The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum invites the community to a full slate of October events, from a family-friendly mystery night and guided tours to seasonal crafts and the continued run of its newest exhibit exploring Boca Raton’s coastal past.
The lineup features the museum’s new exhibit, Life’s a Beach, on view now through February 27, 2027; Free Fun Saturday on October 3; Mahjong at the Museum on October 20, and 27; the relaunch of docent-led tours of The Boca Raton beginning October 13; Mystery at the Museum: The Case of Chesebro’s Missing Diary, a family-friendly detective adventure, on October 16; and a new Historic Cemetery Walking Tour on October 21.
As the season turns, the museum’s programming takes a slightly more mysterious turn as well: families can crack the case at Mystery at the Museum on October 16, while the new Historic Cemetery Walking Tour on October 21 invites guests to spend an evening getting to know some of Boca Raton’s earliest residents.
“Whether it’s a family-friendly mystery night, a guided walk through Boca Raton’s cemetery, or a beach craft inspired by our new exhibit, these events are our way of bringing Boca Raton’s past to life for the whole community,” said Olivia Hollaus, Executive Director of the Boca Raton Historical Society. “We hope families, longtime residents, and newcomers alike will join us this October to celebrate the stories that shaped our city.”
New Exhibit: Life’s a Beach
On View through February 27, 2027
The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum welcomes a new exhibition exploring the rich and evolving history of Boca Raton’s coastline. From the wide, undeveloped shoreline of the 1890s to the vibrant coastal destination known today, “Life’s a Beach” traces the transformation of the city’s waterfront through immersive displays and historical artifacts, including photomurals, vintage swimwear, and memorabilia that chart the rise of beachfront living, the growth of oceanfront parks along Palmetto Park Road, and the glamour of destinations like the Cabana Club.
“Life’s a Beach” is on view Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Admission is $12 for adults and $8 for students; free for FAU students with OWL Pass.
Mahjong at the Museum
October 20 & 27 | Times Vary by Session
In partnership with Mahj on the Beach, there’s a little extra magic at the table this fall as the museum’s Mahjong series continues with sessions for every level. Mahjong 101 & Open Play returns Tuesday, October 20, from 6:00 to 8:30 PM, pairing beginner instruction with simultaneous open play for experienced players in a separate gallery. Museum Mahj Night closes out the month on Tuesday, October 27, from 6:00 to 8:30 PM, with open play for those who already know the game.
Registration is managed by Mahj on the Beach and opens throughout the season; visit bocahistory.org/mahjong-at-the-museum for links as they become available, or email [email protected] with subject line "Mahjong Insider" for early notice.
Docent-Led Tours of The Boca Raton
2nd & 4th Tuesdays | Season Kicks Off Tuesday, October 13 | 2:00 PM
BRHS docents return with guided walking tours of The Boca Raton, sharing the stories and history behind one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Mystery at the Museum: The Case of Chesebro’s Missing Diary
Friday, October 16 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Families become museum detectives during this family-friendly mystery adventure, working in small detective teams to search for clues, explore the museum, meet playful suspects and historical characters, and solve the mystery of Frank Chesebro’s missing diary.
Tickets are $10–$20; space is limited.
Historic Cemetery Walking Tour
Wednesday, October 21 | 6:00 PM | Boca Raton Cemetery
Every headstone has a story. Join the Boca Raton Historical Society for a guided walking tour of the Boca Raton Cemetery and learn about some of the fascinating people, families, and stories woven into our city’s past.
Tickets are $20 for members/$25 for non-members.
How to Attend
Registration for Mahjong at the Museum (October 20 & 27) is available at bocahistory.org/mahjong-at-the-museum, with links added as each session opens. Details and registration for the docent-led tours of The Boca Raton (beginning October 13) will be available at bocahistory.org. The Historic Cemetery Walking Tour (October 21) is not yet available for registration online; details will be announced separately once posted. For registration, tickets, and more information on all upcoming events, visit bocahistory.org or contact the Boca Raton Historical Society at (561) 395-6766.
About the Boca Raton Historical Society
Founded in 1972, the Boca Raton Historical Society (BRHS) is a private, nonprofit member organization dedicated to collecting, preserving, and presenting the history of Boca Raton. BRHS is headquartered in Historic Town Hall, built in 1927 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and owns and operates The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum, home to the History Alive! exhibits along with rotating special exhibitions. Through museum exhibits, lectures, tours, and community events, BRHS maintains a visible role in education and historic preservation throughout the community. For more information, visit bocahistory.org.
