Our History
Family Heritage House Museum was established in 1990 in Bradenton, Florida by Mrs. Fredi Brown and Mr. Ernest L. Brown, Jr.. Since its inception, it has shared an array of artifacts, literature and other resources chronicling the history and cultural achievements of African Americans. Its founders, Mrs. and Mr. Brown, began this institution on the campus of the local Head Start. In 2000 they established a partnership with the Manatee Community College and they moved their abundant, diverse collection to the College now known as State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota. Since then, this collaboration assists with providing the museum’s site and facilities, which are available to the benefit of the faculty, students, and staff, as well as being open to members of the community.
Words from Co-Founder: Ernest L. Brown Jr.
“Family Heritage House services are focused on the value of knowledge of one’s heritage as a recognized incentive to expand horizons and achieve greater levels of literacy. It is a center devoted to the study and exploration of one’s heritage and will provide grounding in the broadest possible understanding of one’s “place” in the order of things. Such understanding frees the individual from self-doubt as to his worth and makes possible the fullest positive development of one’s potential.”
Mission
The mission of the museum is to inspire children to have a respect for their ancestors, a love for learning, and a passion for service. Further, to strengthen black families and empower them to maintain historical bonds of kinship; to assist in the promulgation of the culture for the benefit of the general population.
Vision
Founded in 1990, the Family Heritage House, Inc. is an African American Museum and Resource Center where the entire community gathers to celebrate the promote a deeper understanding of African American heritage and culture. We truthfully tell the stories of the African American experience for the benefit of the entire community, and the African American community specifically. We maintain a varied and relevant collection of artifacts, provide engaging programs, and promote community engagement and research, through ongoing resource development. – Adopted 11/12/2019 by the Board of Directors
Mr. & Mrs. Brown’s original Vision
The vision of Family Heritage House, Inc., is to inspire children to have a respect for their ancestors, a love for learning, and a passion for service. Further, to strengthen black families and empower them to maintain historical bonds of kinship; to assist in the promulgation of the culture for the benefit of the general population.
Read more about the history of Family Heritage House Museum and the partnership with the State College of Florida:
The article The Family Heritage House: A Unique Museum-College Partnership was published in Spring 2020 in the peer reviewed publication Florida Libraries. Reposted with permission.