General Museum Information

2026 Boardwalk Talk Speaker Series Lineup

July 16: Behind the Names: The People and Places of Atlantic Beach

Join local historian Johnny Woodhouse to discover the stories behind the names of Atlantic Beach streets, parks, and monuments. 

August 6: Picturing Paradise: From John James Audubon to the Florida Highwaymen

Join speaker Dr. Keri Watson and learn about the art movements behind the Beaches Museum’s beloved Bachus painting and other pieces in collections, which will be on display for a limited show.

August 19: Beaches Book Day: Local Authors, Local History

Join us for Beaches Book Day, our first-ever special gathering of several local and visiting authors whose works explore our rich Beaches area history and culture.

October 15: Democracy in Florida: A Work in Progress

This program examines the slow growth of democracy in Florida. Starting in Spanish colonial Florida, Dr. Steve Noll looks at how the actions of political leaders and grass-roots activists have worked to increase the ideas and notions of democracy, a continuing process.

October 22: Mayo Clinic: A Legacy of Dedication, Innovation, and Excellence – Celebrating 40 Years

Join us for a special Boardwalk Talk celebrating the 40th anniversary of Mayo Clinic in Florida and the release of Virginia Wright Peterson’s Mayo Clinic in Florida: A Legacy of Dedication, Innovation, and Excellence. 

Atlantic Beach 100 Events

Exhibit Opening Reception | April 17, 6:00 p.m.

Join Museum members, supporters, and patrons for a first look at Atlantic Beach 100.

Storytellers: Atlantic Beach Mayors | May 9, 11:00 a.m.

Sit down with former Atlantic Beach mayors for an in-depth look at the stories, challenges, and milestones that shaped the city.

Boardwalk Talk: The Amazing Architecture of Northeast Florida | June 11, 6:30 p.m.

Join local historian Wayne Wood for an illustrated survey of landmarks and hidden architectural gems across more than three centuries in Northeast Florida, including the unique architecture of Atlantic Beach.

Boardwalk Talk: Johnny Woodhouse | July 16, 6:30 p.m.

Join local historian Johnny Woodhouse to discover the stories behind the names of Atlantic Beach streets, parks, and monuments. From Ahern Street to Bull Park, learn the surprising local history and the influential figures behind these familiar places.

Events are free for Museum members, with a suggested donation of $5 for non-members. Attendance is limited, and registration is required.

Train Day Events

Calling all train enthusiasts! Look forward to two days of train related educational fun at the Beaches Museum this September.

PABLO BEACH TRAIN DAY

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

JOIN BEACHES MUSEUM IN CELEBRATING ALL THINGS TRAIN DURING OUR ANNUAL “RIDING THE RAILS: PABLO BEACH TRAIN DAY.”

Attractions will include three operating model train layouts, a car show dubbed Cars Through Decades, and a train robber suspect search. Also, the trackless train is back this year! Hop aboard for rides through the neighborhood.

Get your crafting fix in at Make it and Take it, a station where kids can create their very own train-themed souvenirs! After creating their crafts, kids can also enjoy historic, train-themed games (brought to you by the Beaches Museum membership committee).

The Museum’s 1911 steam locomotive, the 1900 Florida East Coast Foreman’s House, and the Mayport Depot will also be open to the public with volunteers present to answer any questions guests may have.

Boy Scout Troop #37 will be selling beverages and lunch items including hamburgers and hot dogs.

FREE REGISTRATION

Although admission to the event is free, registration is required. Please sign up using the button above. Donations are appreciated!

BOARDWALK TALK: MR. FLAGLER’S ST. AUGUSTINE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 | 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Ahead of Train Day this year, join us at the Museum for a special Boardwalk Talk on Henry Flagler with Flagler College professor-emeritus Thomas Graham.

Thomas Graham has authored several books, including Mr. Flagler’s St. Augustine, which tells the same story from the St. Augustine from Flagler’s perspective, from his introduction to the state in the 1880s to the rise of his railroad and hotel empire spanning Florida from Jacksonville to Key West. More than just a St. Augustine story, Mr. Flagler’s St. Augustine tells the story of Flagler as a developer from St. Augustine to Palm Beach to Miami and finally to Key West.

For more information, please visit www.beachesmuseum.org or call 904.241.5657 extension 116

FREE REGISTRATION

Although admission to the event is free, registration is required. Please sign up using the button above. Donations are appreciated!

Beaches Museum •
381 Beach Boulevard
Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250