Departments » Public Information » Black History Month » Florida Black First

Florida Black Heritage Trail

Font Size: + -
Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option
Print

Explore Florida’s Black Heritage Trail: A Journey Through History and Culture

Embark on an unforgettable three-day road trip across Florida, uncovering the profound contributions of African Americans to the state’s cultural and historical tapestry. The Florida Black Heritage Trail guides you through key landmarks, monuments, and the stories of remarkable leaders, offering a deep dive into a history of resilience, achievement, and legacy.

Florida's Black History Tour: Day One

Start your journey in Daytona Beach with a visit to Bethune-Cookman University. Founded by civil rights icon Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune in 1904, the university was built with just $1.50 and five students. Today, it stands as a beacon of empowerment and educational excellence. At the Bethune Foundation and Home, you can explore exhibits that honor Bethune's powerful impact on civil rights and education.

Next, head to the Howard Thurman House. Dr. Thurman, a revered theologian and civil rights advocate, was a pivotal figure in advancing racial equality through nonviolent methods. Though the house itself is not open to the public, this National Historic Place serves as a tribute to his legacy, which influenced leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Florida's Black History Tour: Day Two

On day two, continue your journey south to New Smyrna Beach, where you’ll find the Black Heritage Museum. Housed in the former Sacred Heart/St. Rita Mission Church, this museum offers a deep look into African-American achievements, with a special collection of historical photographs, including images of Chisholm High School, Volusia County's first African-American school.

In DeLand, visit the African American Museum of the Arts, which boasts an impressive collection of over 150 African artifacts and exhibits showcasing African-American artists. Nearby, the West Volusia Black Heritage Gallery at the historic Burgess Building features artifacts from the area’s early African-American residents and the DeLand Colored Hospital.

Continue to Eatonville, just north of Orlando, one of the first all-Black towns in the United States, founded in 1887. Eatonville’s historic district remains a rare example of African-American town planning. The Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts, located here, celebrates the life and work of Hurston, a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance. The museum offers fascinating insights into Eatonville’s history and Hurston’s cultural contributions.

Florida's Black History Tour: Day Three

On the final day, head to Fort Pierce to explore the Zora Neale Hurston Branch Library. This location marks a pivotal part of Hurston’s later years, where she worked as a reporter and wrote Herod the Great. The Zora Neale Hurston Dust Tracks Heritage Trail is marked with historical kiosks and markers, leading you through the places that influenced her writing and life.

While in Fort Pierce, make sure to visit the A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery, home to the works of the Florida Highwaymen, a group of self-taught African-American artists. Their vibrant landscapes, painted on Upson board, capture the beauty of Florida's natural landscapes, and their entrepreneurial spirit is an integral part of the state's artistic legacy.

Plan Your Visit

For a more immersive experience, be sure to pick up a Florida Black Heritage Trail brochure from the Florida Division of Historical Resources. The guide includes detailed historical context, information about each stop, and recommendations to enrich your journey.

Contact Information:

  • Bethune-Cookman University: 386-481-2000
  • Howard Thurman House: Not open to the public (Historic site)
  • Black Heritage Museum, New Smyrna Beach: 386-322-2645
  • African American Museum of the Arts: 386-736-4004
  • West Volusia Black Heritage Gallery: 386-740-6813
  • Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts: 407-647-3307
  • A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery: 772-465-0630
  • Zora Neale Hurston Branch Library: 772-462-2154
  • Florida Division of Historical Resources: (850) 245-6333

This three-day journey offers more than just a sightseeing tour; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the history, struggles, and triumphs that have shaped Florida's African-American legacy.