Deltiology, is the study and collection of postcards. The word deltiology was introduced by the Professor Randall Rhoades of Ashland, Ohio, and it took about 20 years for the it to appear in a dictionary. Compared to philately, the identification of a postcard's place and time of production can often be an impossible task because postcards, unlike stamps, are produced in a decentralised, unregulated manner. For this reason, some collectors choose to limit their acquisitions to cards by specific artists and publishers, or by time and location.

Deltiolody, the hobby of collecting postcards, is the third most popular collecting hobby in the world. The variety of subjects depicted with postcards is nearly endless and is reflective of national and world events, as well as the most deeply personal feelings of individuals. Postcards from The Palm Beaches features a small sampling of postcards drawn from the Historical Society of Palm Beach County’s extensive collection. It is our hope that they will not only leave you with an appreciation for Palm Beach County but also help you recollect your cherished vacation memories.

This is an outdoor exhibit at the entrance of the 1916 Historic Courthouse, downtown West Palm Beach.

Open May 17 through August