13 Jul Celebrate America’s 250th & The History Behind Delray Beach
As we celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary this year, it’s the perfect time to reconnect with our community roots and appreciate the stories and places that shape the city we call home: Delray Beach.
One of the things that makes Crane’s Beach House so special is everything waiting just beyond the property. Crane’s is not only located steps from the beach, but it’s also within the City’s downtown district, where many of the community’s historical sites can be found – and experienced- by locals and area visitors alike. Here are a few must-visit historical and cultural experiences to explore during your stay:
Spady Cultural Heritage Museum: Located at 170 NW Fifth Avenue, the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum welcomes guests to discover, collect and share the Black history and heritage of Palm Beach County. This museum is one of the few in Palm Beach County that offers a look at the contributions of members of the African Diaspora in Florida and across the USA, as well as the stories that shape Delray Beach.
Old School Square: Located in the heart of Downtown Delray, on the corner of Atlantic and Swinton Avenues, Old School Square is one of downtown Delray’s most celebrated historic landmarks. Thanks to the passion and efforts of the late, beloved Delray cultural advocate and preservationist, Frances Bourque, who founded Old School Square Center for the Arts, the buildings were restored to bring Delray’s art, culture, and community together through several spaces, including the Cornell Art Museum, the Amphitheater, the Vintage Gym, the Park, and the Crest Theatre Building.
Delray Beach Historical Society & Heritage Garden: Founded in 1964, the Delray Beach Historical Society’s mission is to collect, preserve and share the stories of Delray Beach’s past. Guests can explore photographs, artifacts, and memories passed down by the society’s founders and town elders, along with a one-acre campus featuring The City Archive, historic cottages, and a Florida-native Heritage Garden. The historical society is an integral part of the city, and it is essential to keep history alive so that current and future generations can learn from those who came before.
Cason Cottage House Museum: Cason Cottage offers a modest glimpse into life in early Delray Beach. Bought and converted into apartments by the Cason family in 1924, the cottage reflects the craftsmanship, details, and character of many homes that helped define early Delray. The cottage also honors the Cason family’s role in South Florida’s development. Since 1989, it has been operated by the Delray Beach Historical Society as a museum to help share the history of Delray Beach from 1915 to 1935.
West Settlers Historic District: Established in 1894, the West Settlers area is the site of Delray Beach’s first African-American settlement. This historic neighborhood was originally home to African Americans from North and West Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, who were the first non-native settlers in the area and helped shape the region’s agricultural foundation and culture.
After exploring the stories and landmarks that helped shape Delray, return to the home base where you began: Cranes Beach House. Spend the afternoon by the pool, take a sunset walk on the beach, or head back to Atlantic Avenue with a new perspective and appreciation for the community around you. This summer, as we celebrate America’s 250th, go beyond the usual beach day and discover the history behind it.