Historic Pioneer Home to Reopen for Tours in DuBois Park

JUPITER, Fla. - Feb. 12, 2016 - PRLog -- Palm Beach County Vice Mayor Hal R. Valeche and Palm Beach County officials will officially reopen the DuBois Pioneer Home in DuBois Park to public tours with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, March 2 at 10:30 a.m.

This historical landmark was closed in 2008 to repair damage sustained during the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005. The event will be celebrated at the house and will include a presentation by Palm Beach County Archeologist and Historic Preservation Officer Chris Davenport on the ancient Native American shell midden upon which the home is built. Free docent-led tours that provide a look back into Florida pioneer life and highlights for future plans will also be provided.

The DuBois Pioneer Home, which is set circa 1930s and earlier, features items original to the pioneers who once called this house "home." Visitors will step back into a different era as they open the glass paneled door and are greeted with smiling faces, full of knowledge and passion about the home known as “The House on the Hill.” Docents will lead visitors past the green velveteen sofas and large coquina fireplace and captivate them with enchanting tales of pioneer life and a love story for the ages.

Built in 1898, the house is the original home of Harry and Susan DuBois, a young couple who made their mark on history and on each other. Visitors will be carried away as they learn about the couple's first blind date, engagement, and married life at the turn of the century. The ancient shell midden has its own secrets buried deep below the surface, where archaeologists uncovered ancient trade beads and pottery that are believed to have been brought by Ponce De Leon.

"Promoting the stewardship of natural, archaeological and cultural sites is a core service of the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department," said Director Eric Call. "This important historical site, one of the oldest in Palm Beach County, is our gateway to the past."

The DuBois Pioneer Home is located in DuBois Park at 19075 DuBois Road in Jupiter, Florida and is operated by the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department in cooperation with the Loxahatchee Guild and other funding partners. Visit www.pbcparks.com for more information.

Tour Information
Docent led tours are available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Tours are also available for school field trips and private groups by appointment. Contact 561-966-6609 for more information.

Docents Needed
Do you Love History? Would you like to share your knowledge and passion with the public? Sign up to be a docent today. No experience required, must be at least 18 years old. Contact 561-966-6609 for more information.

Grants & Partnerships
The Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department is currently seeking grant funding and other funding alternatives to continue the renovations of the DuBois Pioneer Home and Pineapple Packing House. Contact 561-966-6643 for more information.