Art & History in Palatka

Palatka & Putnam County both have a unique and rich history of the arts and significant historical events that have happened in this community. It won't take you long to find a great cultural event to attend or some interesting story's to research within this great Florida community.

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Arts Council of Greater Palatka
The Putnam County Commissioners and the State of Florida Divison of Cultural Affairs recognized The Arts Council of Greater Palatka as the official County representative of Putnam County in April of 1975, the year it was incorporated. In 1992 The Arts Council was given the Larimer Building located at 216 Reid Street Palatka as its new art center (which was once home to the public library). The building was renamed the Larimer Art Center.

River City Players
is dedicated to bringing quality community theater to Putnam County! They perform in the Scarlett-Hill Theatre inside the Larimer Arts Center.

Palatka Art League
is a non-profit organization comprised of local artists and crafters and artisans. Together, they maintain the historic Tilghman House and host many events throughout the year including Holiday House, Tilly's Attic, Christmas in July, and many others. They also sell a new Palatka Christmas Ornament every year.

Create! Artists' Guild
is dedicated to promoting arts and culture. It serves as a forum for members to advance art education, provide community service, and enhance individual creativity. Currently, the Guild shows their work at the Palatka Welcome Center, Larimer Arts Center, and many other galleries throughout Northeast Florida. They also organize a yearly "En Plein Air" event to encourage artists to visit and paint/photograph Palatka landmarks.

Florida School of the Arts
Florida School of the Arts is a public, fully accredited two-year arts school providing the Associate in Science and Associate in Arts degrees to talented students in the visual and performing arts.

Putnam Historical Society
The Putnam County Historical Society was incorporated in June of 1966. As stated in its articles of incorporation "the general purposes and objects of this corporation shall be to aid in the discovery and preservation of historical objects and events; to obtain funds for the erection of historical monuments and museums; to promote the interest of all people in the history of our area, particularly Putnam County."

The Society pursues these goals through several outlets, including:  operating the Bronson-Mulholland House and the Putnam Historic Museum, hosting bimonthly historical programs, and its involvement in historical preservation.

Railroad Preservation Society
began in 1993 as an informal organization of people interested in railroading. The City of Palatka promoted the establishment of an organization and provided the use of the Palatka Railroad Depot. The historic A.C.L. Union Depot, as it is also known, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Society is dedicated to the preservation and perpetuation of the rail heritage of Palatka, Florida and surrounding communities, from the first railway in the 1800's to the present. The Society's purpose is to encourage and engage in the collection, cataloging, restoration, maintenance and display of materials, artifacts and documents relating to this heritage; to promote knowledge and understanding among Society members and the community; and to promote a mutually beneficial relationship among it's members.

A portion of the historic depot has already been established as the David Browning Railroad Museum and contains documents, photographs, maps, signs and other items donated or loaned by the public.

Environmental
Environmental Council
Keep Putnam Beautiful
Putnam Land Conservancy

Government
City of Palatka
Palatka Police
Putnam County
Sheriff's Department

Local Links
Habitat for Humanity
Heart of Putnam

Recreation
Palatka Golf Club
Ravine Gardens