The Putnam County Historical Society was incorporated in June of 1966. As stated in its articles of incorporation "the general purposes and objects of this corporation shall be to aid in the discovery and preservation of historical objects and events; to obtain funds for the erection of historical monuments and museums; to promote the interest of all people in the history of our area, particularly Putnam County."
Our Society pursues these goals through several outlets, including: operating the Bronson-Mulholland House and the Putnam Historic Museum, hosting historical programs, and its involvement in historical preservation.
Please follow our FACEBOOK PAGE for the latest happenings, photos, information, and more.
Membership Meeting:
Saturday March 16th at 11:00 AM
Spires in the Sun: The Carpenter Gothic Episcopal Churches of Florida
author Jonathan Rich and photographer Phil Eschbach
The program will be held at St. Mark’s Parish Hall, 310 N. 2nd Street, Palatka on Saturday March 16th at 11:00 AM. The book celebrates the Carpenter Gothic Episcopal churches with white board-and-batten framing which were historic 19th century centerpieces of early Florida towns along the St. Johns River.
Putnam County churches covered in the book include St. Mark’s and St. Mary’s in Palatka, St. Paul’s at Federal Point, Emmanuel Church in Welaka, and Church of the Holy Comforter in Crescent City.
The author, Jonathan Rich, is a retired attorney and third generation Floridian who has studied Florida human and natural history for decades. He has served in leadership positions for several nonprofit organizations in the arts, job training and the sport of rowing. He and his wife Beth live in Winter Park.
Phil Eschbach is a commercial photographer specializing in architecture and travel. His photographs have appeared in national, regional, and local publications. He authored a book on early pioneers of Florida before statehood and is the past president of the Winter Park Historical Association. Phil is a ninth generation Floridian with ancestors buried in Palatka. Phil lives in Winter Park with his wife Elizabeth.
St. Mark’s Church will provide light refreshments immediately following the program. We hope you are able to join us for this program and please bring along a friend.
VISIT US
Putnam County Historical Society operates two historic museums in the City of Palatka and hosts county-wide educational events on a bimonthly basis. The Putnam County Historical Society House and Museum, located at 100 Madison Street in Palatka’s beautiful 1854 Bronson-Mulholland House, is dedicated to the preservation and education of history for all of Putnam County’s unique and wonderful past. Join us on a journey through the history of the Gem of the St. Johns!
The Bronson-Mulholland House is open Saturdays from 1 PM to 4 PM and the first Sunday of the month from 1 PM to 4 PM. The Historic Museum is also open on the first Sunday of the month at same times.
CLICK FOR MAP Admission is free but donations are gladly accepted.
THE UNION OCCUPATION OF PALATKA, OUR ANNUAL HONORING OF A PUTNAM COUNTY HISTORICAL EVENT
September 27-29, 2024 the 160 Anniversary!
Step back in time to 1864 when Civil War Union troops occupied the Bronson-Mulholland House, using the surrounding area of Sunny Point as an encampment.
Living history reenactments include educational demonstrations, weapon demonstrations, canon firings, and a tour of the historic home that stood through the war. Meet the women who defied the Union, and whose actions thwarted their attack, as living history experts bring the local historic figures to life.
(Click image at left to enlarge in a new tab)
HISTORICAL ARCHIVES: Block Maps
See what downtown Palatka was like in 1885 block by block.
EXPLORE THE ARCHIVEHISTORICAL ARCHIVES: Putnam County Census
Census records are a great source for genealogists.
EXPLORE THE ARCHIVEHISTORICAL ARCHIVES: City Directories
Learn about the various residents of Palatka and Putnam County.
EXPLORE THE ARCHIVEHISTORICAL ARCHIVES: School Yearbooks
Yearbooks are a window in the past for many of us, even if they've only been around in their current form for the past century.
EXPLORE THE ARCHIVE