Third Thursday @ 3 was initiated to provide a daytime option for those who want to learn more Palm Beach County history. Attendees are encouraged to visit the admission-free Johnson History Museum on the 2nd floor before or after the lectures.

Third Thursday @ 3 lecture series presents:

Thursday, January 16, 2020
     Cynthia Kanai, Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens

Cynthia Kanai is CEO of Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens in Palm Beach, which includes a landmarked house, gardens, and art collection.  At Palm Beach Day Academy, she taught for 25 years before serving as development director for three years. Kanai was awarded the William T. Dwyer Excellence in Education Award in Palm Beach County in 2012 and the Adele Shook Merck Excellence in Education Teacher of the Year Award in 2010. She holds a M.S. in Leadership from Palm Beach Atlantic University and a B.S. in Education from Cameron University (Oklahoma).

Thursday, February 20, 2020
     Cheryl Houghtelin, MacArthur State Park

Houghtelin served as Executive Director of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County from 2000 to 2002.

Thursday, March 19, 2020
     Al Simbritz, Elliott Museum
House of Refuge, Hutchinson Island

Simbritz will discuss the history of the House of Refuge, the oldest building in Martin County, and how its preservation brought about the founding of the Martin County Historical Society and the Elliott Museum. Topics will include pirate Don Pedro Gilbert, who lent his name to the area of Hutchinson Island; the rescue and preservation of this last remaining House of Refuge; and the Elliott family, which made the museum possible. Simbritz is Education Coordinator for the Elliott Museum, where he has also served as volunteer and several staff positions, including Executive Director.  Simbritz holds a M.S. degree from Barry University in Leadership and Organizational Development.

Thursday, April 18, 2020
     Virgilia Viale Baird, West Palm Beach Public Utilities
     One Water

The term “One Water” describes a comprehensive and long-term approach to community-based water management. From the origins of the West Palm Beach Water Works, to Flagler’s purchase of the Grassy Waters Preserve, to our present-day water, wastewater, and stormwater operations, One Water provides a fresh perspective on the City of West Palm Beach Public Utilities.  It focuses on the various facets of utilities operations and celebrates the connection between public health and the environment. Baird holds a B.S. degree in Environmental Science and Policy and a minor in Women’s Studies from the University of South Florida.  She joined the City of West Palm Beach Public Utilities Department in 2012 in the Laboratory Services division and currently serves as the Environmental Management Systems Coordinator.