Monday, October 18, 2010

People of Color Inventors & Inventions Museum

People of Color' exhibit opens at Gateway Mall (5156 - 1 Norwood Ave., Jacksonville, FL)

Ernestine Johnson gathered about 1,500 items for a black history collection.

For 15 years, she has collected photos, posters and memorabilia about black history.


Wanting to share her passion for the past, she would set up tables wherever someone provided space so she could put her collection on display.  But as the collection grew - she estimates she now has 1,500 items - operating it as a traveling museum became increasingly difficult.  The exhibit was provided with free space in the Gateway Mall to permanently house her collection. Johnson opened the doors to assorted visitors, including representatives from the Duval County school system.

The project is being cosponsored by the African Scientific Institute.  The museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. Admission will be free, but donations will be welcomed.  (The Florida Times-Union, Jacksonville.com, July 1, 2010)

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