- May 19, 2026
Palm Coast's first official historian Art Dycke died on May 18 at the age of 91.
Dycke served as co-historian for the City of Palm Coast with the Palm Coast Historical Society & Museum since 2000 until he retired in 2024. Dycke was a beloved community figure, author, preservationist, and passionate historian who dedicated countless hours to documenting and preserving the early history of Palm Coast, a Palm Coast press release said.
“Whenever people talk about the history of Palm Coast, Art Dycke’s name is always part of the conversation,” said Mayor Mike Norris. “Art loved telling our city’s story and making sure it would always be remembered. Art was a kind man with a great sense of humor and a deep love for his community. His legacy will live on for generations.”
Dycke began formally documenting Palm Coast's history soon after its incorporation, ensuring that the city's stories, photographs, milestones, and memories would never be forgotten, the press release. He believed history was built not only through major decisions and development plans, but through the lives of everyday residents.
His work highlighted the city’s earliest milestones, including the first homeowners, the first child born, and the first storefront to open. He preserved the stories of the individuals who built Palm Coast through perseverance and community spirit.
Through archival research, written histories, newsletters, lectures, presentations, and community outreach, Dycke recorded the stories of the people and milestones that shaped Palm Coast from its earliest development into the thriving city it is today, the press release said. He also published two books in the process, "Images of America: Palm Coast, FL" published as part of the Arcadia Publishing’s series, and "Smolen: The Father of Palm Coast," chronicled the life and influence of ITT executive Al Smolen.
"The City of Palm Coast extends its heartfelt condolences to Art Dycke’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him," the press release said. "His legacy will continue to live on through the history he worked so tirelessly to preserve."
