Free Museum Day in St. Petersburg, Florida

       Free Museum Day in St. Petersburg Florida is held annually each September offering free admission to multiple museums and cultural sites for residents and visitors. It’s a citywide celebration of art, history, and culture where Pinellas County residents and many visitors can enjoy free entry to participating venues. Inspired by the Smithsonian’s Free Museum Day, this annual event makes St. Pete’s cultural offerings accessible to all, encouraging exploration of both world-renowned collections and local gems.

     There were eleven museums that participated. I selected to visit The Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, Museum of Fine Arts and St. Petersburg Museum of History.

So, 1st stop, …….

     The Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, located in St. Petersburg, Florida, is dedicated to preserving, presenting, and interpreting African American history. Named after Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a prominent African American historian and civil rights activist known as the founder of Black History Month.

     Established in 2006, the museum serves as a vital resource for the community, showcasing a variety of exhibits and events that highlight the contributions of African Americans.

https://woodsonmuseum.org/

 

2nd stop:

     Museum of Fine Arts presented New African Masquerades: Artistic Innovations and Collaborations, an exhibition showcasing the work of four contemporary West African artists: Chief Ekpenyong Bassey Nsa, Sheku “Goldenfinger” Fofanah, David Sanou, and Hervé Youmbi, highlighting their unique contributions to masquerade traditions. The exhibition emphasizes individual artists' stories and the cultural significance of their works, challenging historical narratives about African art.

https://mfastpete.org/art/exhibitions/on-view/

 

3rd stop:

     St. Petersburg Museum of History. I focused on the history of the Seminole people in St. Petersburg and their tie to their resistance against U.S. military efforts in the 19th century, with many Seminoles evading capture and maintaining their culture. Today, the Seminoles are recognized as the "Unconquered People," and they continue to celebrate their heritage through traditional ceremonies and community events.

https://historystpete.org/exh.../seminole-people-of-florida/

     Free Museum Day was fun! What a well-coordinated and culturally enriching way to spend the day exploring multiple facets of St. Petersburg’s art and history in a single day!

 

All the best,

GMarie