Born in Den Helder, Netherlands on October 9, 1863, Bok moved to the United States at age six and eventually became the editor of the Ladies Home Journal. The magazine, under his management, became one of the most successful and influential publications in America and the first magazine in the world to have one-million subscribers.
After 30 years with the magazine, he retired, and a year later published The Americanization of Edward Bok. The book won the Joseph Pulitzer Prize for best autobiography.
The museum also features the story of the Sanctuary's creation and an overview of the habitat and topography of the unique Lake Wales Ridge.
Interesting hands-on exhibits include a miniature replica of the Singing Tower that lights up and explains what is housed on each level. Also, the original keyboard for the carillon is preserved in the museum and visitors have a chance to play a note and see how the carillon works.
The Exhibit Hall and Museum is located in the spacious Education and Visitor Center at the entrance to the Historic Bok Sanctuary.
