Often overlooked by the events in Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia, Florida played a major role in the nation’s Civil Rights movement. Sit-ins, wade-ins, Freedom Rides, and marches, as well as lawsuits that changed how the St. Petersburg police department was run, Floridians experienced it all. Those stories are told in Civil Rights in the Sunshine State – a collection of over 100 photographs, storyboards and artifacts – opens Saturday, Feb. 25 at 10am in the St. Petersburg Museum of History.
New Civil Rights exhibit opens at Museum of History
Entering the exhibit through the St. Petersburg African American Heritage Trail, visitors will first experience the events that took place in St. Petersburg. The bravery of the Courageous 12, actions of key figures such as Dr. Ralph and C. Bette Wimbish, Rev. Enoch Davis, and Joseph Savage, as well as the protests on Spa Beach, Spa Pool, and at lunch counters on Central Avenue.
The St. Petersburg Museum of History – celebrating 101 years of sharing stories of the Sunshine City – is located at 335 2nd Avenue NE on the St. Pete Pier. Hours are 10am-5pm Monday-Saturday and Noon-5pm on Sundays. Read more
