Celebrating Black History Month in New Smyrna Beach

February is the ideal time to explore the rich Black history of the New Smyrna Beach Area. Established in the 18th century, this coastal community has seen generations of African American residents whose contributions have shaped its history and culture. Celebrate Black History Month by visiting sites that honor the legacy, struggles and achievements of the Black community in and around NSB.

Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum

A must-visit destination in the New Smyrna Beach Area, the Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum preserves and showcases the area’s African American history. Housed in a restored 19th-century building that originally served as a place of worship for Black Roman Catholics in the Historic West Side community, the museum highlights the lives and achievements of local Black residents.

Visitors can explore exhibits featuring memorabilia and artifacts that tell the stories of the Florida East Coast Railroad, the Underground Railroad, Historic West Side, local Black cemeteries and more. Guided tours, oral histories and photographs bring these accounts to life while honoring the community's resilience and accomplishments.

The museum is located at 314 N. Duss St., New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168. It is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum will also host the 32nd Annual Black Heritage Festival on February 22-23, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Held at Pettis Park in New Smyrna Beach, this family-friendly event will celebrate the rich culture and history of the community and feature live performances, engaging activities, delicious food and more.

Freemanville Settlement

The Freemanville Settlement in Port Orange tells the story of resilience and determination of the early Black community in the area. Established after the Civil War, Freemanville was a haven for formerly enslaved people seeking a new start. Despite facing challenges like harsh farming conditions, a small group of families remained and created a lasting community.

Today, Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, the last remaining structure from Freemanville, stands as a testament to this settlement’s history. The church continues to serve as a place of worship and a symbol of the community’s enduring spirit.

Visit Mt. Moriah Baptist Church at the intersection of Orange Avenue and Charles Street in Port Orange to learn more about this important piece of local history.

Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park

Known to locals as Bethune Beach, Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park is celebrated for its stunning coastal views and vibrant wildlife. The park is named after Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, a trailblazing Black educator and activist whose legacy left an indelible mark on the region and the nation.

Dr. Bethune founded the Daytona Normal and Industrial Institute to improve educational opportunities for Black children, which later became Bethune-Cookman University. She also worked to improve other local schools, advised multiple U.S. presidents, and founded the National Council of Negro Women to empower African American communities.

To honor her impact, visit Bethune Beach Park at 6656 S. Atlantic Ave., New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169, where you can reflect on her legacy while enjoying the beauty of the park.

New Smyrna Beach offers a unique opportunity to honor the essential role of the Black community in shaping its history. Add these sites to your itinerary to explore the area’s storied past and gain a deeper understanding of its cultural heritage.

For more information on these landmarks and to plan your trip, visit www.visitnsbfl.com.