Panama City, FL: March 7, 2025 — This National Museum Day, discover the stories and cultural heritage of Panama City through its distinctive museums. From vintage printing presses to the legacy of the region’s earliest inhabitants, these museums highlight the people and events that shaped Panama City and Bay County. Visitors will find hands-on experiences and engaging exhibits that offer a closer look at the city’s rich and diverse history.

Panama City Publishing Company Museum: Old-fashioned Printing on a Vintage Print Press

Located in the Historic St. Andrews waterfront district, the Panama City Publishing Company Museum preserves the original home of the city’s first newspapers and the printing business founded by George and Lillian West. Built in 1920, the brick building once housed the printing operations for several local newspapers, including the Panama City Pilot and St. Andrews Bay News.

The museum offers visitors a chance to experience vintage printing techniques through working antique presses and interactive exhibits. Guests can watch live demonstrations of historic printing machinery, arrange metal or wooden letterpress type, and explore the evolution of paper and ink through hands-on displays. Rotating exhibitions feature specialized topics, such as the local fishing and seafood industry traced back to indigenous practices in the precolonial era and letters and George West’s personal botany studies.

George West, known as the founding father of Panama City, established the publishing company and helped shape the waterfront community. After his death in 1926, Lillian West continued to run the business for over a decade, becoming a rare female business owner and editor in the early 20th century. The museum’s collection includes personal artifacts, office furnishings, and publishing equipment that reflect the Wests’ legacy and the history of civic journalism in Panama City.

Bay County Historical Museum: Exploring Panama City’s Past

The Bay County Historical Museum, located in Downtown Panama City, offers a comprehensive look at the people and events that shaped the region. Managed by the Bay County Historical Society, the museum features permanent and rotating exhibits that trace the area’s development from its earliest settlements to the present day.

Artifacts and photographs highlight key stories, including the legacy of the Massalina family, whose influence helped shape Panama City’s cultural identity. Other exhibits showcase the city’s maritime heritage, early industries, and the people who played pivotal roles in the community’s growth. The museum’s central location makes it an accessible stop for those interested in learning more about the history of Panama City and the surrounding area.

Native Spirit Museum and Gallery: Honoring Native American Heritage

The Native Spirit Museum and Gallery highlights authentic Native American artifacts and artwork from the Florida Panhandle. This museum features a carefully curated collection of tools, crafts, and historical items that showcase the craftsmanship and culture of indigenous communities.

A dedicated children’s display encourages young visitors to engage with the exhibits, while the museum’s staff provides insights into the stories behind the artifacts. The adjacent gallery and gift shop feature Native American-made goods, allowing guests to take home unique, handcrafted pieces.

Experience Panama City’s History

These museums provide an in-depth look at the people and innovations that have defined Panama City’s history. This National Museum Day, visitors are invited to explore these unique institutions and discover the diverse cultural heritage of the Florida Panhandle.