Latest edition of Historical Review celebrates 75th anniversary of Florida Supreme Court’s building
The Florida Supreme Court building in Tallahassee begins to take shape in August 1948, including the skeleton of its signature Guastavino dome. An overview of the Supreme Court’s architectural design is one of many stories in the latest edition of the Florida Supreme Court Historical Society’s Historical Review magazine.
The latest issue of Historical Review, a publication of the Florida Supreme Court Historical Society, celebrates the 75th anniversary of the opening of the Florida Supreme Court’s building in Tallahassee.
The magazine features articles and historical photographs detailing the court’s construction, unique architectural elements, and renovations over the years. It also highlights Justice Ricky Polston’s recent retirement from the court and Justice Meredith Sasso’s subsequent appointment.
Editor Joseph H. Lang, Jr., a Tampa attorney, and publication consultant Rosanne Dunkelberger oversaw the making of this issue.
Participants gather in front of the not-quite-completed Florida Supreme Court building before the dedication ceremony on December 29, 1948.
Articles include:
- From the President: Historical Society President Tim Chinaris discusses how a sense of place is vitally important to understanding history.
- Under the Dome: Chief’s Message: Chief Justice Carlos G. Muñiz highlights new educational exhibits that now fill the walls of the Florida Supreme Court building. The project was championed by Justice Jamie Grosshans and, in part, sponsored by the Historical Society.
- The Supreme Court of Florida’s New Building in 1948: An overview of the Florida Supreme Court building’s architectural design, including its signature Guastavino dome and green marble columns.
- What’s in the Cornerstone?: If you’re curious about what’s in the Florida Supreme Court building’s cornerstone, laid during dedication ceremonies in December 1948, some of the items deemed historically significant 75 years ago may surprise you.
- Making History in Oral Arguments and Proceedings Before The Supreme Court of Florida: Outlines notable historic events at the Florida Supreme Court building, from its dedication ceremony to the broadcasting of live oral arguments and ceremonial sessions.
- Ask the Archivist: With the help of transcribed historical documents, Florida Supreme Court Archivist Erik Robinson explains why the elevator in the new 1949 Supreme Court building was not working properly at first.
- The Guastavino Dome: The Florida Supreme Court Building’s Crown Jewel: The architectural heritage of the Florida Supreme Court boasts a remarkable gem that often goes unnoticed — the outer dome.
- It All Started With a Leaky Roof: By the late 1980s, repairs to the Florida Supreme Court building were desperately needed. This story details how those repairs, along with the building’s expansion, finally came to be.
- Old House Moves to a New Home at FSU: Historical Society Trustee Patsy Palmer describes the history of the McIntosh House (now known as the Pearl Tyner House) and its connections to the Florida Supreme Court. She and her late husband, Florida State University Past President Sandy D’Alemberte, lived in the historic home from 1994-1999.
- ‘A Supreme Evening 2024’: Get acquainted with the featured speaker of A Supreme Evening 2024, former U.S. Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales.
- Restoring the Colorful History of the Florida Supreme Court: An essential part of the colorful history of the Florida Supreme Court is being restored thanks to advances in digitizing and correcting color photographs and the Historical Society.
- ‘A Supreme Evening 2023’: A recap of A Supreme Evening 2023, which explored the college admissions scandal and its aftermath.
- Investiture of Justice Renatha Francis as the 92nd Justice: Judges, lawyers, and distinguished guests from all corners of the state gathered in Tallahassee to celebrate the investiture of Justice Renatha Francis.
- Getting to Know Justice Meredith Sasso: Learn about Justice Meredith Sasso, the newest justice of the Florida Supreme Court.
- Justice Ricky Polston Departs the Supreme Court: Justice Ricky Polston reflects on more than 20 years of service with the judiciary.
- Historical Society Director Honored for Service to the Legal Profession: Historical Society Executive Director Mark Miller was honored with The Florida Bar’s 2023 Marshall R. Cassedy, Sr., Award.
- Federal Court named for Judge Hatchett: The United States Courthouse and Federal Building in Tallahassee was recently renamed to honor civil rights pioneer and former Florida Supreme Court Justice Joseph W. Hatchett.
- Ceremonial Chief Justice Office Celebrates the Supreme Court and its Justices: The new Ceremonial Chief Justice Office at the Florida Supreme Court highlights one of the most treasured artifacts owned by the Historical Society.
Read the entire issue online at FlCourtHistory.org/Historical-Review.
Holly Brooks is the president of Holly Brooks Communications and prepared this column on behalf of The Florida Supreme Court Historical Society.
