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Black Archives Research Center and Museum |
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Tallahassee, Florida |
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Located in the historic 1907 Carnegie Library on the campus of Florida A & M University, the Black Archives Research Center and Museum provides important insight and information on the history of Africa and African Americans. The Black Archives was established by the Florida Legislature in 1971 and dedicated and opened to the public in 1977. Its mission is to collect, preserve, dispense and display materials relevant to the history of African Americans and black people worldwide, emphasizing especially their experiences, contributions, and interactions with other ethnic groups. More than a half million documents and thousands of artifacts from all over the world are housed in the repository, including a 500-piece Ethiopian Christian cross collection, and rare African books and maps, some dating back to the 1700s. Another special feature is the Archives' mobile unit. The unit travels throughout Florida and to neighboring states displaying historical artifacts on the contributions of African American people.
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Constitution Convention Museum State Park |
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Port St. Joe, Florida |
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A boomtown founded in 1835, St. Joseph competed with Apalachicola as a trading port on the Gulf Coast of Florida. The original settlement lasted only nine years, but during its short life the city hosted Florida's first State Constitution Convention. The museum commemorates the work of the 56 territorial delegates who drafted Florida's first constitution in 1838. Following four more constitution conventions, Florida was finally admitted to the Union in 1845 as the 27th state. Visitors can take a self-guided tour through displays and exhibits of 19th century life in St. Joseph. Life-size, audio-animated mannequins in the replicated convention hall demonstrate the debate and process of drafting a state constitution. |
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Karpeles Manuscript Library |
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Jacksonville, Florida |
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The Karpeles Library is the world's largest private holding of important original manuscripts and documents. The archives include documents and manuscripts such as: the proposal draft of the United States Bill of Rights; The Emancipation Proclamation Amendment to the United States Constitution; and original drafts of the National Constitutions of France, Spain and Mexico; Scientific manuscripts including Descarte and Kepler; Historical documents including Pope Lucius' Proclomation of the Sacred Duties of the Knights of the Holy Crusades; and similar monumental documents in literature, history, exploration, and art. Exhibits change quarterly. Children's program includes over 20 theme rooms for future career exploration and play for young children. |
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