By Mike Miller March 27, 2023
From the early arrival of Africans to Spanish Florida in the 1500s to the present, African Americans have played a vital role in shaping the state’s culture and economy.
Visiting a Florida African American museum or historic site is a great way to learn about this history and gain a deeper understanding of the African American experience in the state.
Visitors can expect to learn about the contributions and struggles of African Americans throughout Florida’s history at these museums and historic sites,
Exhibitions and collections often cover a range of topics, including slavery, race relations, civil rights, cultural traditions, and contemporary issues facing black people.
Museums often feature exhibits of African American art, literature, music, and dance, showcasing the rich cultural traditions and diversity of the community, including oral histories.
Visitors can also participate in educational programs, tours and events such as Black History Month, which provide a deeper insight into African American history and culture.
Here is a list of 20 African American museums and historic sites in the state of Florida along with their website addresses.
1. Museum of African American Arts In DeLand, Florida, there is a unique museum that showcases the artistic talent of African American artists. The museum has a collection of over 1,500 works of art, including paintings, sculptures and photographs. Visitors can also attend various cultural events, workshops and shows. Website
2. African American Research Library and Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is a unique library and research center dedicated to the preservation and celebration of African American culture and history. The library has an extensive collection of books, manuscripts, and artifacts that document the African American experience. Visitors can also attend various cultural events, educational programs and exhibitions. Website
3. Carnegie Library at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida, there is a historic library built in 1908 with funds provided by Andrew Carnegie. The library was an important center for African American education and culture during the Jim Crow era. Today, the library has been restored and is open for tours and special events. Website
4. Old Dillard High School In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, there is a historic school building that was once the only public high school for African Americans in the area. The school was an important center for African American education and culture during the Jim Crow era. Today the building has been restored and houses a museum and cultural center. Website
5. Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum of Florida in the city of St. Petersburg, Florida, there is a museum that celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the “Father of Black History.” The museum also highlights the achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout history. Visitors can view exhibits, attend cultural events in Pinellas County, and participate in educational programs. Website
6. Ely Educational Museum in Pompano Beach, Florida, is a museum that celebrates the legacy and history of Blanche Ely High School, which was the first public high school for African Americans in Pompano Beach. The museum features exhibits on a variety of topics, including the history of the school, its alumni, and the African American experience in South Florida. Visitors can also attend various cultural events, educational programs and exhibitions. Website
7. House museum of family heritage In Bradenton, Florida, there is a museum that celebrates the cultural heritage of the local black community. The museum features exhibits on a variety of topics, including the history of African Americans in Manatee County, the contributions of local African American leaders, and the African American experience in the United States. Visitors can also attend various cultural events, workshops and shows. Website
8. Fort Mose in St. Augustine, Florida, is a historic site that was once a colony of escaped African slaves. The colony was established in 1738 and was the first legally sanctioned free African colony in what is now the United States. Today, visitors can tour the site and learn about the history of Fort Mose and the African American experience in early Florida. Website
9. Prospect Bluff Historic Sites in Franklin County, Florida are the remains of a fort occupied by a community of escaped slaves and Native Americans in the early 19th century. The community was known as “Negro Fort” and was destroyed by American forces in 1816. Today, visitors can tour the site and learn about the fort’s history and the African American experience in early Florida. Website
10. Hannibal Square Heritage Center in Winter Park, Florida, is a museum that celebrates the history and culture of the local African American community. The museum features exhibits on a variety of topics, including the history of African Americans in Winter Park, the contributions of local African American leaders, and the African American experience in the United States. Visitors can also attend various cultural events, workshops and shows. Website
11. Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center – St. Augustine: The Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center in St. Augustine, Florida, is one of several black history museums that celebrate the history and culture of the local African American community. The museum features exhibits on a variety of topics, including the history of African Americans in St. Augustine, the contributions of local African American leaders, and the African American experience in the United States. Visitors can also attend cultural events and shows.
12. Mary McLeod Bethune House in Daytona Beach, Florida, was the home of Mary McLeod Bethune, an African-American educator and civil rights leader.
The house has been restored to its original 1920s appearance and is now a National Historic Landmark.
Visitors can take tours and learn about Bethune’s life and legacy. Website
13. John Gilmore Riley House In Tallahassee, Florida, there is a historic home once owned by John G. Riley, an African-American businessman and community leader. The house has been restored to its original 19th century appearance and is now a museum sometimes known as the JG Riley Center that showcases the history and culture of the local African American community. Visitors can take guided tours and learn about the history of the Riley family and their contributions to the African American community. Website
14. Well-built hotel In Orlando, Florida, there is a historic hotel that was once a popular destination for African-American tourists during the era of segregation. The hotel was founded in 1926 and was one of the few hotels in Orlando to accommodate African-American guests. Today the building has been restored and houses a museum and cultural center. Website
15. Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts in Eatonville, Florida, there is a museum dedicated to the life and work of Zora Neale Hurston, an African-American writer and anthropologist.
The museum has a collection of Hurston’s personal items, photographs, historical documents and artwork.
Visitors can also attend various cultural events and exhibitions. Website
16. Historic Hampton House In Miami, Florida, there is a former hotel that was a gathering place for African-American celebrities during the Jim Crow era. The hotel was also an important site for civil rights activism in Miami. The building has been restored and is open for guided tours.
17. Florida Civil Rights Museum in Tallahassee, Florida, there is a museum dedicated to the history of the civil rights movement in Florida. The museum features exhibits on segregation, the Voting Rights Act, and the Freedom Rides. Visitors can also attend educational programs and events. Website
18. Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater Cultural Arts Complex in Miami, Florida, is a cultural center that celebrates the history and culture of Miami’s African Americans. The complex includes a museum, art gallery and performance space. Visitors can attend various cultural events, exhibitions and shows. Website
19. Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore Cultural Center In Mims, Florida, there is a museum dedicated to the lives and works of Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore, two civil rights activists killed in a bombing in 1951. The museum has exhibits on various topics, including Moore’s activism and the civil rights movement in Florida. Visitors can also attend educational programs and special events. Website
20. Spady Cultural Heritage Museum In Delray Beach, Florida, there is a museum that celebrates the cultural heritage of the local African American community. The museum features exhibits on a variety of topics, including the history of African Americans in South Florida, the contributions of local African American leaders, and the African American experience in the United States. Visitors can also attend various cultural events, workshops and shows. Website
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By Mike Miller, copyright 2009-2024
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