National Historic Landmark-Rhea County Courthouse

National Historic Landmark-Rhea County Courthouse

From July 10-21, 1925, this was the scene of the controversial and widely-publicized trial of John Thomas Scopes (1901-1970) for teaching Darwin's theory of evolution in a Dayton public school.

A battle of wits between two great ...

Witherspoon Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons #111

Established in 1898 and one of the oldest functioning African American lodges in Florida, the Witherspoon Lodge follows the traditions of Prince Hall who opposed racial oppression in Colonial New England. Purchased in 1903, the building has served as the ...

Eustis High School Annex-Curtright Campus

Built in 1925, this school served African American students during segregation. Originally named the Curtright Vocational High School, it is now a ninth-grade center.

Information provided by Florida Department of State.

The Ace Theatre

Built in the late 1940s, the Ace Theatre served as the place for African American moviegoers in the Eustis community during segregation. The building was later used for church services and other community functions. Restoration plans for the structure are ...

Home of Clarence Marion

Clarence Marion was Sebring's first black principal and the principal of the E.O. Douglass School. The property is being restored to serve as a museum and community center.

Information provided by Florida Department of State.

First Missionary Baptist Church

Organized in 1913, the First Missionary Baptist Church was constructed from concrete blocks made with a hand-block press by Sebring's first black carpenter and second black police officer, John Grady. It is one of the town's oldest black churches.

Information provided ...

Mount Olive African Methodist Episcopal Church

This one-story masonry vernacular style building with Neo-Gothic elements was built in 1940. The congregation was organized in 1920.

Information provided by Florida Division of Historical Resources.

Hopewell Public School (Private)

Hopewell School was the first public school for African Americans in Avon Park, serving for many years as the center for educational, cultural and social activities. After extensive renovation, it is now The Hopewell Academy for the Arts Charter School, ...

Royal Theater

The Royal Theater operated from 1948 to 1966 in the African American community in St. Petersburg. During segregation it was one of only two movie theaters serving African Americans in St. Petersburg. Built in 1948, the theater was designed by ...

National Historic Landmark-Rattle and Snap

National Historical Landmark-Rattle and Snap

This large, L-shaped brick residence was built in the Greek Revival style by a cousin of President Polk. Its main facade, with a two story Corinthian portico, gives the house distinction.

George Polk won the land in ...