Civil Rights in the Sunshine State Closing Reception at the Museum of Florida History

TALLAHASSEE –

The Museum of Florida History is holding a closing reception for the Civil Rights in the Sunshine State exhibit on April 3, 2015 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event highlights the success of this temporary exhibit about the history of the civil rights movement in Florida. The evening includes tours of the exhibit, refreshments, and a drawing for civil rights related items from Florida’s History Shop, located in the Museum.

“This has been one of the most popular temporary exhibits the Museum has produced,” said Secretary of State Ken Detzner. “Civil rights leaders and historians from around the state have played pivotal roles in putting this exhibit together and I encourage the public to join us as we celebrate the success of this historic exhibit.”  

The program on Friday, April 3 offers a final chance for patrons to view the exhibit in Tallahassee and features a number of activities. Docents will be positioned throughout the exhibit to offer additional information about artifacts and images on display. There will be two scheduled tours offered during the event. The Museum gift shop will also be open during the event and a raffle of items from the shop will be held at 6:40 p.m. Tickets are available for $1.00 each.

“I am very proud of the work the Museum staff and our many advisors put into creating this exhibit,” said Museum Director Dr. Jeana Brunson. “It chronicles an important part of Florida history in a compelling design and I am pleased that we can celebrate its success with this final closing reception.”

The Museum of Florida History produced Civil Rights in the Sunshine State in collaboration with multiple universities, organizations, and individuals. Senior Museum Curator Michelle Hearn worked with advisors from across the state. Historians from Florida State University, the University of Florida, Florida A&M University, and the Florida African American Heritage Preservation Network (FAAHPN) all contributed to the exhibit. Many of the photographs on display are from the State Archives of Florida, and there are artifacts loaned from organizations such as the Ritz Theatre and Museum in Jacksonville, HistoryMiami, Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Cultural Center, ACCORD Civil Rights Museum, Stetson Kennedy Foundation, and Meeks-Eaton Black Archives and Museum at Florida A&M University.

The exhibit is one aspect of a number of initiatives undertaken by the Florida Department of State to commemorate the historic signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The final day to view the exhibit is April 5, 2015. After closing, the exhibit will be converted into a traveling version that will be displayed at various locations around Florida.

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About the Museum of Florida History
The Museum of Florida History is part of the Florida Department of State’s Division of Cultural Affairs and is located in the R. A. Gray Building at 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, Florida. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday and holidays, noon to 4:30 p.m.  Free parking is available in the garage next to the R. A. Gray Building.