Black History Month Kicked Off At The Woodson Museum With A $325,000 Donation

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — St. Petersburg's Woodson African American Museum of Florida received $325,000 from Duke Energy Tuesday to help with its goal of raising $27 million to build a 30,000 sq. ft. museum, a news release said.

The museum will be built on 5.5 acres of city-donated land along 22nd Street South in the historic Deuces neighborhood.The new museum is planned on 5.5 acres of city-donated land along 22nd Street South. The current museum is 4,000 sq. ft.

“Over the years, Duke Energy Florida has developed valued relationships with organizations that have the greatest impact on the communities we serve,” Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president, said. “The Woodson is one of those organizations, and we are proud to support them as they expand their reach and bring even more people together to learn about and celebrate the richness of African American history and culture.”

Black history, art and culture is preserved through the Woodson. The staff said it received a $1 million donation from Milkey Foundation Monday at St. Petersburg City Hall Monday.

“Duke Energy has been a valued partner in our mission to preserve African American history and culture for present and future generations,” Terri Lipsey Scott, the Woodson executive director, said. “The Woodson is more than just a museum for many people in the community and Duke Energy’s support will allow us to continue to fulfill that mission and further our efforts and discussions on history, culture, race, equity and empowerment in the Tampa Bay area and beyond.”

The Woodson hopes to join the other internationally acclaimed museums throughout the state of Florida, such as The Dali, and draw attendees from around the world, the Pinellas County Community Foundation said on its website. In addition to housing its permanent collection and regular exhibitions, the building is being constructed to meet rigorous standards for climate control and security, providing access to national and international touring exhibits, which will be presented in the new museum’s three galleries.