Our Current Museum Hours Are:

Tuesday - Friday: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Monday, Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED 

A courtesy call before heading our way, would be greatly appreciated.

386.478.1934

Happy 4th! The Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day or July 4th, has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence.

(history.com)

July and August are well known for the months where the Summer Olympics are occurring and many people from all over the world get to express their talents in sports. 2021 is the new year where there is an outstanding amount of Black athletes that are competing in the Summer Olympics for team USA, especially Black women. Here is a brief sneak peek list of Black athletes that are competing in the Summer Olympics in Tokyo 2021.  

Since the Summer Olympics is coming up soon, we want to take this moment to honor some famous Olympians that changed the game and inspired many along the way. 

(www.brittanica.com)

While New Smyrna Beach does not have any Olympic stars just yet, we do have athletes that are making their way up to stardom. Below are a few talented sports players of the past and present who hailed from the New Smyrna Beach area. 

1. July 5, 1852: Frederick Douglass gave a speech that is now known as the “What To The Slave Is The 4th Of July” speech. When Douglass gave his speech he acknowledged the signers of the Declaration of Independence but he made it clear that there was too much work to be done before the 4th of July would be a day of celebration for African Americans. Be sure to check out our books at the Museum on Frederick Douglass. (see first picture)

2. August 23, 1861: James Stone, who was a light-complexioned black man, had already enlisted in the Union Army two years before black people were allowed to join. Passing as a white man, he became the first black man enlisted to fight with the Union forces, Stone’s racial identity was never discovered until after his death. (see second picture)

3. July 28, 1868: The Fourteenth Amendment was adopted, guaranteeing citizenship to freed slaves. Former slaves were free but not equal; states passed laws called Black Codes to restrict their rights. The 14th amendment stated that African Americans were due the same rights and protections as all citizens. 

4. August 30, 1983: Guion (Guy) S. Bluford, Jr. was the first black American astronaut to make a space flight on board the space shuttle "Challenger." (see third picture)

August is known as National Black Business Month, where we recognize all of the Black Businesses across the world. 

Black business owners account for about 10 percent of U.S. businesses and about 30 percent of all minority-owned businesses. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, that amounts to approximately two million companies owned by African Americans. Nearly 40 percent of black-owned businesses are in health care and social assistance, repair and maintenance, and personal and laundry services.

To honor this month, here is a list of local Black Businesses in the New Smyrna Beach area to support and acknowledge especially during the month of August. 

(nationaldaycalendar.com)

Volunteering your time and talents are ways to support the museum and help preserve our local history. Help is needed in the following areas: 

1. Displaying artifacts & making exhibits accessible to the public. (no prior experience needed)

2. Help organize our collection of materials, including cataloging of books and artifacts. (computer skills are needed)

3. Tour guides to assist with individual and group tours. (cheat sheets are available)

4. Special events volunteers. (training will be provided)

Please consider joining us. Call Ann Harrell or text 386-295-0676.  

Stop by the museum and pick up a raffle ticket for yourself or a friend in order to help the museum revive fundraising efforts from 2020 that were held back due to COVID-19. 

Tickets are sold for $5.00 each or $20.00 for each book of 5. If you buy four raffle tickets you will get one for free!

All proceeds benefit the Mary S. Harrell Scholarship Fund and tickets will be drawn at our Annual Meet & Greet on September 12, 2021. 

Sheree William, Dowayne Peterson Sr., Rachel Ramsey, Daniel Thatcher, Jacqueline & Willie Stratton & Mary Ludwig

We thank you for your membership!

Due to the current Pandemic, the Museum has not been able to hold our Annual Meet & Greet Membership Event. However, your renewed commitment is critical in helping the museum to continue the mission of sharing African American history and Culture as we focus on Telling the Full American Story. So, if you have not done so, please take a moment to renew your Membership today and invite your friends and family members to do likewise. Your renewal gift of any size will be greatly appreciated.

PLEASE JOIN/RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP NOW FOR 2021.