Discover a New Place with Florida's Black Heritage Trail

 

Front Cover of "The Florida 
Black Heritage Trail (photo 
courtesy of 

We could highlight a new Florida black heritage site every week for months! But the Florida Department of State has already compiled such a wonderful resource, so we have chosen to highlight that! The Florida Black Heritage Trail is a wonderful resource to help you get started learning about Florida's rich African American history.  I guarantee that even a lifelong Floridan will thumb through the pages of this booklet and learn something new. In 1990, the Florida state legislature created the Study Commission on African American History in Florida to help increase public awareness of African American contributions to our state. This heritage trail was a result of that study. The third edition of this booklet was released in 2007 and features 64 colorful pages of African American history in Florida. It highlights sites, provides biographical sketches of many distinguished African American Floridians, and it is available both in print and digitally for free!

African Americans have been instrumental in shaping Florida's history. Their culture and heritage are interwoven into the fabric of what makes Florida such a richly diverse and unique state. From Zora Neale Hurston, an anthropologist and writer, to the many maroon communities, including Fort Gadsden, they have left a rich cultural heritage that still influences many aspects of our state. From Pensacola to Key West, African American influences can be found throughout Florida. 

Ritz Theater in Jacksonville 
(photo courtesy of the Florida Department 
of State, Division of Historical 
Resources)

All of the sites listed in the booklet are open to the public (although, please check their website for current hours and COVID protocols). We also really appreciate how easy this resource is to use! It is organized by region and county an provides a very through summary of the sites. Several FPAN staffers are known to keeps a copy of several heritage trail brochures in their personal vehicles. That way they can take a peek and see what is around  when visiting a different part of the state.

 There are a variety of heritage trails published by the Florida Department of State, and sometimes you will see the same site in multiple booklets. Our history is complex and often times a site will have numerous cultural components. That is what is so great about our state's history! And we are lucky to have these amazing booklets to help us learn and experience Florida's unique heritage. We hope that you will take advantage of this great resource. Whether you are a teacher looking for new classroom resources, or a retiree looking for a fun day trip, there is something in the Florida's Black Heritage Trail for everyone.