For the more than 60,000 residents of the Palm Harbor area, only one organization is dedicated solely to collect, preserve and share the rich historical heritage of The Palm Harbor region that includes Downtown Palm Harbor (formerly Sutherland), Crystal Beach, East Lake, Curlew, Indian Bluff Island, Ozona and Wall Springs: Palm Harbor Historical Society (PHHS), which operates Palm Harbor Museum.

Pinellas County acquired the historic Hartley House (built by Thomas Hartley in 1914), giving care of its site at the corner of Curlew and Belcher Roads to PHHS—which renovated and opened it as Palm Harbor Museum in 1998. Palm Harbor Museum houses permanent displays revealing local history as well as a variety of changing exhibits. As a 501 (c) 3, PHHS receives no governmental support, relying solely on memberships, donations, and volunteers who recognize the value and find joy in preservation of local heritage.

To preserve and protect the area's history, to educate the public, and, to promote the historic culture and ambiance of our community.

From the 1960s, local residents, passionate to preserve the region’s heritage, began to collect photos, records, journals, genealogies, furnishings, and local histories—archiving, storing, and at times displaying these items in donated local homes and businesses. Forming Palm Harbor Historical Society in 1983, they saw a breakthrough in 1994 as county commissioners approved the Palm Harbor Historic District.

Then with the expansion of Belcher Road, Pinellas County acquired the historic Hartley House (built by Thomas Hartley in 1914), giving care of its site at the corner of Curlew and Belcher Roads to PHHS—which renovated and opened it as Palm Harbor Museum in 1998.