Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum
Preserve | Present | Interpret
The museum presents the historic voice of one segment of the St. Petersburg Florida community in 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.
Current Exhibit
The Ray McLendon Exhibit
When
November 2019 - January 2020
Where
Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum
Admission
Free to the Public
What
The Woodson is excited to display the works of Ray McClendon, son of Roy McClendon of the celebrated Highwaymen.
From the ’50s to the ’80s, the group of 26 self-taught black painters hawked their radiant Florida landscapes down U.S. 1 from Daytona to Miami. The name comes from their itinerant sales tactics, born from necessity in a time when galleries refused to deal with black artists.
As a second-generation or “legacy” Highwaymen, McLendon believes the unique Highwayman aesthetic to be equal parts tacky and transcendent. “I think you have to have the bright, vivid colors. You have to have the Florida landscape,” he said. “It’s not really a technique. It’s something you got to feel.” At first, his paintings were just for extra cash. But after retiring a few years back, McLendon realized he would need to lean on painting to cover the bills. Five years ago, he said, he turned full-time pro.
He enjoys the work, he said. It gets him into the community and lets him talk to people, his true passion.
Upcoming Events
Flag Raising at City Hall
When
Saturday, February 1st -- 10am
Where
St. Petersburg City Hall
Admission
Open to the public
What
We hope to see you as the Woodson and City Officials welcome in Black History Month with the raising of the
Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum flag!
The Curious Collector: A Conversation Cafe
When
Saturday, January 25th --10:30am - 11:30pm
Where
Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum
Admission
Open to the Public
What
Yoga in the Garden
When
Saturday, January 25th --9:30am
Where
Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum
Admission
$10
What
Join us as we flow in the beautiful garden at The Carter Woodson African American Museum! Part of the proceeds goes toward the museum.
Kitchen Table Book Club
When
Saturday, January 25th --6:00pm - 8:00pm
Where
Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum
Admission
Open to the Public
What
Join us for our next season of The Kitchen Table Literary Arts Book Club at The Woodson.
The book club meets at the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American History Museum (2240 9th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL) every LAST SATURDAY from 6 – 8 PM. Book Club meetings feature lively, cross-generational discussions exploring literature, culture, social commentary, and history. Our 2020 book club season runs from January to June, with two themed series.
Artist Closing Reception
When
Sunday, January 26th -- 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Where
Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum
Admission
Free to the Public
What
Come have a final look at the beautiful Ray McLendon Exhibit. We will host a closing reception for the artist and all are invited to attend!
