PRESS RELEASE: Secretary of State Cord Byrd Seeks Public Input on Proposed Florida Museum of Black History

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –

Today, Secretary of State Cord Byrd announced the release of a public survey to gather input for the legislatively created Florida Museum of Black History Task Force. The Department of State is distributing the survey on behalf of the Florida Museum of Black History Task Force, which was created by legislation signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis on May 11, 2023.

“Public input is needed in developing recommendations for a future Florida Museum of Black History,” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. “I encourage Floridians to take the time to complete and share the short survey and join in the effort to create recommendations that the Department of State will submit to the Florida Legislature.”

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 to be completed before July 1, 2024. The survey is a vital component of the Task Force’s report and is an opportunity for the public to participate in the process of planning for the future museum.

The Florida Museum of Black History Task Force is a nine-member body appointed by the Governor, Speaker of the House, and the Senate President. Its purpose is to develop plans for the location, design, construction, operation, administration, and marketing of the future museum. The Task Force will also develop a transition plan for the museum to become financially self-sufficient and recommend priorities for collections acquisition, exhibits, research, and educational materials for use in Florida schools.

Florida Museum of Black History Task Force Members

Appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis

• Representative Berny Jacques, Vice Chair
• Brian M. Butler
• Altony Lee

Appointed by Senate President Kathleen Passidomo

• Senator Geraldine Thompson, Chair
• Senator Bobby Powell
• Terri Lipsey Scott

Appointed by Speaker of the House Paul Renner

• Representative Kiyan Michael
• Howard M. Holley, Sr.
• Gayle Phillips

For more information about the Florida Museum of Black History Task Force, including member bios and links to recordings of past meetings, visit FLHeritage.com/BlackHistoryMuseum. The next meeting of the Task Force will be held via webinar on December 15, 2023, starting at 9:00 a.m. EST.

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About The Division of Historical Resources

The Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources (DHR) is responsible for preserving and promoting Florida’s historical and archaeological resources. The Division Director’s office oversees a grants-in-aid program to help preserve and maintain Florida’s historic buildings and archaeological sites, and coordinates outreach programs such as State Historical Markers. DHR directs historic preservation efforts throughout Florida in cooperation with state, federal, and tribal agencies, local governments, private organizations, and individuals. The Division Director serves as the State Historic Preservation Officer, acting as the liaison with the national historic preservation program conducted by the National Park Service. The Division is comprised of three Bureaus, archaeological research, historic preservation, and historical museums. For more information, visit: FLHeritage.com.