Treasure Coast Newspapers Unearth Local History for 250th Anniversary

TCPalm journalists highlight important landmarks, people, and events from the region's past.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 9:03am

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph in warm, earthy tones, depicting a blurred, dreamlike scene of a historic landmark from the Treasure Coast region, conceptually representing the nostalgic and reflective nature of the local history series.A hazy, dreamlike glimpse into the rich history of Florida's Treasure Coast, as chronicled by the journalists at TCPalm.Fort Pierce Today

As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, the journalists at TCPalm / Treasure Coast Newspapers are using their deep local knowledge and archives to spotlight important historical people, places, and events from the Treasure Coast region of Florida. The series will cover topics like the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, the House of Refuge at Gilbert's Bar, the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum, and the famed Highwaymen artists of Fort Pierce, as well as lesser-known figures like Fellsmere resident Zena Dreier, the first woman to vote south of the Mason-Dixon Line.

Why it matters

With fewer resources dedicated to covering local news and governments purging historical records, newspapers play a crucial role in independently documenting and preserving community history. This series allows longtime Treasure Coast residents to revisit familiar landmarks and learn new details, while also introducing newcomers to the rich heritage of the region.

The details

The TCPalm / Treasure Coast Newspapers team will publish a dozen stories highlighting local historical significance, many with accompanying photos, graphics, and video. The series will kick off next week by exploring the origins of the Treasure Coast name and the fleet of treasure ships that sank off the coast centuries ago.

  • The 250th anniversary of America is being celebrated in 2026.
  • TCPalm will begin publishing the historical series next week.

The players

TCPalm / Treasure Coast Newspapers

A regional media group that serves the Treasure Coast area of Florida, including the cities of Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, and Stuart.

Zena Dreier

A resident of Fellsmere, Florida, who was the first woman to vote south of the Mason-Dixon Line, five years before the 19th Amendment established women's right to vote nationwide.

The Highwaymen

A group of African-American landscape artists from the Fort Pierce area who gained recognition for their vibrant paintings of Florida's natural scenery.

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What they’re saying

“Newspapers independently record events as they happen and preserve the information as history.”

— Adam L. Neal, Author

What’s next

The TCPalm / Treasure Coast Newspapers team will publish the first story in their local history series next week, focusing on the origins of the Treasure Coast name and the shipwrecks that dot the region's coastline.

The takeaway

This series from TCPalm / Treasure Coast Newspapers highlights the vital role that local journalism plays in documenting and preserving community history, especially as governments and organizations purge records over time. By tapping into their deep archives and local knowledge, the reporters are able to uncover fascinating stories that enrich residents' understanding of the Treasure Coast's past.