of Cornell Museum at Old School Square. In 1989 the Society moved the archives and office to “Cason Cottage,” a living history museum depicting life in South Florida from 1915 – 1935, on the corner of 1st and Swinton. The 1926 Bungalow exhibit space and Gift Shop and the Ethel Sterling Williams History Learning Center and Archive Bunker were added in the early 2000’s.
“We’ve begun this year with a vision of the next fifty years. A vision that includes establishing the Society as a vibrant center for education, research and community life by bringing together families and multiple generations to a series of fun-filled and contemporary-themed exhibits, programs and events, which showcase the rich and colorful stories of our past,” says Winnie Edwards, Executive Director and daughter of one of the 1964 Charter signing members, Roy Diggans. “We’re off to a good start, as we’ve welcomed over 1,200 visitors to our campus for tours, research, exhibits and events so far.”
Today’s Delray Beach Historical Society works hand in hand with Spady Cultural Heritage Museum, Delray Beach Center for the Arts, The Delray Beach Public Library and various public agencies promoting education and cultural enrichment. The key focus areas for the future of the Delray Beach Historical Society are: to increase engagement of residents and businesses; expand educational programs and optimize the various ‘Collections’ from the archives for exhibitions; to build public awareness of people from all backgrounds providing valuable inspiration for the present and guidance for the future; to strengthen the financial security of the organization and ensure its sustainability for generations to come.
The Society is supported directly by membership dues and funds raised at member and community events. Without financial support from the community and volunteers, the Society would not continue. Currently there are 280 members, several of whom are direct descendants and relatives of the original Pioneer families or the children of charter members. “We have a wonderful and dedicated membership base who care so much about preserving our history. We hope to increase our membership by attracting those that are just learning about us and new families who are calling Delray home,” says Leslie Callaway, Board President. “Our goal is 1,000 new members by 2015 and this Golden Jubilee Celebration year is a great time to showcase what we’re doing for the community.”
Community support is required to achieve these goals. Much has been done in 50 years to protect, preserve and archive our history for easy access by the community. Digitization of records (especially costly paper and newspaper material), photographs, negatives and oral history recordings are crucial to the longevity of history storytelling and education in Delray Beach. Digitization is required for future growth because of storage and protection of the items.
The Society has played an important role as a community provider for many Delray Beach milestones. Significant contributions were made to the1995 year-long celebration of our Centennial of Settlement, the 2011 Celebration of Delray Beach’s Centennial of Incorporation, the Delray Beach Library 100th birthday, and the establishment of the Preservation Trust and the Preservation Board. The Society was responsible for bringing about the designation of four City historic districts: Nassau Park, The Old School Square District, Del-Ida Park and the Marina Historic District and the naming of Linton Blvd. after Congressman William Linton, who platted and registered the town site of Linton.
The Golden “Pineapple” Jubilee, as they are calling it, will be a six-month long affair featuring neighborhood and seasonal celebrations and exhibits. A gala event at year’s end and a spectacular permanent Delray Beach History exhibit are in the works. For more information or to join and support the Historical Society, please email info@delraybeachhistory.org or call 561-274-9578.
CONTACT:
Winnie Edwards, Executive Director
(561) 274-9576