The Palm Harbor Museum has several educational events coming up in May.
The Palm Harbor Museum Presents series returns with Storm Season on the Gulf Islands, on Wednesday, May 6, at 6:30 p.m.
Florida State Park biologist Dan Larremore will share the effect of hurricanes and storms on our barrier islands. A professional biologist with 30 years of experience protecting coastal habitats and imperiled species in Pinellas County, Larremore served for 20 years as biologist for Honeymoon, Caladesi, Anclote, and Egmont Key state parks, as well as at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium for 10 years. He and his wife reside in Dunedin.
All are welcome to this event at no charge (donations gratefully accepted). Light refreshments will be served.
New exhibit
Join the museum on May 2 at Heritage Village for an engaging exhibit. “The Citrus Wizard’s Journey,” that delves into the life and legacy of Lue Gim Gong, a legendary figure in Florida’s citrus industry and cultural history.
“The Citrus Wizard’s Journey” celebrates and explores the immigrant experience in Florida through the lens of Lue Gim Gong’s contributions. This exhibition features never-before-seen documents from the USF Library, offering a glimpse into the life of this pioneering horticulturist and the vibrant immigrant spirit that shaped the Sunshine State.
Curated by Quinton Spiaggi, a dedicated volunteer research associate at the Palm Harbor Museum, the exhibit promises to educate and inspire visitors with its rich tapestry of historical insights and cultural narrative.
Garden Beautification Day
Join Keep Pinellas Beautiful volunteers on Saturday, May 9, 8-10 a.m. at Palm Harbor Museum for a fun morning of garden beautification. This in-person event is a great opportunity to experience a light workout, meet new people, and contribute to the care of Florida Native Plant Gardens. No green thumb required, just wear closed-toe shoes and have a willingness to help. Tools, gloves, and refreshments supplied.
Register at KPBCares.org. Click on “Upcoming Events.”
The Power of Place
Heritage Village, Ongoing Project
Heritage Village is celebrating its 50th anniversary — alongside America’s 250th birthday. To honor the milestones, it has launched The Power of Place Oral History Initiative — a project designed to preserve the many voices, memories, and lived experiences that shape Pinellas County. Palm Harbor Museum volunteers are participating in support.
Do you have a memory, a moment, or a story that deserves to be preserved? Museum members want to ensure that the stories of north Pinellas County are recorded, heard, and passed on to future generations.
Email Palmharbormuseum@outlook.com to schedule to tell your story. There is no cost to participate in this program.
History Endures When Community Cares
The museum has officially launched the HART Fund, a long-term endowment created to safeguard the stories, artifacts, and heritage that define our community. This fund will help ensure that future generations can learn from the history preserved within the museum and the historic Hartley House. Because local history thrives when the community stands behind it, residents are invited to learn more about the HART Fund and consider contributing to this effort to protect Palm Harbor’s past and strengthen its future.
Visit www.palmharbormuseum.com/endowment for more details.
Help wanted
The museum is calling on energetic teens to step into the spotlight as volunteer docents, helping visitors explore the stories and surprises of local history.
No experience is needed — the museum provides all training — and students can earn Bright Futures-approved volunteer hours with a flexible commitment of just 4 to 16 hours per month. Teen Docents welcome guests, share fun facts, assist with exhibits and events, and build real world confidence and communication skills along the way. It’s a chance to make friends, make an impact, and make history. Interested students can email palmharbormuseum@outlook.com to get started.
The museum is also seeking a community sponsor to underwrite the full cost of lawn mowing for an entire year, helping ensure the museum’s historic grounds remain safe, welcoming and vibrant for visitors. This support preserves the beauty of the outdoor spaces and keeps the museum looking the best for the community. The annual sponsorship is $5,000, and the museum invites local businesses to consider becoming the annual sponsor. For information, email palmharbormuseum@outlook.com or visit the museum at 2043 Curlew Road, Palm Harbor.
Volunteers are also needed. Volunteers work together on research, maintenance projects, data entry, exhibit and event planning. For information, email PalmHarborMuseum@outlook.com.