African American Heritage Society of Pensacola

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The African American Heritage Society is proud to announce that our newly renovated museum is OPEN. We invite the community to visit and experience our newly curated Permanent Museum Collection, which features artwork in our Main Gallery and local Pensacola history in the adjacent Hall Gallery.

Together, these collections celebrate the rich cultural heritage, creativity, and history of our community. We encourage you to stop by the Museum to view the collections in person. A preview can be seen below.

QUARTERLY BOOK CLUB PROGRAM

Join us for our next book discussion as we explore Belle da Costa Greene’s extraordinary life in "The Personal Librarian" by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray.
Greene was hired by financier J.P. Morgan to curate his world-class collection of rare books and manuscripts. To navigate New York society and protect her family, she kept a monumental secret.
We will discuss Greene's incredible legacy as one of the most powerful figures in art and museum history, while exploring themes of identity, curation, and the hidden stories behind famous collections.
Please read the book before the meeting. We look forward to a vibrant discussion surrounded by our own history and art.
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Reserve your seat now by clicking here. Register!

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Indigenous Peoples Day Event

BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENT

Art Talk with Mr. Don Partington was an outstanding educational and uplifting event, marking the grand reopening of our newly remodeled Gallery and the debut of our Permanent Art Collection. Guests enjoyed learning about the meaning and history behind the featured artists and their remarkable works. The evening was truly special, with attendance overflowing into the halls and standing room only. We sincerely appreciate everyone who joined us.
Due to overwhelming interest and a sold-out crowd, we will offer multiple screenings of Don’s PowerPoint presentation at designated times throughout February. Please visit our website soon for the latest dates and times.

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These remarks were prepared by Board Member, Mrs. Patsy Suydam, for presentation at the Museum Open House and Art Talk.

I’m delighted by the way this space has come together and how it now feels and functions. It is really a great way to start the new year.

The installation includes original works by Olin Dows, thanks to the generosity of the collector who will be speaking with us shortly.

I’ll admit I wasn’t familiar with Olin Dows at first, but I quickly learned that he was not only a talented artist, but also an interesting figure in American history. He grew up along the Hudson River near Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and the two were friends. Through Roosevelt’s New Deal, Dows became part of a nationwide effort to support artists during the Depression.

Some of his murals in New York post offices have sparked significant conversations in recent years about how history and race are shown in public art — which is really a reminder that art keeps speaking to us long after it’s made.

That spirit of conversation and discovery is very much what this newly imagined space is inviting us to do. I’m sure you will be seeing more of these thoughtful community events in the weeks to come.

We are excited to announce the grand reopening of our museum following renovations, along with the unveiling of our new Permanent Art Collection. This exhibit showcases masterpieces from celebrated artists such as Jacob Lawrence, Olin Dows, Jackson Lee Nesbitt, Bisa Butler, and many others. Mr. Donald Partington, a passionate art collector, will lead a presentation about the new collection. Join us for a reception and don’t miss your chance to win stunning door prizes including Beautiful Hand Blown Glass and additional items generously provided by First City Art Center

See just a few of the door prizes to be given to registrants, below!

November 15, 2025 – 35th Anniversary Gala!

The 35th Anniversary Gala, held on November 15, 2025, marked the opening event of our 2025-2026 season. The evening celebrated the “Dandy” theme by presenting 37 distinguished men from our Pensacola Community who exemplified style and grace. Guests enjoyed inspiring music, creative dance, poetry, modeling, and interesting insightful introductions of each of the dandies, recognitions of those who make our mission possible, and other special activities, making it a memorable start to an exceptional year.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us and contributed to the incredible success of our 35th Anniversary Gala featuring the Dandies!

Gala Highlights!

We sincerely acknowledge the outstanding commitment and diligence of our

2025 Advisory Committee

and extend our deepest gratitude for their unwavering dedication and exemplary efforts.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 35TH ANNIVERSARY HONOREES!

Mrs. Jane Switzer

Pensacola (FL) Chapter of The Links, Inc. (Represented by Chapter President Dr. Anita Gail Choice)

Mr. Quint Studer

Mrs. Orastine Wills

Mr. Donald Partington, Esq.

We sincerely appreciate our distinguished gentlemen models—the Dandies—for their outstanding contributions and for bringing such elegance and style to our event!