Collections: Finding Aids
Archon Manuscript Collections Virginia Key Beach Park col... Finding Aid
By Daria Myles
Title: Virginia Key Beach Park collection, 1945-2010
ID: 01/BAF MS_00112
Primary Creator: Black Archives (1977-present)
Extent: 0.5 Linear Feet
Subjects: African Americans -- Segregation, Beaches -- Florida -- Miami, Blacks -- Segregation
Forms of Material: Clippings (Books, newspapers, etc.), Flyers, Advertising, Photographs
Languages: English
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.
Repository: The Black Archives History & Research Foundation of South FL, Inc.
Access Restrictions: There are no access restrictions on this material.
Use Restrictions: (c) 2011 The Black Archives, History and Research Foundation, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Permission to publish materials must be obtained in writing from the Director of The Black Archives, History and Research Foundation, Inc. An image license agreement must be signed prior to recording or copying images.
Related Materials: Dan Johnson photograph collection
