The St. Petersburg Museum of History and Southern Roots Realty invites you on Thursday, February 8 to Happy Hour with the Historian featuring Gwendolyn Reese and The African American Heritage Trail of St. Petersburg.

The AAHASP was created with a mission to preserve the rich history and genealogical heritage of African Americans in St. Petersburg. Reese will discuss how the AAHASP came together through research, restoration, preservation, commemoration, and education. The walking trail and its historic markers focus on the cultural heritage of the neighborhoods, community leaders, and landmark businesses, and expands awareness and knowledge of Black St. Petersburg, tracing its evolution and progression from the presence of the first African American in 1868 through desegregation and into the Civil Rights Movement (1968). 

The 2015 recipient of the MLK Leadership Award, Reese is President of the African American Heritage Association of St. Petersburg. Gwen chaired the group of volunteers who, in a partnership with the city government, developed the African American Heritage Trail along 22nd Street and 9th Avenue in South St. Petersburg, which opened in August 2014. Gwen has been an activist and change agent in this community for more than 40 years. Her projects include: Completing Phase II of the African American Heritage Trail in Methodist Town; the Timbuktu Center for African and African American Studies,a free educational experience for school age youth, their parents, and teachers in African and African American history and culture; erecting a bronze statue of Elder Jordan on the “Deuces”; and the Institute for Urban Leadership Development, which is a program to nurture and support future African American community leaders.

Presented by Southern Roots Realty, Happy Hour with the Historian is frequently sold out, so please purchase tickets in advance. Admission without advanced purchase cannot be guaranteed.