Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American History Museum

The Father of Black History Month, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, was born in1875 near New Canton, VA. He was the son of former slaves. In 1907, he obtained his BA degree from the University of Chicago.

In 1912, he received his PhD from Harvard University. In 1915, he and friends established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History.

A year later, the Journal of Negro History, began quarterly publication. In 1926, Woodson proposed and launched the annual February observance of “Negro History Week,” which became “Black History Month” in 1976. It is said that he chose February for the observance because February 12th was Abraham Lincoln’s birthday and February 14th was the accepted birthday of Frederick Douglass.

Dr. Woodson was the founder of Associated Publishers, the founder and editor of the Negro History Bulletin, and the author of more than 30 books. His best known publication is The Mis-Education of the Negro, originally published in 1933 and still pertinent today.

The history of African Americans in the St. Petersburg community and throughout the African Diaspora will be the central focus of programming at the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum.

The Museum serves to preserve this rich history for present and future generations of St. Petersburg residents and visitors to St. Petersburg.

The museum presents the historic voice of one segment of the St. Petersburg, Florida community in the perspective of local, regional, and national history, culture and community.

It is another demonstration of the commitment to revitalize the Midtown St. Petersburg area.