“Tourism gave birth to Florida:” exhibition shows how

The history of the Palm Beaches is the history of tourism.

It began before the arrival of Henry Flagler in 1893. In the 1880s, hardy northerners came south to fish and hunt.

It began when Flagler completed the railroad that brought high society to New York.

At the launch of a Historical Society of Palm Beach County exhibit on tourism Nov. 14, the society’s CEO and president, Jeremy Johnson, put it this way: “Tourism gave birth to Florida.”

More than 400 people got a first look at the $150,000 exhibition “Wish You Were Here: Tourism in the Palm Beaches.” It will be on display through June 28 at the society’s downtown museum, 300 N. Dixie Hwy., West Palm Beach.

For chief curator Debi Murray, the exhibition is a dream come true, taking advantage of the region’s rich history and the museum’s extensive collection. But it also touches on a universal aspect.

“Everyone’s on vacation,” she said. “Everyone brings something back from their vacation – except memories.”

Some of those mementos are on display, she said, pointing to a box of silver spoons and a wall hanging with a silk scarf.

Other highlights:

• A 140-year-old diary that visitors can read on their cell phones.
• Jazz music from the historic Sunset Lounge in West Palm Beach.
• Designer Lilly Pulitzer describes her love for the region.
• Never before exhibited paintings of the Highwaymen.
• A video narrated by golf great and county resident Jack Nicklaus.
• Palm Beach County based celebrity art by Kyle Lucks.

For an exhibit dedicated to tourism in Palm Beach, it’s no surprise that the largest sponsor is the county’s tourism agency, Discover The Palm Beaches, with $25,000.

“The growth of tourism over the past 125-plus years has positively impacted the quality of place and quality of life for Palm Beach County residents,” Milton Segarra, president and CEO of Discover, said in a statement.

“This exhibition not only celebrates our past, but will hopefully inspire future generations to continue the legacy of making The Palm Beaches a premier destination for travelers from around the world.”

Admission: $12, free for members and those under 18.

READ MORE: The Palm Beach County exhibit highlights the impact of art defunding and the protection of state parks

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This story was originally published by Always News Palm Beacha WLRN News partner.