Introduction
The past year marked an exciting period of growth, community engagement, and educational advancement for the Port St. Lucie Historical Society and the Port St. Lucie History Museum & Education Center. Through expanded outreach, enhanced public programming, increased tours, and strengthened partnerships, the Society continued its mission to preserve, celebrate, and share the unique history of Port St. Lucie.
Expansion of Museum Exhibits
This year brought significant enhancements to the museum’s collections and displays. Numerous exhibits were added, providing visitors with fresh opportunities to explore Port St. Lucie’s history from new perspectives.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Society was able to acquire additional artifacts, photographs, documents, and interpretive materials that deepen the stories told throughout the museum. These contributions have allowed the museum to grow its permanent and rotating exhibits, enriching the visitor experience and strengthening our preservation efforts.
The Historical Society extends its sincere appreciation to all donors whose support made these expansions possible.
Community Outreach
The Society engaged directly with diverse groups throughout the community, strengthening partnerships and increasing awareness of local history. Outreach efforts included presentations, information booths, collaborative programs, and special-topic discussions.
Outreach Engagements
- January 6 – New Comers Club
- February 4 – South Port HOA
- February 19 – The Springs of Tradition
- March – The Gardens
- April 15 – Temple Beth El Israel / Sisterhood
- May 4 – Mother’s Day Tea
- May 7 – Del Webb
- September 17 – PGA Village
- October 2 – Anglers Club
- October 7 – National Night Out
- October 30 – Encore at Tradition
- November 15 – Methodist Church 65th Anniversary
These outreach activities broadened the Society’s visibility and created new connections with both long-term residents and new community members.
Museum Tours
Tours at the Port St. Lucie History Museum & Education Center provided residents, students, and visitors with engaging, educational experiences focused on the city’s heritage.
Tour Highlights
- February 13 – New Comers
- February 21 – The Springs at Tradition
- March – The Gardens
- March – Chamber of Commerce
- April – PSL Junior Woman’s Club
- July 16 – The Cassades Tour
- September 13 – Retired Educators / City University
- November 7 – Encore at Tradition
- December 5 – First School Field Trip
- December 9 – Volunteers Luncheon
Tours remain one of the museum’s strongest engagement tools, connecting citizens with the city's story firsthand.
Training and Development
Ongoing training strengthened the capacity of the Society's volunteer corps and ensured best practices in collections and archival management.
Training Conducted
- January 17 – Archive Training
- January 17 – Volunteer Training
These sessions supported consistent museum operations and high-quality visitor experiences.
Special Events
Special events drew significant public participation and highlighted the museum as a community gathering place.
Major Annual Events
- January 11 – Treasure Coast History Festival
- April 27 – Open House at the Museum
- October 30 – Haunted Night at the Museum
- December 19–21 – Christmas Lights & Santa at the Museum
Each of these events strengthened community tradition and provided unique opportunities for historical education and family engagement.
Oral History & Video Projects
This year, the Society expanded its oral history and media initiatives to preserve personal stories and community memory.
- Ongoing oral/video recording sessions
- Book drop-off at all Port St. Lucie schools to promote local history literacy
These efforts help collect and preserve the voices that shape Port St. Lucie’s identity.
Conclusion
The past year was marked by meaningful outreach, educational expansion, successful public events, significant exhibit enhancements, and strong community partnerships. The Port St. Lucie History Museum & Education Center continues to grow as a cultural and educational anchor for the city.
The Port St. Lucie Historical Society looks forward to building on these accomplishments, enhancing our historical collections, expanding programming, and inspiring a deeper appreciation of the city’s rich past for generations to come.
...Donnita Graben, Curator