Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum — Attraction in New Smyrna Beach

Get the real and untold history here— from the people who have lived it!!! The history is really accessible in this museum with most artifacts contributed by local community members. The museum is in a restored and historic wooden church — an historic landmark. Mr. Harrell is there most days — sit down with him and ask him to tell you his story!!! OMG!!! The museum also contains a library and reading room (just beyond the altar). Next door is a period “shotgun house” which has also been staged to help explain how the house functioned when people were living in it — Mr. Harrell loves to give his personalized tour of the house. Pick up the period objects and ask questions! In particular Mr. Harrell seemed to enjoy tailoring his tour to the teenage children who happened to be on the tour with us — taking the time and care to relate to the younger generation about how times have changed and how difficult it was for everyday folks not so long ago. A down home experience that will have a lasting influence on you and...

I feel so grateful that my friends and I got to visit this lovely little museum today! Ann was the volunteer who showed us around and she was so knowledgeable and generous with her knowledge and time. It made me want to learn more and I particularly loved the stories of past residents who lived “west of the tracks.” I got the impression it was a vibrant and rich community with many people as generous as Ann. Thank...

I absolutely love this visit. Ann the director and sister in law to the founder Mary S Harrell was a delight to meet. This is a community museum entirely, as the community has contributed most of its displays right out of the homes of their ancestors. So much history, love, education in the two buildings. A must visit it will make you proud to...