ORLANDO, Fla. – A new Black history museum is opening in Brevard County just in time for Black History Month.
The Melbourne Founders Museum at Crane Creek celebrates the rich history of the area, highlighting the contributions of former slaves who founded the city.
James Shackleford, one of the museum’s creators, is excited about the museum’s opening.
“I’m happy to show you the Melbourne Founders Museum at Crane Creek,” he said. “This is the original home of The Wright Brothers, the founders of Crane Creek, which is now called Melbourne.”
The museum features several rooms depicting Melbourne in the early 1920s, a time when it was a mill town. Shackleford emphasized the significance of the founders, who were former slaves. “It is significant that these were slaves. Former slaves had nothing,” he noted.
One of the museum’s highlights is a Bible over 100 years old from the A.M.E. Church in Melbourne.
“Greater Allen Chapel AME was founded in this room,” Shackleford explained, “and that’s the reason the Bible is here, to depict the founding of a church, which is the church across the street.”
With the grand opening set for Saturday at 11 a.m., Shackleford encourages the community to visit and learn about the city’s history.
“I think it’s important that people understand and know those types of things about the city in which they live,” he said.
The Melbourne Founders Museum offers a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the historical roots of Melbourne, making it a must-visit during Black History Month.
