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Act, observe, or simply enjoy legal theater in a preserved 1916 courtroom at the Richard & Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum. Join an evening of mix-and-mingle, light bites, and a two-hour mock trial—an inventive way to spend a West Palm Beach night.
Act, observe, or simply enjoy legal theater in a preserved 1916 courtroom at the Richard & Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum. Join an evening of mix-and-mingle, light bites, and a two-hour mock trial—an inventive way to spend a West Palm Beach night.
Book with Historical Society of Palm Beach County
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
229 ratings
Operated by Historical Society of Palm Beach County · West Palm Beach, Florida
Step into a 1916 courtroom in West Palm Beach for an evening that flips theater into civic role-play. The Mock Trial: Is This A Case Of Mistaken Identities? invites adults to Richard & Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum on the third floor of the historic courthouse, where guests mix, mingle, and then watch—or take—the stage in a scripted but improvisational trial. The program begins with a 5:30 pm reception of light bites and drinks; parts are assigned during that hour, then court is called at 6:00 pm and usually wraps by 8:00 pm. Tickets are limited, non‑refundable, and restricted to guests 21 and over.
What makes this experience stand out is the combination of local history and hands‑on drama. The 1916 courtroom is more than a backdrop: it’s an artifact of Palm Beach County’s civic life, a room where early twentieth‑century cases were heard and now where today’s visitors inhabit those roles. The setting provides period atmosphere while museum staff guide the flow, assigning roles and directing courtroom procedure so newcomers can participate without prior legal training. Accessibility is intentional: the event is wheelchair accessible and designed for an audience that values lively, adult‑focused history.
Practical details matter. Check‑in is on the 3rd floor of the historic courthouse; arrive a few minutes before 5:30 pm to allow time for registration and the pre‑trial social. Bring a light jacket or sweater—the courtroom tends to be cool—and a government ID for the 21+ requirement. Because parts are assigned at the mix‑and‑mingle, early arrival increases your chance to be cast. The event’s two‑hour runtime makes it a perfect evening addition to a Palm Beach getaway: pair it with dinner in downtown West Palm Beach or an afternoon at nearby waterfront parks.
Beyond the courtroom, the museum provides context: exhibits on county history help frame the legal themes played out onstage. For visitors who prefer observation, seating places you close enough to catch witness reactions and the subtle choreography of trial theater. The experience works as nightlife with a civic twist—an informed, performative evening where learning and laughter hinge on community participation.
Whether you come to act, to study legal theatre, or to enjoy inventive local programming, this mock trial is a memorable way to connect with West Palm Beach history. Reservations are made through the provided booking link; note that tickets are non‑refundable and the program is run by the museum staff.
Plan transportation ahead: downtown parking can fill on event nights, so consider rideshare drop-offs near the courthouse. Visiting from out of town? West Palm Beach’s compact downtown—restaurants, waterfront promenades, and galleries—makes it easy to combine the mock trial with an evening of local culture and nearby museums for context.
No. This program is restricted to guests aged 21 and over; a government ID is required at check‑in.
Tickets are non‑refundable per the event policy.
Check‑in is on the 3rd floor of the historic courthouse at the Richard & Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum.
Yes. Roles are assigned at the discretion of the museum during the mix‑and‑mingle before the trial.
Yes. The program is wheelchair accessible; contact the museum ahead of time for specific accommodations.
Light bites and drinks are provided during the 5:30 pm mix‑and‑mingle portion of the evening.
Historical Society of Palm Beach County preserves and shares the history of Palm Beach County from its early settlement through modern times. Located in West Palm Beach, the Society operates the Richard & Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum in the historic 1916 courthouse, hosting permanent and rotating exhibits that chronicle local culture, tourism, and community life. The Society offers a range of public programs and experiences, including guided and self-guided museum visits, educational school group tours, interactive mock trials, seasonal events, and lecture series. Educational school group tours provide focused 90-minute experiences tailored to different grade levels, with options to explore the 1916 courthouse or participate in an interactive mock trial for older students. Museum general admission includes access to the 'Places' exhibit and self-guided exploration of artifacts and stories from across the county. Specialized experiences highlight unique local narratives: 'Wish You Were Here: Tourism in the Palm Beaches' examines the evolution of regional tourism; 'Sunshine Cinema: Florida in Film' explores the state’s filmmaking history; and community events such as Haunting History, Cocktails in Paradise, and Women’s History Initiative present thematic programming for different audiences. The Society supports public engagement through history talks and private experiences hosted in historic spaces. As a long-established cultural organization based in West Palm Beach, the Historical Society of Palm Beach County collaborates with local experts, docents, and community partners to offer educational, immersive, and accessible history programming for residents and visitors alike. Admission options and event schedules are available on the website.
Book with Historical Society of Palm Beach County