ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – St. Johns County officials asked residents to speak up and encourage state leaders to choose St. Augustine as a site for the proposed Florida Black History Museum.
Residents were asked to fill out a survey that will be used by the Florida Black History Task Force to present to the state to help them decide where the museum could be located.
During the Black History Task Force webinar, representatives for the county presented multiple reasons why the city is a perfect location. Two included: it’s a world-class African-American heritage destination and there are abundant historic and cultural sites.
Some St. Augustine residents are excited at the thought of the museum coming to their city. One woman who’s called St. Augustine home since her birth in the 60s said there’s no better place to put it.
“I think it’s a great idea you can’t have too much history. No matter what race you are,” Valerie James said. “And especially since you’re talking about the black community I think it’s a great idea to have an African American museum in the area.”
So far 13 areas, including St. Johns County have presented to the task force, pitching why their area should be selected for the proposed museum.
The other locations include: Daytona Beach, Eatonville, Havana, Jackson County, Nassau County/Amelia Island, Opa-locka, Orlando, Panama City Beach, Quincy, Sarasota, Seminole County and St. Petersburg.
St. Johns County indicated if they are chosen, a potential location for the museum could be the former Florida Memorial University Property.
For the cities to be selected their are seven criteria they would be judged on including: Historical Significance of Proposed Community or Region, Appropriateness of Proposed Location, Regional Economy, Regional Demographics, Transportation Infrastructure, Funding Commitments and Support and Educational Resources.
James said it’s exciting knowing a museum of that magnitude could potentially come to St. Augustine.
She said she knows it would have to include history from all over, but hopes if it does come to the historic city it would highlight some of the people and local sites that are known for being impactful in the African American community.
“Some of our local churches and how long they’ve been in the town like Greater Saint Mary’s and how long they have been in the town, “James said. “Places on the westside like Shiloh.”
The public survey is available online through February 29, 2024.
Responses received from the public will be included in the Task Force’s report to the Florida Legislature, which is expected to be completed before July 1, 2024.