Our Current Museum Hours Are:

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

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Monday, Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED 

Celebrating Black History Month

February 2021

Theme: The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity

Black History Month is celebrated every February as a homage to the achievements of African Americans who have helped shape American history. The idea for a way to celebrate African American achievements started in 1915 by historian Carter G. Woodson – known as the Father of Black History Month. In 1976, Black History Month was made official by President Gerald Ford. It provides an opportunity to learn about the contributions African Americans have made that were too often left out of history books. Many educators continue to promote the study of Black History all year because black history is American history.

1. February 1, 1926: - What is now known as Black History Month was first celebrated on this day as Negro History Week by Carter G. Woodson. It became a month long celebration in 1976. 

2. February 3, 1920: The Negro Baseball League was founded. (see first picture)

3. February 8, 1986: Oprah Winfrey became the first African American woman to host a nationally syndicated talk show. (see second picture)

4. February 12, 1909: The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded.

5. February 26, 1864: Rebecca Lee Crumpler became the first black woman to receive an M.D. Degree. (see third picture)

We are saddened to announce the cancellation of our 30th Annual Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Festival for February 2021, but with due regard to the environment of our Vendors, Volunteers and Supporters, we must put their safety first. 

This is the first time in 29 years that our special February event will not take place. 

Please everyone continue to stay safe and wear your masks and hopefully we will be able to resume our Black Heritage Festival in 2022. 

Thank you all for your much needed support and if you have any questions regarding the cancellation of our Festival, please contact Mr. Jimmy Harrell at 386-478-1934 or by email at blackheritagemuseum@gmail.com

Kamala Harris

First Black/Asian American Vice President of the United States

Some “firsts” for Vice President Kamala Harris:

First female, first African American and Asian American, first HBCU graduate to become Vice President of U.S.; first Asian woman in the U.S. Senate; first woman and person of color to serve as San Francisco District Attorney; first woman and first African American to be Attorney General of California; first Black U.S. senator from California.

Dr. George T. McDaniels

George T. McDaniels, New Smyrna’s first Black Medical Doctor, came to New Smyrna Beach in 1925 with his wife Gertrude Mills. He established his medical practice at 535 Washington Street and built his home at 317 Sheldon Street, which still stands today. He performed medical care for the Black community at a time when practicing medicine on any other race was not permitted in the South. Before Dr. McDaniels arrived, blacks from New Smyrna had to travel by train to St. Augustine for medical services.

Only a few residents in New Smyrna Beach today remember Dr. McDaniels, but his house on Sheldon Street offers a glimpse of bygone days.

He died on Oct. 31st, 1937, at the age of 54 as a result of coronary thrombosis.

American Poet & Activist

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.

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.