AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUMS
& HISTORIC SITES IN FLORIDA

By  Mike Miller October 19, 2024

From the early arrival of Africans in Spanish Florida in the 1500s until today, African Americans have played an integral role in shaping the state's culture and economy.

Visiting a Florida African American museum or historic site is an excellent way to learn about this history and gain a deeper understanding of the African American experience in the state.

Fort Mose Historical Reenactment

Visitors can expect to learn about the contributions and struggles of African Americans throughout Florida's history at these museums and historic sites,

Exhibits 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 that provide deeper insights into African American history and culture.

Here is a list of 20 Africian American museums and historic sites in the state of Florida along with their website address. 

African American Museum of the Arts

1. African American Museum of the Arts in DeLand, Florida, is a unique museum that showcases the artistic talent of African American artists. The museum has a collection of over 1500 pieces of art, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs. Visitors can also attend various cultural events, workshops, and performances. 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 exhibits. Website

3. Carnegie Library at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida, is a historic library that was 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

Old Dillard High School

4. Old Dillard High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 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 is home to a museum and cultural center.  Website

5. Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum of Florida in the Cityof St. Petersburg, Florida, 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 has exhibits on various 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 exhibits. Website

7. Family Heritage House Museum in Bradenton, Florida, is a museum that celebrates the cultural heritage of the local black community. The museum has exhibits on various 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 performances. Website

8. Fort Mose in St. Augustine, Florida, is a historic site that was once a settlement for escaped African slaves. The settlement was established in 1738 and was the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in what is now the United States. Today, visitors can visit 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 that was occupied by a community of escaped slaves and Native Americans during the early 19th century. The community was known as the "Negro Fort" and was destroyed by American forces in 1816. Today, visitors can visit the site and learn about the history of the fort and the African American experience in early Florida.

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 has exhibits on various 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 performances. 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 celebrates the history and culture of the local African American community. The museum has exhibits on various 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 performances.

12. Mary McLeod Bethune Home in Daytona Beach, Florida, was the residence of Mary McLeod Bethune, an African American educator, and civil rights leader.

The home 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, is a historic home that was once owned by John G. Riley, an African American businessman and community leader. The home has been restored to its original 19th-century appearance and is now a museum sometimes known as the J.G. 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'sbuilt Hotel in Orlando, Florida, 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 that welcomed African American guests. Today, the building has been restored and is home to a museum and cultural center. Website

15. Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts in Eatonville, Florida, 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 material and artwork.

Visitors can also attend various cultural events and exhibitions.  Website

Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts

16. Historic Hampton House in Miami, Florida, 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.

The Grove, Tallahassee

17. Florida Civil Rights Museum in Tallahassee, Florida, is a museum dedicated to the history of the civil rights movement in Florida. The museum has exhibits including segregation, Voting Rights Act, and 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 African Americans in Miami. The complex includes a museum, art gallery, and performance space. Visitors can attend various cultural events, exhibitions, and performances. Website

Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore Cultural Center

19. Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore Cultural Center in Mims, Florida, is a museum dedicated to the life and work of Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore, two civil rights activists who were killed in a bombing in 1951. The museum has exhibits on various topics, including the Moore's activism and the civil rights movement in Florida. Visitors can also attend educational programs and special events. Website

Spady Cultural Heritage Museum

20. Spady Cultural Heritage Museum in Delray Beach, Florida, is a museum that celebrates the cultural heritage of the local African American community. The museum has exhibits on various 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 performances. Website

Reflections of Manatee

21. Reflections of Manatee is a museum located in the Curry Houses Historic District in Bradenton, Florida. The museum focuses on the history of the Maroon Angola Settlement, the Curry Family and the Village of Manatee.  This location was on the Underground Railroad and also features archeological and historical objects. Website.

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