About the Historical Society of Bay County
From the Pioneer Picnic to a Downtown Museum
The Historical Society of Bay County grew out of one of the area's oldest traditions — the Pioneer Picnic, a celebration of Bay County's early settlers that began in the 1940s. From those gatherings, the society developed into a full historical organization whose mission is to serve present and future generations by collecting, preserving, and sharing artifacts, documents, and images pertaining to the unique culture and history of Bay County, Florida.
The society operates the Bay County History Museum at 133 Harrison Avenue in downtown Panama City, with free admission and free parking. The museum serves as an educational resource for the public, a repository for the society's collections of artifacts, photographs, and documents, and a venue for exhibits and monthly educational programs. Recent exhibitions have included "The 20th Century on Panama City Beach: A Century of Fun" and "Bayside Bounty," a Smithsonian FOOD exhibit on the culinary heritage of Bay County that premiered in February 2026, presented with partners including the Smithsonian and the Florida Humanities Council.
The society also plays an active civic role in the community. At the request of local officials, it led Panama City's Centennial Celebration in 2009 and organized Bay County's centennial commemoration in 2013. Its ongoing work includes historic signage programs, support for historical research, and advocacy for the preservation of historic sites and buildings throughout the county.
Plan Your Visit
The Bay County History Museum is located at 133 Harrison Avenue in downtown Panama City, with free admission and parking. For current hours, exhibits, and monthly program schedules, visit baycohistory.org.
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