The Woodson African American Museum of Florida (2240 9th Ave S), a cultural gem in St. Pete, has been chosen for a special statewide project. In partnership with the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street, Florida Humanities selected Woodson as one of just three organizations to take part in Starter Kit: Many Voices, One Nation.
As part of the project, the museum will create a one-of-a-kind exhibition highlighting the diverse voices that have shaped—and continue to shape—communities across the country.
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Exhibition Starter Kits provide a Smithsonian-developed framework to guide selected venues in developing local humanities-based exhibitions using their own collections and cultural content.
Woodson African American Museum will receive guidance from the Smithsonian
As part of the exhibition project, the Woodson African American Museum will receive guidance from the Smithsonian. This partnership will help shape a powerful exhibit while also inviting the local community to take part in exploring the cultural intersections that define their neighborhoods.
Each of the three Florida venues will feature its own locally inspired version of the exhibit. By weaving in community stories and perspectives, the Smithsonian’s national themes will be brought to life in a way that reflects the unique cultural identity of each place.
“The Woodson is deeply honored to have been selected to work in partnership with Florida Humanities and the Smithsonian Institution to host Starter Kit: Many Voices, One Nation,” said Terri Lipsey Scott, Executive Director of The Woodson African American Museum of Florida. “This opportunity not only affirms our role as a steward of African American history and culture but also allows us to be mentored by national leaders in the museum field as we amplify the untold stories of hidden figures and buried gems who helped shape the greatness of this nation.”
A purpose-built African American Museum in the heart of St. Pete
“At such a pivotal moment—when we are working to establish the region’s first purpose-built African American museum—this collaboration could not be more timely or more meaningful. It strengthens our mission and elevates our commitment to preserving and presenting the rich tapestry of Black history for
generations to come,” said Scott.
All sites have received initial funding of $7,000 from Florida Humanities to work with the Smithsonian over the next year to create their exhibition script, collect physical objects such as artifacts and images to accompany their exhibition and design an exhibition floor plan. With additional support from Florida Humanities, the exhibitions will be fabricated and installed at each venue by July 2026.
The funded sites include:
- Heritage Village (Largo, Pinellas County)
- The Allapattah Collaborative CDC (Miami, Miami-Dade County)
- The Woodson African American Museum of Florida (St. Petersburg, Pinellas County)
Shining a spotlight on important St. Pete history
Based on an original exhibit from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, Many Voices, One Nationexplores how diverse backgrounds and cultures have come together to shape American identity.
At The Woodson, the locally developed version will spotlight the powerful stories of people who are part of St. Pete’s heritage. The exhibition will explore the roots and connections between the city’s cultural communities.
Learn more about The Woodson African American Museum here.
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