Our Current Museum Hours Are:

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

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Monday, Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED 

Theme: "Valiant Women of the Vote: Refusing to be Silenced"

Each year, March is designated Women’s History Month by Presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history. President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation in 1980 as a week. In 1987, Congress passed a law designating March as “Women’s History Month.” Since that time, each president has issued an annual proclamation designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.” The Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum staff joins in the celebration of the vital role of women in American history. 

Mary S. Harrell

Founder, Author, Educator, Community Activist, Volunteer

Today, we celebrate Mary S. Harrell – the founder of The Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum – which is a gem of local history. She was a leader in addressing the need for local Black history to be collected, preserved and shared. After 32 years of teaching in the Volusia County Schools, Mary, along with a dedicated committee, worked diligently to amass an impressive collection of local history within the walls of the Museum. Mary served as a member of many community organizations, including the founder of the Black Heritage Festival, member of the Harris House, Atlantic Center for the Arts, AAUW (American Association of University Women), Child Care Settlement, Habitat for Humanity, West Side Retirees, Friends of the Brannon Library, Allen Chapel AME Church, and others. Mary was a columnist writer for the Daytona Beach News Journal and an author. Above all, she was an inspiration and role model for many young women in the community. Few individuals have had a greater or more lasting impact on a community then Mary S. Harrell. Her legacy will live on in the many young people's lives she touched.

1. March 1, 1875: - Congress passed a Civil Rights Bill which banned discrimination in places of public accommodation. The Supreme Court overturned the Bill in 1883.

2. March 6, 1957: John Lee became the first black commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy assigned to duty. (see first picture)

3. March 11-12, 1895: 1895 New Orleans dockworkers massacre was an attack against black, non-union dockworkers by unionized white workers. The mob killed 6 black workers. (see second picture)

4. March 14, 1917: First training camp for colored officers was established by the U.S. Army in Des Moines, Iowa.

5. March 21, 1986: Debi Thomas became the first African American woman to win the World Figure Skating Championship. (see third picture)

Tap Roots were people born in the area or had lived in the area for many years. According to Jimmy Harrell, a retired Vocational Agriculture teacher for many years, defined tap roots as those that allowed trees to stand tall and strong and weather many storms of life. They are the ones who had a hand in molding the West Side into the form it is today.

Lydia Ballard Pettis

Lydia Pettis was the Founder of Forgotten Christmas Tree which provided Christmas cheer to underprivileged families and she was Founder of the Christian Women's Alliance. Mrs. Pettis was not only a pillar of good for the community, but she was also very dedicated to working for her church.

The President of United States Richard Nixon, awarded Mrs. Pettis a Commendation for her service and also named the Pettis Park in her honor in 1973. 

Oretha Wyche Bell

Oretha Bell served as Chisolm High's only Librarian for over 30 years. She had a love for politics and was a true advocate of the democratic process. With that love came a passion for her "New Smyrna Beach" where she served as a City Commissioner and Vice Mayor. 

She found time to make a difference by serving on the following boards: The Oretha Wyche Bell - Boys and Girls Club of Volusia County, Smyrna West Assisted Living Facility, and The Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum. 

Nancy Veronica Cummings

Nancy Cummings was a pioneer of Oak Hill. In 1927, she decided to visit the Volusia County Superintendent's office for an interview since they were in need of a teacher. She was the most qualified candidate and was awarded the job. 

Since Nancy was such an influential leader in Oak Hill, a park was named after her (Nancy Cummings Park) in Oak Hill. 

Shyriaka “Shy” Morris

PEACE ARTS Owner & PEACE Project Inc Founder

New Smyrna Beach, FL

Shy Morris (which is short for Shyriaka) selected works will be displayed throughout the Month of March 2021. Shy is a longtime resident (fourth generation) of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. She has logged more than 25 years of community service as a Community Artist with Atlantic Center for the Arts and PEACE ARTS Studios. She has provided free art classes to underserved communities in the area. Shy is owner of P.E.A.C.E. Arts. P.E.A.C.E. is an acronym meaning Positive Education and Creative Expressions. Shy’s work is rich with themes of social justice, diversity, local history and promotes high self-esteem. She is all about creating a better community. The viewers will get a glimpse of the African American experience.

Due to the pandemic, throughout the exhibit, the museum will be closely monitored by staff and will have a capacity of four people at a time. We expect visitors to be responsible by wearing masks and practicing social distancing. The museum has the PPE resources to help create a safe environment.

Due to the current Pandemic, the Museum has not been able to hold our Annual Meet & Greet Membership Event. 

PLEASE JOIN/RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP NOW FOR 2021.

March 14 – Daylight Saving Time – which begins at 2:00 a.m. on March 14. Don’t forget to “spring forward” and set the clocks one hour ahead, or you may find yourself an hour late for everything.