Lee County Black History Society

Association / Organization, History museum, Museum in Fort Myers, FL

Address

1936 Henderson Ave, Fort Myers, FL, 33916

Phone

(239) 332-8778

Website

leecountyblackhistorysociety.org

About Lee County Black History Society

The Lee County Black History Society preserves and shares African-American history in Fort Myers. It operates the Williams Academy Black History Museum in Roberto Clemente Park, housed in the 1942 addition to Lee County's first government-funded school for Black students. Exhibits include local memorabilia and an interactive 1940s segregated classroom. The society offers guided and virtual tours, scholarships, youth programs, memberships, and events including Juneteenth, a prayer breakfast and Museum After Dark.

Janice Cass, an attorney and educator, wanted to commemorate Black History Month countywide. A group reorganized in 1990 as the Fort Myers FAMU Alumni Association chapter, then incorporated as The Lee County Black History Society in November 1994. The group raised $15,000 to move the Williams Academy building to Clemente Park in 1995, restored it with a state preservation grant, and opened the museum in January 2001.

Services

• Bridging the Gap for the Arts
• CARSS student success program
• Corporate memberships
• Cultural events and festivals
• Group tours — Please call for rate
• Individual and family memberships
• Museum admission, adults — $15
• Museum admission, youth 7-17 — $5
• Scheduled museum tours
• Scholarship program
• Virtual museum tour

Photos