Rhoda L. Martin Cultural Heritage Center

Rhoda L. Martin Cultural Heritage Center

The red brick, four-room schoolhouse is named for Rhoda L. Martin, who founded the school in her home and lived to be 116 years old.

Built in 1939, it was for decades the only place east of the Intracoastal Waterway where African-American elementary students were taught.

It was also considered the heart of the African-American community, where health clinics, a voting precinct, sock hops and other social events were held. Many view the schoolhouse as a historical and cultural symbol for the black community.