Meet Your Boynton Beach Historical Society President
This September marks 12 years since I became a Boynton Beach resident. But my love story with Boynton started long before that. During our five-plus-year search for where to retire, I happened upon the Boynton Beach Historical Society’s Facebook page and the website.
The enthusiasm for Boynton and its history was clear and contagious. I was there initially for the information and local history. But then there was trivia! And articles! And deep dives! I was digging for information about the towns in this area, so while I was at it, prompted by the regular posts, I read up on those interesting tidbits too.
From which shipwreck did many buildings in town obtain salvaged lumber? The Coquimbo! Who painted the mural at the Boynton Woman’s Club depicting the town’s history? Bernard Thomas! How was mail delivered to the area in 1880’s? By barefoot mailmen! Where did children tie strings to horseflies and fly them like kites? The 1913 Boynton School!
The week I moved in, I attended a book signing, of “Pioneering Palm Beach: The Deweys and the South Florida Frontier;” I met authors Ginger L Pedersen and Janet M DeVries; and learned they were the ones behind the Facebook page and website. The following week, I attended my first Boynton Beach Historical Society meeting. That was September 17, 2012. I haven’t missed a meeting since. I’ve gone from member to 1st Vice President & Program Chair to Interim Secretary to Treasurer & Newsletter Editor, and now, I am humbled to lead a dedicated hardworking team of volunteers as the Society’s President.
My goals are to build upon the strong foundation laid by those before me, bring several developing projects to fruition, get you as hooked on Boynton and our history as we are, and work with Boynton Schools to inspire the next generation of historians, Society members and residents.
This season we are offering Programs via Zoom in October, November, February, and March; co-presenting the 2023 Florida Highwaymen Art Show at the Arts & Cultural Center in January; and preparing for the in-person return of our famous Covered Dish Supper in April 2023. Stay tuned for further information as plans are finalized.
To paraphrase writer and cultural critic, Baratunde Thurston –
It sometimes can take the fresh eyes of a new arrival to truly see and fully appreciate our shared spaces. I’ve had the privilege of seeing this place from many perspectives and we should not fear losing traditions. We should rejoice at what the new people might bring. New people can bring the deepest appreciation for the oldest traditions. They can help us preserve what we love the most.
If you, too, deeply appreciate Boynton and its history and want to take an active role in preserving it, we can offer just the right Volunteer opportunity! We have high expectations for our volunteers, so bring a team-oriented attitude of historical proportions and a good sense of humor. You may just find the extraordinary within yourself. And fall in love all over again.
We look forward to meeting with you and sharing this wonderful place we call home.
~ Anne Rimler, September 2022
