American Beach: Legacy, Memory and Preservation: Collecting interviews, photographs and historically influenced poetry related to the beach community that served as a safe haven for African Americans in Florida from the 1930s to the 1960s. Exploring the iconic destinations of the era which still exist, learning the legacies the development of the area has left on its current residents, and illustrating how a lack of priority to maintain American Beach as a historic Black neighborhood, and gentrification, effects the environment and its people.
10 Responses
Great poster! I enjoyed learning about the preservation of American Beach.
Excellent work, sierra! I’m looking forward to seeing where you take this project next.
Important research and well done – I like the ‘foresight’ section and agree there is value in highlighting the historical significance of American Beach. I hope to see more from this project moving forward!
I believe American Beach is part of a Historic District and the National Register of Historic Places. That designations should provide those trying to prevent “community redevelopment” with a strong case for preservations of the key properties associated with American Beach’s history. You might also be able to obtain a copy of the nominating documents for NRHP designation and these should provide a wealth of information about the contributing properties.
Great idea, Gordon!
Good and necessary work for NE Florida and valuable oral histories.
Would be good to highlight its uniqueness on the otherwise “developed” Amelia Island, and to also include a map of the location as well as the specific places highlighted.
This is a very interesting project, sierra. The photographs you included are an engaging and effective way to draw your reader in. Well done!
It is great to see attention given to these historic places that had and have such significance for Black history in Florida. I would be interested in seeing a digital archive with stories of people for whom this place has meaning. Such important work should continue if not be encouraged even more during a time in our nation’s history when we are more able to face the stories of People of Color and understand their impact on lives today
Thank you for highlighting a historic area that has not yet been developed. It is important to preserve historic places and allow preservation of a small local community.
I love seeing a place of such local significance. I look forward to seeing how this project develops!