Putnam County Historical Society and Museum

05/27/2026

Let’s go read that book!

BIG NEWS, PALATKA ✨📚

A book has officially been written highlighting the history and stories of Palatka — and we’re excited to celebrate with a special Meet & Greet event featuring author Gregory Leonard! 👏

Join us Wednesday, June 3 at 6 PM at the Larimer Arts Center for an evening of storytelling, conversation, and community. Guests will have the opportunity to hear from the author, participate in a live Q&A, and enjoy a book signing opportunity ✍️

🎟️ Tickets are on sale now:

https://booking.visitpalatka.com/en

Guests can choose a ticket option that includes a copy of the book, or books will also be available for purchase at the event. Additional locations where books can be purchased locally will be announced soon 👀

We can’t wait to share this special evening with you!

05/25/2026

“In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly.

Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.”

Col. John McCrae, Canada, wrote the poem that is credited with inspiring the poppy as a symbol for remembrance https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/47380/in-flanders-fields

05/19/2026

At the May 14, 2026, City Commission Meeting, Mayor Robbi Correa and the Palatka City Commission proclaimed May 2026 as Historic Preservation Month in Palatka. Historic preservation is essential to maintaining our community’s character, culture, and heritage, while also supporting revitalization, sustainable development, and local pride. Our historic homes, churches, and buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries tell Palatka’s story and honor the legacy of those who shaped our city. We encourage residents and visitors to celebrate our history this month and support efforts to preserve the places and stories that make Palatka unique.

05/19/2026

Palatka, Putnam County Florida.

Today in Florida History May 18, 1955

Mary McLeod Bethune, the founder and first president of Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach, died on this date. Ms. Bethune, who was born to former slave parents on July 10, 1875, began her own school on October 3, 1904, with a capital of only $1.50. Bethune’s career in education began when she received a scholarship to attend Scotia Seminary in North Carolina. A second scholarship provided the means for her to attend the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois. After teaching eight years at schools in Augusta, Georgia, and Palatka, Florida, she opened her own school. In 1923, Bethune-Cookman College was created. In 1924, Mrs. Bethune was elected president of the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs. In 1935, she founded and became the first president of the National Council of Negro Women. A close friend of Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt, Mrs. Bethune was part of the “Black Cabinet,” which advised President Franklin Delano Roosevelt on matters regarding African-Americans in the United States. She was also a consultant to the founding conference of the United Nations.

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day from Putnam County Historical Society.

by Dr. Katharine L. Brown 1st Vice President and Trustee, Germanna Foundation The mother in whose honor Mother’s Day was established was a Germanna descendant born and raised in Culpeper, Virginia. Anna Jarvis, the founder of Mother’s Day, devoted years to gaining national recognition for a day ...

05/08/2026

We appreciate the Fruitland Historical Society members’ kindness in donating the Belle sign to GFWC Crescent City Woman’s Club. We plan to have the sign touched up to refresh the paint, before we re- hang it. Belle also mentioned that she needed a face makeup touch-up too. Pictured from left to right are Cherie Register, Katherine Murray, Molly Morris, Sheila Kaye, Carol Horner, and Susan Frazier; all members of the Historical Society and the GFWC CCWC. We are all excited that the sign will be restored.

05/08/2026

May is Historic Preservation Month. Peniel Baptist Church in Palatka was a meeting place for America’ s Evangelical movement in the early 1900s. In 1939, Reverend Cecil Underwood ordained Billy Graham into his evangelistic ministry in this church and music evangelist Homer Rodeheaver frequently attended church services at Peniel Baptist. More about the historic church here : https://markers.flheritage.com/home/details/1252

Florida Division of Historical Resources

05/07/2026

A historic relic that was built by the Atlantic Coast Line and was originally used by the Crescent City Junction has made its way to the David Browning Railroad Museum, where it is currently on display.

Read more: https://www.palatkadailynews.com/articles/local-news/railroad-open-house-to-feature-century-old-safe/