Local mover and shaker Taylor Materio champions big plans ahead for the Historical Society of Palm Beach County.
As a native of West Palm Beach and director of development for the Historical Society of Palm Beach County, Taylor Materio finds joy in playing a part in protecting the history of her community, and she wholly believes in the historical society’s mission to collect, preserve and share Palm Beach County’s vibrant history far and wide. We caught up with her to find out what the organization is planning for the season.
Tell us about the historical society’s 2022-2023 guide and why it’s an important handbook for the season. I am incredibly excited and proud of this year’s season guide, which is a showcase of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County’s (HSPBC) exhibits, educational programming and events. The team worked to bring forth diverse programming, exclusive event access and never-seen pieces from our archival collection to share our history.
Speaking of the HSPBC team, under Jeremy W. Johnson’s leadership, the organization continues to flourish. What do you love about the team you work with? I am privileged to work alongside a phenomenal team with a variety of backgrounds and skill sets, and I learn from them every day! Whether we are archivists, writers or researchers, each of us shares our own passion and love for Palm Beach County’s rich history, and we are deeply committed to sharing this history with our community.
What can we expect this season with the historical society’s signature events? Enjoy cocktails, get to know new people and experience history at the same time. Our events give attendees access to exclusive locations while showcasing the iconic history of Palm Beach. In addition to Cocktails in Paradise, we are thrilled to be showcasing Worth Avenue’s iconic history this season in partnership with the Worth Avenue Association and historian Rick Rose.
What is the must-attend event of the year? This season will cumulate with our biggest event of the year: Evening on Antique Row. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this fun night. The Young Friends of the Historical Society are planning a fantastic season closer. I am also excited to see the return of Behind the Palms (as featured in Modern Luxury Palm Beach) with new episodes premiering at our special events throughout season.
You’ve launched new programming to honor more segments of our diverse community. Give us some highlights of what to expect. I am especially excited about the many partnerships and collaborations we will be a part of this season to present exhibits to the public that share diverse voices and perspectives. These include organizations such as the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County, the Palm Beach County Sheree Davis Cunningham Black Women Lawyers Association, the F. Malcolm Cunningham Sr. Bar Association, the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, Compass and more.
How can more people get involved in the important work the historical society is doing? Whether you join the Young Friends or our prestigious 1916 Society, now is the time. You get exclusive invitations, complimentary tickets and more. Our members are the heart of our mission and guardians of our valuable history. In addition, I invite everyone to visit the Richard & Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum. Schedule a private or group docent-led tour and experience the stunning architecture and exhibits that the museum has to offer. Entry and tours are always free and open to the public. Now more than ever, it is critical that we all take part in learning and preserving our history for future generations.
Photography by: PHOTOGRAPHED BY CAPEHART
