ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — St. Augustine could be home of the planned Florida Museum of Black History. However, other cities and municipalities are interested in claiming the museum as well. The St. Johns County Commissioners want residents to support this effort.
On May 11, 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill that would create the museum. The state wants input from people, as county officials are confident that the Ancient City is the perfect fit.
For years, David Nolan, a local historian in St. Augustine, made it his mission to tell the stories that are not often told.
"Because we [St. Augustine] have the oldest and deepest, and richest and most important Black history here," Nolan said.
From the earliest records of African families living in St. Augustine to the Civil Rights Movement - Nolan believes bringing the museum would inspire next generations. The city's history is something Nolan describes as "incredible." He says what happened in St. Augustine, "changed America and inspired the world."
"I've always felt that St. Augustine had an obligation to be a kind of history teacher at large to the world," Nolan told First Coast News.
St. Johns County Commissioner Sarah Arnold couldn't agree more with Nolan's sentiment.
"This is where Black history started and this would be a full circle moment bringing it back here," Arnold said. "The stories and exhibits would showcase on the land what was once home to a historically Black private university. Bringing Florida Memorial [University] back here and being able to tell a story, no one can tell a story quite like we [St. Augustine] can. We've been in touch with Florida Memorial University. They were located here and left in the cover of darkness under the Civil Rights Movement. We've spoken with them and they're willing to give us the land to put it there."
The state is looking for feedback and they are keeping a survey open until Feb. 29.