Woodson African American Museum of Florida
Preserve | Present | Interpret
The museum presents the historic voice of this St. Petersburg, Florida community from the perspective of local, regional, and national history, culture, and community. It is another demonstration of the commitment to revitalize the Midtown St. Petersburg area.
The museum joins Mercy Hospital at the Johnnie Ruth Clarke Health Center, the Royal Theater Boys and Girls Club, and the renovated Manhattan Casino as evidence of the renaissance of this area.
News
The Woodson African American Museum’s First Ladies Society Hosts DNC Nomination Watch Party.
August 22, 2024
Members of The Woodson African American Museum’s First Ladies Society hosted a Watch Party to witness a historic moment: Vice President Kamala Harris becoming the first Black woman to accept the Democratic nomination for the 2024 Presidential Election. The event celebrated a significant milestone, while local First Ladies shared in the excitement of “history in the making.”
Current Exhibit
Black History Matter Mural
When
Currently on Display
Where
Woodson African American Museum of Florida
Admission
Open to the Public
What
Previously a BLACK LIVES MATTER mural, this updated mural expresses the importance of protecting Black History in the United States.
The Artists that contributed to the creation of this mural include Daniel “R5” Barojas, Miss Crit (Laura Spencer), Esh (Eric Hornsby), Cyrus Fire, Raheem Fitzgerald, John Gascot,
James E Hartzell, Vera Herrera, Plum Howlet, Jade Jackson, Reid Jenkins, Jujmo (Cheryl Weber), James Kitchens, Cam Parker, Reda3sb, Vitale Bros, Javon Walters, David Watson
T-shirts & Mural Prints
PURCHASE A T-SHIRT OR MURAL PRINT HERE
T-shirts and Black Lives Matter Mural prints are available for purchase.
Items are available for pick-up Tuesday – Friday, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Upcoming Events
Saturday Morning Yoga at The Woodson
When
Every Saturday Morning at 9 AM
Where
Woodson African American Museum of Florida
Admission
Free
What
Enjoy a calming yoga session led by Mindful Movement in The Woodson’s Legacy Garden every Saturday morning.
Registration is not required for these free yoga classes.
Mary Proctor: Paint the Way to Stay
When
September 17 through December 20, 2024
Where
The Woodson African American Museum of Florida
Admission
FREE
What
The Woodson African American Museum of Florida is excited to announce the opening of a new exhibition, Mary Proctor: Paint the Way to Stay, showcasing the works of visionary artist Mary Proctor. The exhibition will be open to the public starting Tuesday, September 17 and will feature an inspiring collection of painted panels and doors that capture Proctor’s unique artistic practice and inspiring voice.
Mary Proctor, whose work is featured in prestigious museum collections including the Smithsonian Institution Anacostia Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, High Museum of Art, Polk Museum of Art, and Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, brings a distinct perspective to the world of contemporary folk art. Known for her vibrant and earnest paintings on uplifting themes of spirituality and resilience, Proctor’s art is deeply rooted in personal history, cultural memory, as well as an unyielding sense of purpose.
Mary Proctor is a self-taught artist whose career began with a mission to honor the memory of her deceased family members. Her work often incorporates found objects, vivid colors, and religious iconography, inviting viewers to explore messages of faith, love, and perseverance. As a celebrated artist in the field of contemporary folk art, Proctor continues to inspire audiences with her creative vision.
The exhibition will run through December 20, 2024, and will feature a series of engaging public programs, including artist talks, and workshops. Join us on Saturday, September 21 for Free Museum Day as we speak with Mary Proctor and she leads a workshop.
Book Talk with Author Raymond Arsenault
When
Thursday, October 17, 2024
Where
The Woodson African American Museum of Florida
Admission
Free
What
Historian and author Raymond Arsenault will speak about In Search of the Beloved Community, his acclaimed biography of civil rights leader and U.S. Congressman John Lewis. RSVP for Free by clicking here.
“An exemplary biography of an exemplary person, essential to the history of the Civil Rights Movement.”
–Kirkus Reviews
“He offers the first comprehensive biography of the late civil rights giant…Arsenault has produced a valuable piece of deeply researched nonfiction”
–The Washington Post
St. Pete Reads! Lit Fest
When
Saturday, November 2, 10am
Where
The Woodson African American Museum of Florida - Legacy Garden
Admission
Free
What
Join us in the Legacy Garden on Saturday, November 2nd from 10am – 4pm for an exciting lineup featuring Winsome Bingham, Derrick Barnes, Nicole D. Collier, and Greg Neri. NOMAD Studio returns with their drop-in art studio, and Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association will lead a special jazz story time! This free, all-ages event includes overflow parking generously provided by St. Petersburg College. Learn more and see the full schedule here.
Books, Bubbles & Brunch with Dr. John L Smith, Jr.
When
Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 10:30am
Where
The Woodson African American Museum of Florida
Admission
$20
What
This popular series is back! We’ll be enjoying a delicious brunch, some bubbles, and fascinating conversation with author Dr. John L Smith Jr. as we talk about his book They Taught Me How to Be a Man. Learn more and purchase your tickets here.