Delray Beach is located in the southern portion of Palm Beach County along Florida's Atlantic Coast. Today, the city is known for its tourism industry but originally was recognized for its rich farmland and the economic opportunities associated with Henry Flagler's Florida East Coast Railroad. Early residents of Delray Beach came from diverse backgrounds. Some were Seminole Indians. Others were of African, European, and Japanese descent.

In 1895, residents decided to name their town Linton, after William Linton, a former U.S. Congressman from Michigan, who bought up large tracts of land and emerged as an early town leader. In 1898, following a series of "unlucky" freezes and Linton's unfortunate defaults on land payments, residents changed the name to Delray, after a small community near Detroit, Michigan. The town became the "City of Delray Beach" a quarter century later.

Japanese settlers began arriving in 1904, establishing an agricultural community just south of town. They soon invited friends and family from home to join them on the Florida frontier. Their community lasted until 1920 when many residents relocated to other areas. George Morikami stayed on and continued to raise fruits and vegetables. In the 1970s, Morikami donated land to Palm Beach County to establish a park to honor the early Japanese residents. Today, visitors to the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach see exhibits of Japanese artifacts, explore Japanese-American culture, learn about early residents, and tour the beautiful gardens.

The Spady Cultural Heritage Museum offers another window on the cultures of Delray Beach. Located in the former home of Solomon D. Spady--a local African-American educator--the Spady Museum sponsors lectures, exhibits, and tours that highlight the contributions of early African-American residents while celebrating the area's rich diversity.

The Delray Beach Historical Society offers tours of the Cason Cottage House, built in 1915 by the Methodist Minister, John R. Cason. The society conducts other tours, offers lectures and exhibits, and works to preserve the culture and architectural heritage of the city. Recently, local residents and businesses worked with the city to revitalize the downtown district. Visitors are the beneficiaries of the many restored buildings, museums, theatres, trolleys, and antique shops that can be found in the city of Delray Beach.

This podcast made possible through a grant from the Florida Humanities Council. Script written by Naomi Williams. Narrated by Dave Dunwoody.