Our Story

In 2013, an effort led by historian and activist Delaitre Hollinger, ensued to preserve the Old Leon County Jail, also known as the Firestone Building, in downtown Tallahassee. While the effort to preserve the civil rights-era jail was ultimately unsuccessful, the Tallahassee Community Redevelopment Agency funded a civil rights memorial and freedom plaza, to commemorate the many activists who were jailed there, including those incarcerated during the nonviolent student sit-in movement of the 1960s. Mr. Hollinger solicited the support of many, including United States Senator Bill Nelson, who agreed that a statewide civil rights museum would be a major tourist attraction, and would contribute tremendously to preserving the stories and legacies of those who shaped civil rights and education in Florida.

In May 2021, the Florida Civil Rights Museum, Inc.℠ (FCRM) was formally incorporated. Initial funding was granted to the organization the following year to implement a completely virtual museum, which is the first of its kind for a civil rights museum in the nation. This virtual component includes a 3D augmented reality exhibit space, allowing the visitor to view photographs, and other artifacts in a unique visual space from anywhere in the world. Eventual plans are to expand the FCRM into a physical space, complete with galleries, exhibitions, offices, theater space and classrooms by the end of the decade.

In 2022, community activist Jacqueline Perkins partnered with Mr. Hollinger, intent on creating a transformational civil rights museum for the State of Florida. Due in large part to the efforts of Ms. Perkins, museum leadership secured the support and participation of elected officials, museums and educational institutions, all of which have added value and substance to the civil rights museum project.

Florida’s story in the civil rights struggle is one of great significance, but often gets left out of the national conversation when we shed light on the contributions and sacrifices of the many foot soldiers who have contributed to the struggle for freedom and justice for all. The Florida Civil Rights Museum, Inc.℠ hopes to bridge this gap and tell the story, while offering innovative programs and community events for all to enjoy. To accomplish this goal, the FCRM depends on your support of its efforts to provide critical services to the public. Your contributions will be applied toward the continuing education of all people who visit the space virtually, and those who will eventually walk through our doors once a permanent location is identified. Please know that the realization of this concept wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our valued supporters.

Our Story

In 2013, an effort led by historian and activist Delaitre Hollinger, ensued to preserve the Old Leon County Jail, also known as the Firestone Building, in downtown Tallahassee. While the effort to preserve the civil rights-era jail was ultimately unsuccessful, the Tallahassee Community Redevelopment Agency funded a civil rights memorial and freedom plaza, to commemorate the many activists who were jailed there, including those incarcerated during the nonviolent student sit-in movement of the 1960s. Mr. Hollinger solicited the support of many, including United States Senator Bill Nelson, who agreed that a statewide civil rights museum would be a major tourist attraction, and would contribute tremendously to preserving the stories and legacies of those who shaped civil rights and education in Florida.

In May 2021, the Florida Civil Rights Museum, Inc.℠ (FCRM) was formally incorporated. Initial funding was granted to the organization the following year to implement a completely virtual museum, which is the first of its kind for a civil rights museum in the nation. This virtual component includes a 3D augmented reality exhibit space, allowing the visitor to view photographs, and other artifacts in a unique visual space from anywhere in the world. Eventual plans are to expand the FCRM into a physical space, complete with galleries, exhibitions, offices, theater space and classrooms by the end of the decade.

In 2022, community activist Jacqueline Perkins partnered with Mr. Hollinger, intent on creating a transformational civil rights museum for the State of Florida. Due in large part to the efforts of Ms. Perkins, museum leadership secured the support and participation of elected officials, museums and educational institutions, all of which have added value and substance to the civil rights museum project.

Florida’s story in the civil rights struggle is one of great significance, but often gets left out of the national conversation when we shed light on the contributions and sacrifices of the many foot soldiers who have contributed to the struggle for freedom and justice for all. The Florida Civil Rights Museum, Inc.℠ hopes to bridge this gap and tell the story, while offering innovative programs and community events for all to enjoy. To accomplish this goal, the FCRM depends on your support of its efforts to provide critical services to the public. Your contributions will be applied toward the continuing education of all people who visit the space virtually, and those who will eventually walk through our doors once a permanent location is identified. Please know that the realization of this concept wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our valued supporters.