African American Heritage Society of Pensacola

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The African American Heritage Society, Inc. was founded September 12,1990 as a 501(c) 3 organization and has operated continuously with vision and purpose for thirty-six (36) years.

Our mission is to promote cultural tourism in Escambia County by preserving and sharing the history, heritage, and culture of the African American people, places, and events that shaped Pensacola’s history, while embracing the intersecting stories and contributions of the many nationalities within our community.

By recognizing our shared humanity and working collaboratively, we celebrate the collective achievements that have enriched Pensacola’s past and continue to shape its future.

The African American Heritage Society is pleased to announce the reopening of our newly renovated museum. We warmly invite the community to explore our newly curated Permanent Museum Collection, featuring artwork in the Main Gallery and exhibits highlighting Pensacola’s local history in the adjacent Hall Gallery.

Together, these collections honor the rich cultural heritage, creativity, and history of our community. We encourage you to visit the museum and experience them in person. A preview is available below.

Hostesses of the event led by Ms. Patsy Sudyam and Mary Guttierrez.

Approximately 40 League of Women Voter members participated in this non-partisan membership event.

PAST EVENTS

Art Talk with Mr. Don Partington was an outstanding educational and uplifting event, marking the grand reopening of our newly remodeled Gallery and the debut of our Permanent Art Collection. Guests enjoyed learning about the meaning and history behind the featured artists and their remarkable works. The evening was truly special, with attendance overflowing into the halls and standing room only. We sincerely appreciate everyone who joined us.
Due to overwhelming interest and a sold-out crowd, we will offer multiple screenings of Don’s PowerPoint presentation at designated times throughout February. Please visit our website soon for the latest dates and times.

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These remarks were prepared by Board Member, Mrs. Patsy Suydam, for presentation at the Museum Open House and Art Talk.

I’m delighted by the way this space has come together and how it now feels and functions. It is really a great way to start the new year.

The installation includes original works by Olin Dows, thanks to the generosity of the collector who will be speaking with us shortly.

I’ll admit I wasn’t familiar with Olin Dows at first, but I quickly learned that he was not only a talented artist, but also an interesting figure in American history. He grew up along the Hudson River near Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and the two were friends. Through Roosevelt’s New Deal, Dows became part of a nationwide effort to support artists during the Depression.

Some of his murals in New York post offices have sparked significant conversations in recent years about how history and race are shown in public art — which is really a reminder that art keeps speaking to us long after it’s made.

That spirit of conversation and discovery is very much what this newly imagined space is inviting us to do. I’m sure you will be seeing more of these thoughtful community events in the weeks to come.

We are excited to announce the grand reopening of our museum following renovations, along with the unveiling of our new Permanent Art Collection. This exhibit showcases masterpieces from celebrated artists such as Jacob Lawrence, Olin Dows, Jackson Lee Nesbitt, Bisa Butler, and many others. Mr. Donald Partington, a passionate art collector, will lead a presentation about the new collection. Join us for a reception and don’t miss your chance to win stunning door prizes including Beautiful Hand Blown Glass and additional items generously provided by First City Art Center

See just a few of the door prizes to be given to registrants, below!

November 15, 2025 – 35th Anniversary Gala!

The 35th Anniversary Gala, held on November 15, 2025, marked the opening event of our 2025-2026 season. The evening celebrated the “Dandy” theme by presenting 37 distinguished men from our Pensacola Community who exemplified style and grace. Guests enjoyed inspiring music, creative dance, poetry, modeling, and interesting insightful introductions of each of the dandies, recognitions of those who make our mission possible, and other special activities, making it a memorable start to an exceptional year.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us and contributed to the incredible success of our 35th Anniversary Gala featuring the Dandies!

Gala Highlights!

We sincerely acknowledge the outstanding commitment and diligence of our

2025 Advisory Committee

and extend our deepest gratitude for their unwavering dedication and exemplary efforts.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 35TH ANNIVERSARY HONOREES!

Mrs. Jane Switzer

Pensacola (FL) Chapter of The Links, Inc. (Represented by Chapter President Dr. Anita Gail Choice)

Mr. Quint Studer

Mrs. Orastine Wills

Mr. Donald Partington, Esq.

We sincerely appreciate our distinguished gentlemen models—the Dandies—for their outstanding contributions and for bringing such elegance and style to our event!