Bay County History Museum

The Bay County History Museum is run by the Historical Society of Bay County, which collects, preserves and shares artifacts, documents and images tied to the county’s culture and history. Permanent and rotating exhibits trace the area’s story from Spanish explorers and pirates to landmark U.S. Supreme Court decisions, with displays on maritime history, shipbuilding, fishing, naval operations, agriculture, early commerce and the civil rights movement.

The museum is at 133 Harrison Ave, Panama City, FL 32401, in downtown Panama City; see baycohistory.org for current exhibits and events. In February 2026 it premiered “Bayside Bounty: The Culinary Heritage of Bay County,” presented with the Smithsonian’s FOOD exhibit, and another current exhibit looks at 20th century tourist attractions in Bay County. Displays also highlight the Massalina family, whose Bay County legacy dates to the Reconstruction era.

The society’s work reaches beyond the galleries, with a historic signage program, historic research and site preservation efforts, and monthly educational programs. It also helped mark Panama City’s centennial in 2009 and Bay County’s centennial in 2013.

Hours are Tuesday and Thursday, 10am to 1pm, and Saturday, 10am to 2pm; the museum is closed on other days. Admission is free, and free parking is available behind Trustmark Bank. With its short opening windows, plan a morning visit and pair it with a walk along Harrison Avenue.