This collection contains information on the first black beach park in South Florida during segregation, and the fight to get the park restored, preserved and designated as a historic landmark.

The collection consists of brochures, correspondence, flyers newspaper clippings, newsletters, and maps. This collection consists primarily of materials relating to the reopening and historic designation of the park.

Virginia Key Beach and Park opened August 1, 1945 as the first and only beach park for blacks during segregation, known as "The Colored Beach." Baptisms took place along the shore and there was a mini train that ran through out the park. There was also a dance pavilion, snack bar, a carousel, cabanas and apartments that were rented out by the day.

People stopped visiting the park when integration was introduced and blacks could go to other beaches that were once for whites only, and it eventually closed.

The park reopened in April 2000 and remains open, free to the public.