Research & Resources

     In 1990 the Florida Legistlature established a Study Commission on African American History in Florida. 
Two years later that Commission published a booklet called Florida Black Heritage Trail, which was later
updated in 1994. The Trail consists of several hundred sites of significance to African Americans in Florida
(1993).
                            black heritage in florida
                                                                            E-Book, Florida Black Heritage Trail.

You can view this book On line its web address follows.  
 http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/milesmedia/floridablackheritage

Florida African-American Heritage Preservation Network.

      FAAHPN is an educational and technical assistance component of the Riley Center/Museum. Every organization or person involved in, or desirous of supporting, efforts to preserve and celebrate African American cultural and history should join the Network. Together, we can make a difference in our lives and communities.  Visit the The Florida African-American Heritage Preservation Network (FAAHPN)        http://www.faahpn.com

African American Biographical Database: 1790-

       This unique and extensive database provides biographical sketches, photographs and illustrations, and other information for over 30,000 African-Americans from every walk of life - illustrating the rich cultural heritage of the African-American community. The resource includes such varied and accomplished individuals as national activists; state and local figures; prominent women; legal, medical, educational, business, and other professionals; musicians, artists and writers; church and missionary leaders; social club and fraternal order members; reform organization members; former slaves; and more. The landmark collection is searchable by name of subject of the biography, place of birth, occupation, religion, date of birth or death, gender, and by source of  information.   More:  http://library.uwf.edu/eli/social/multicultural

The African-American Heritage Society, Pensacola, FL.

The African-American Heritage Society was founded September 12, 1990 to preserve, promote, and perpetuate cultural diversity through partnership with public and private organizations.  Its vision is to initiate, facilitate, and promote the concept and practice of African-American culture and cultural diversity toward the full development of individual, organizational and community life.  The society's headquarters are located at 200 Church Street, Pensacola, Floridain the historic Kate Coulson House and is slated in the future to become "The African-American Heritage Center/Kate Coulson House."  The center is an integral component of cultural tourism in Northwest Florida. The society has recently produced the very first Pensacola African-American Heritage Trail brochure, which highlights over twenty-two (22) historically significant sights.  (For additional information go here:  http://gcaavb.com/).

Black Society in Spanish Florida. By Jane Landers. Foreword by Peter H. Wood (Urbana and Chicago: University of Illinois Press, 1999. 
     There is a review of this book in the Journal of Social History, Sept 22, 2000, by Robert H. Jackson.  (Google the title and review).

Additional resources:

The African American Heritage of Florida. Ed. by David R. Colburn and Jane L. Landers.  
     Africans participated in all the Spanish explorations and settlements inS Florida, as they did throughout the Spanish Americas. In Florida they helped establish St. Augustine and the free black community of Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose.  Africans and African Americans fought in the many conflicts that wracked Florida, including the three Seminole Wars and the Civil War. Despite the oppressions of slavery and segregation, black Floridians struggled to establish their own communities, combat racism and economic deprivation, and negotiate the terms of their labor. Against overwhelming odds, they helped develop communities like Jacksonville, Tampa, and Miami, and they served as the critical labor force for the state's citrus, agricultural, and timber industries.

Holdings at Baker Block Museum Research Library.

 

Baker Block Museum Educational Services.   Baker, FL         (850) 537-571