“When you step into Whitehall, you’re not just walking through a house—you’re stepping into a vision of what America could be: a place of beauty, innovation, and possibility.” — Campbell Mobley

What can a single house reveal about the creation of an entire destination?

In this episode of Grandma's Silver, I speak with Campbell Mobley of the Flagler Museum, the Gilded Age estate of Henry Flagler in Palm Beach, Florida.

Completed in 1902, Whitehall was once described as "more wonderful than any palace in Europe," and it remains one of the most important surviving Gilded Age homes in the United States. Today the museum preserves not only the architecture and interiors of the house, but also the broader story of how Flagler's railroad and hotel ventures transformed Florida's east coast and helped establish Palm Beach as a winter resort destination.

In our conversation, Campbell, the museum's Chief Curator, shares how the museum interprets this history for modern audiences, what visitors often find most surprising when they walk through the house, and how historic spaces like Whitehall help us understand the social life, design sensibilities, and ambitions of the Gilded Age.

We discuss:

• The creation of Whitehall and its remarkable architecture
• Henry Flagler's role in shaping Palm Beach and Florida tourism
• How the Flagler Museum brings Gilded Age history to life today
• Why historic houses continue to resonate with modern visitors

For anyone who loves design history, Palm Beach culture, or the stories behind America's great houses, this episode offers a fascinating look inside one of the country's most iconic historic homes.

RESOURCES:

• Plan your visit to the Flagler Museum, check out their exhibitions, or view upcoming events here.
• Follow along on Instagram and/or Facebook. They're also on YouTube!

Read about Palm Beach and Flagler!
Start here: www.arcadiapublishing.com/GRANDMILLENNIAL
Code: GRANDMILLENNIAL


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