Life in the Palm Harbor Area at the turn of the 20th century | Please credit: images courtesy Palm Harbor Historical Society
PALM HARBOR HISTORICAL SOCIETY
For the more than 60,000 residents of the Palm Harbor area, only one organization is dedicated solely to collect, preserve and share the rich historical heritage of The Palm Harbor region that includes Palm Harbor (formerly Sutherland), Crystal Beach, East Lake, Curlew, Indian Bluff, Ozona and Wall Springs: Palm Harbor Historical Society (PHHS), which operates Palm Harbor Museum.
From the 1960s, local residents, passionate to preserve the region’s heritage, began to collect photos, records, journals, genealogies, furnishings, and local histories—archiving, storing, and at times displaying these items in donated local homes and businesses. Forming Palm Harbor Historical Society in 1983, they saw a breakthrough in 1994 as county commissioners approved the Palm Harbor Historic District. Then with the expansion of Belcher Road, Pinellas County acquired the historic Hartley House (built by Thomas Hartley in 1914), giving care of its site at the corner of Curlew and Belcher Roads to PHHS—which renovated and opened it as Palm Harbor Museum in 1998.
From the 1960s, local residents, passionate to preserve the region’s heritage, began to collect photos, records, journals, genealogies, furnishings, and local histories—archiving, storing, and at times displaying these items in donated local homes and businesses. Forming Palm Harbor Historical Society in 1983, they saw a breakthrough in 1994 as county commissioners approved the Palm Harbor Historic District. Then with the expansion of Belcher Road, Pinellas County acquired the historic Hartley House (built by Thomas Hartley in 1914), giving care of its site at the corner of Curlew and Belcher Roads to PHHS—which renovated and opened it as Palm Harbor Museum in 1998.
Thomas and Ida Hartley, builder/owners of Palm Harbor Museum's historic Hartley House, c1900 | Please credit: image courtesy Palm Harbor Historical Society
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF LOCAL PRESERVATION
Now in 2023, PHHS celebrates 40 years of volunteers working together to preserve history. Palm Harbor Museum houses permanent displays revealing local history as well as a variety of changing exhibits. As a 501 (c) 3, PHHS receives no governmental support, relying solely on memberships, donations, and volunteers who recognize the value and find joy in preservation of local heritage. Pinellas Community Foundation (via Faith Mission Grant) has provided project funding in the interest of intergenerational family activities, and last year’s Pinellas County MSTU grant enabled reintroduction of native plant species to the museum’s landscape as a pocket park. Outdoor informational signage designed for all ages conveys local history and plant use.
Informational signage accompanies native landscape gardens installed in 2022 | Please credit: Joy Katzen-Guthrie for Palm Harbor Museum
Each first Wednesday of the month (with the exception of July-August when there are no programs) at 6:30 PM at the Palm Harbor Library (2330 Nebraska Ave), Palm Harbor Museum Presents features Florida artists, scholars, and historians with programs of local interest. All are welcome at no charge. Visit our Palm Harbor Museum Presents page to discover current and coming programs.
So much more is planned for expanding exhibits and activities. PHHS President Bob Fortner remarks, “Even as we celebrate the past forty years, we look toward the future to do everything in our power to ensure the Palm Harbor Museum will continue to be a valuable asset for our community for generations to come.”
Palm Harbor Museum (2043 Curlew Rd., Palm Harbor) is open Thursday, Friday, Saturday from 10-2 for self-guided or docent tours and interactive activities for visitors. With plenty of free parking, the property’s native landscape, picnic tables, and outdoor signage may be viewed and used any time.
All ages are welcome. Admission is free. Donations are always gratefully accepted! Groups are welcomed and may call (727) 724-3054 to arrange docent tours.
So much more is planned for expanding exhibits and activities. PHHS President Bob Fortner remarks, “Even as we celebrate the past forty years, we look toward the future to do everything in our power to ensure the Palm Harbor Museum will continue to be a valuable asset for our community for generations to come.”
Palm Harbor Museum (2043 Curlew Rd., Palm Harbor) is open Thursday, Friday, Saturday from 10-2 for self-guided or docent tours and interactive activities for visitors. With plenty of free parking, the property’s native landscape, picnic tables, and outdoor signage may be viewed and used any time.
All ages are welcome. Admission is free. Donations are always gratefully accepted! Groups are welcomed and may call (727) 724-3054 to arrange docent tours.
(above L to R) Downtown Sutherland 1904 | Sutherland College Citrus Groves c1900 | view toward Dunedin Causeway under construction 1963 | Manatee Fruit Co. Palm Harbor Citrus Packing House c1930s
(below L to R) Benjamin Franklin Meyer and son, Albert Ray Meyer,at Meyer Grove c1910 | employees of Atlantic Coast Line Railroad (formed in 1900), Sutherland
Please credit: images courtesy Palm Harbor Historical Society
(below L to R) Benjamin Franklin Meyer and son, Albert Ray Meyer,at Meyer Grove c1910 | employees of Atlantic Coast Line Railroad (formed in 1900), Sutherland
Please credit: images courtesy Palm Harbor Historical Society
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THE PALM HARBOR MUSEUM MISSION
To collect, preserve and share the heritage of the Palm Harbor area. Besides Palm Harbor, our communities include Ozona, Crystal Beach, East Lake, Curlew and Wall Springs. Each are distinct communities with strong histories.
To collect, preserve and share the heritage of the Palm Harbor area. Besides Palm Harbor, our communities include Ozona, Crystal Beach, East Lake, Curlew and Wall Springs. Each are distinct communities with strong histories.
PALM HARBOR MUSEUM
2043 Curlew Rd | Palm Harbor, FL | 34683 | (727) 724-3054 | palmharbormuseum@outlook.com
Open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays | 10 AM to 2 PM | Free Admission (We welcome donations!)
Plenty of free parking on our museum grounds | Corner of Belcher & Curlew Rds | Enter parking lot from Curlew
2043 Curlew Rd | Palm Harbor, FL | 34683 | (727) 724-3054 | palmharbormuseum@outlook.com
Open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays | 10 AM to 2 PM | Free Admission (We welcome donations!)
Plenty of free parking on our museum grounds | Corner of Belcher & Curlew Rds | Enter parking lot from Curlew
