Boca Raton Historical Society

☔️☀️Rain or shine, come visit The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum is open. Learn about Boca Raton’s fascinating history and explore the newest temporary exhibit, Life’s a Beach.

Museum Hours
Wednesday - Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM

Historic Town Hall
71 N. Federal Hwy, Boca Raton 33432

Downtown Boca

One hundred years ago today, on September 18, 1926, a powerful Category 4 hurricane struck South Florida, bringing the Land Boom to an abrupt end and leaving communities across the region devastated.

Boca Raton was spared the worst of the storm surge, but the young town suffered extensive wind and rain damage. In the aftermath, residents rallied to help their neighbors: the newly opened Cloister Inn sheltered evacuees from Davie, and Boca Raton’s first fire engine, “Old Betsy,” was sent to Hollywood to assist with emergency pumping.

This month’s Tales from the Archives revisits the storm, its impact on Boca Raton, and the remarkable ways our community responded.

Read the full story at https://bocahistory.org/tales-from-the-archives-storm-of-26-revisited-2/

From Open Play for experienced players to an introductory lesson with Kari Long•Mahjong•Palm Beach•Boca Raton•Fort Lauderdale with Kari, it was another great evening of fun, learning, camaraderie, and good cheer. 💫

October registrations are opening up soon! If you’d like to be among the first to hear about upcoming sessions, email [email protected] to be added to our Mahjong Insider list. 😊

Tales from the Archives: Before It Was Lynn University

What came before the university we know today?

If you missed our latest Tales from the Archives, head over to the Museum Journal to uncover the fascinating history before it became Lynn University. Lynn University

🔗 Read the full story at: https://bocahistory.org/tales-from-the-archives-before-it-was-lynn-university/

ASK THE MUSEUM!

Have you ever wondered… Why is it called Boca Raton?

Our new Ask the Museum series in the Museum Journal answers some of the most frequently asked questions about Boca Raton’s fascinating history, starting with the story behind our city’s name!

Read the first installment here: https://bocahistory.org/ask-the-museum-why-is-it-called-boca-raton/

What have you always wanted to know about Boca Raton’s history? Share your questions in the comments, they may inspire a future post! 🏛️🌴

ASK THE MUSEUM: Why Is It Called Boca Raton? What does “Boca Raton” actually mean? The name Boca Raton is often translated from Spanish as “mouth of the rat,” but the real story is more complicated. The term “Boca de Ratones” was used as a na…

Today, on the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, we pause to remember the lives lost and honor the extraordinary courage of the first responders, survivors, service members, and countless individuals whose lives were forever changed.

This front page of the Boca Raton News, dated September 13, 2001, is preserved in the collection of the Boca Raton Historical Society. It reminds us how a national tragedy was witnessed, mourned, and remembered in communities across our country.

We remember. We honor. We will never forget.

We enjoyed welcoming John Knox Village residents to the Museum for a special guided tour with our Education & Engagement Coordinator Jake McNeil. It was a great morning!

Just one week remains to submit nominations for the 30th Annual Walk of Recognition!

Help us honor the individuals whose continued leadership, service, and commitment have helped shape Boca Raton.

Nominations will be accepted through September 15, 2026. Visit the link below to download the nomination form.

https://bocahistory.org/walk-of-recognition-2026/