March 6, 2023 – (Key West, FL). Due to popular demand, the Key West Museum of Art & History has extended the duration of the “Bahama Village: Relics of a Fading Community” exhibit. Visitors can immerse themselves in the history and culture of the historically Black neighborhood until May 21.
Originally scheduled to leave March 19, this exhibition features never-before-on-view objects including a football helmet and shoulder pads from Frederick Douglass School, musical instruments from the estate of William McKinzie, a nineteenth century Sanchez family bible and a suit once belonging to illustrious local musician Coffee Butler. These items, along with several others, tell the inspiring history, culture, and contributions of the Black residents.
“In collaboration with Florida Humanities, this exhibition aims to build cultural equity by telling narratives of the Black community’s significant contributions,” says Key West Museum of Art & History curator Dr. Cori Convertito. “We seek to redress a serious omission: that the substantial impacts of people of color are under-represented in our island’s historical narrative. The contributions of these skilled workers have been marginalized, when in truth, their engagements were vital and valuable.”
According to Convertito, the biggest takeaway from the exhibit is that Bahama Village is more than neighborhood designation. Visitors to the exhibit truly recognize not only community, but also its crucial position in the growth of Key West. Blacks constructed homes, ran their own businesses, sought employment in a variety of island industries, facilitated the popularity of the Southernmost Point and served their country valiantly in several global conflicts.
“Bahama Village has many educational and enriching components that hit multiple different learning styles,” says Convertito. “For example, visitors who have little knowledge of the origins of our Black community, or its settlement pattern, can learn through images, artifacts and storytelling. History and stories are woven together through various events that shaped the Black and Indigenous cultures of Key West.”
“Bahama Village: Relics of a Fading Community” runs until May 21, 2023. Made possible through a grant from Florida Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the exhibit also received support provided by The Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture and The Helmerich Trust. For more information, contact Cori Convertito, Ph.D. at 305-295-6616 x507 or [email protected]. Your Museums. Your Community. It takes an Island.
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IMAGE 1: Residents of Bahama Village standing outside the Key West Lighthouse. Bahama Village is the subject of a current exhibition that has been extended through May 21, 2023, at the Key West Museum of Art & History, 281 Front Street. (Photo Credit: Key West Art & Historical Society)
IMAGE 2: Marching band members belonging to the segregated Frederick Douglass School formerly located in Bahama Village. Bahama Village is the subject of a current exhibition that has been extended through May 21, 2023, at the Key West Museum of Art & History, 281 Front Street. (Photo Credit: Florida Keys History Center)
