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Become a DBHS Member Today

Using our secure payment system, for as little as $60 a year, you can enjoy the many benefits of being a Delray Beach Historical Society member! JOIN NOW »
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Explore the ESW Archive Learning Center

The Ethel Sterling Williams History Learning Center is open to visitors for history research and to view exhibits. EXPLORE NOW »
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Past and Present

When it was founded in 1964, DBHS set out to collect and preserve the stories, artifacts, and memorabilia from the area’s founding families to provide an authentic record of how we got started and where we are going. READ MORE »

A Season of Tours and Classes

Our vision in opening new permanent exhibits in January 2018, was to offer a meaningful pathway to learn about local history. We’re pleased to report that local schools and the education community are responding! “La Florida” and “Delray Beach: The Last Frontier” present local history from prehistoric times through to 1918. We are open this summer by reservation and are taking calls for Fall tours. Your school or group can book a tour or class by calling 561.274.9578.

Our board, staff and amazing summer interns are continuing to work on different curriculum, lectures, tours and discussion topics for adults and students of all ages. We hope visitors will take away a basic understanding of area history and be inspired to explore and learn more. Delray represents a broad tapestry of heritage and we are seeing that the fascinating stories and lessons local history can teach us instill pride and a sense of connectivity and belonging.

Our new Wise Elder Circle has grown to 18 participants and meets once a month. The Circle has been instrumental in identifying photographs, filling in gaps in Delray’s history and sharing stories with each other. Lucky for us, we’re witness to fascinating local tales and are learning about families not previously documented for our archives.

Our Oral History Project is underway and will be ongoing. We are capturing the histories and reflections of Delray Beach residents not only for the benefit of future generations, but to help enhance our upcoming exhibits and media publications with real life stories.

Our educational mission has never been more important. It’s a fact that elementary schools across America are experiencing a decrease in history instructional time. A recent study from the National Assessment of Educational Progress showed that only 18 percent of American high school kids were proficient in US history. Other studies reveal that teaching history a low priority because history is not tested on a level that warrants comprehensive curriculum development. Yet another study revealed that some schools are conflicted on how to approach difficult or controversial subject matter.

We stay steadfast in our mission to bring Delray’s local stories and archive materials to life for visitors to learn from and share. See you this summer!