On the verge of shutting down, the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum in St. Petersburg is getting new life.
The museum sits on the corner of 9th Avenue, and 22nd Street South and the building has been around for decades.
"I love it, this is such a beautiful area," said Frances Marie Cohens, who lives next door.
Before these walls held artwork - it was a community center for folks like Marie Cohens, living in the Jordan Park neighborhood. It's named after Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who inspired Black history month.
"This building represents a host of memories, but more importantly a host of history," said Terri Libsey Scott, the Director of the museum.
Which is why a new coat of paint and fresh cement is a welcoming sight. Terri Libsey Scott, the director of the museum, says St. Pete's effort to revive the aging building comes at a crucial time.
"We would like to have thought that this type of behavior that we are witnessing in our country was something long past but we have come to realize that it was just beneath the surface," she said.
In St. Pete - Libsey Scott is seeing something different.
So is Mayor Rick Kriseman, "This is too important to the community," he said.
After the rededication ceremony Sunday - an architect will take a look at the structure of the building redesigning it to function better as a museum...
If you want to be part of the dedication ceremony Sunday - it is free and open to the public.
WHEN: Sunday, August 20 at 3:15 p.m. - Rededication ceremony, 3:30-7:30 p.m., Garden Reception
WHERE: 2240 9th Avenue South, St. Petersburg
