New America 250 Exhibition Explores Florida’s Overlooked Role in the Revolutionary Era Through Artifacts, Costumes, Lectures & Interactive Programs
A new exhibition exploring Florida’s little-known role in the American Revolution opened May 13, at The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum as part of the Boca Raton Historical Society’s ongoing America 250 series commemorating the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
On view through August 27, 2026, America 250: The 14th Colony examines Florida’s unique place in Revolutionary-era history, when the territory remained loyal to the British Crown while thirteen colonies declared independence. Guest curated by Smithsonian Scholar, Martha Gutierrez-Steinkamp, the exhibition combines interpretive displays, historic imagery, Revolutionary War artifacts from local collectors, and period costumes on loan from The Wick Theatre to immerse visitors in this often-overlooked chapter of America’s founding story.
“Florida’s role during the Revolutionary era is one of the most fascinating and least understood chapters of early American history,” said Susan Gillis, Curator. “This exhibition invites visitors to look beyond the traditional narrative of the thirteen colonies and discover the people, conflicts, and international influences that shaped Florida during this pivotal moment in history.”
To mark the opening of the exhibition and America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, Historic Town Hall has been adorned with patriotic bunting inspired by a late-1950s archival photograph from the Boca Raton Historical Society collection. The exterior décor installation was made possible through sponsorship support from the City of Boca Raton.
“We loved the idea of connecting this exhibition to Boca Raton’s own history and traditions of civic pride,” said Olivia Hollaus. “The archival image served as inspiration for the patriotic display now surrounding Historic Town Hall and helps create a welcoming and celebratory atmosphere for visitors experiencing America 250.”
The exhibition is part of the Boca Raton Historical Society’s broader America 250 initiative, a series of lectures, performances, educational programs, and family-friendly events exploring the people, events, and lesser-known stories surrounding the nation’s founding.
Upcoming America 250 Programs & Events
• June 17: Town Hall Talk with Robert Carr—South Florida in the 18th Century
• June 26–27: Road to Revolution Summer Program for ages 12–15, an engaging and interactive history experience designed to encourage critical thinking and bring early American history to life
• July 2: Summer Sips & Sounds kickoff concert in partnership with Festival of the Arts BOCA
• July 22: Town Hall Talk with Martha Gutierrez-Steinkamp—Spain: The Forgotten Alliance
• August 1: Conquistadors for Kids! with historical reenactor Robert Feeney
The exhibition will be open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Historic Town Hall, 71 N. Federal Highway in Boca Raton. Admission is $12 for adults and $8 for students. Free admission is available for Boca Raton Historical Society members and Florida Atlantic University students with valid Owl Pass identification. For more information, visit Boca Raton Historical Society & The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum.
