Moore Memorial Park and Cultural Center is a historic site in Mims, Florida. The site, which was the home of civil rights leader Harry T. Moore, now houses a museum, conference center and park.[1]
History
editHarry T. Moore was a teacher and civil rights leader who organized a variety of initiatives in Florida. He founded the first chapter of the NAACP in Brevard County and in 1938, sued the school district in order to receive equal pay for black teachers. Gilbert v. Board of Public Instruction of Brevard County reached the Florida Supreme Court, where the court ruled in favor of the district.[2]
On December 25, 1951, Moore and his wife were assassinated when a bomb was placed under their house. They are believed to be the first civil rights activists to be assassinated during the movement.[3][4]
In 1994, Brevard County bought the land where the Moore's house once stood.[5] A nonprofit organization was organized to raise money for the site, and in 2004 the cultural complex was dedicated. The cultural complex includes a museum[6] and a replica of their home.[7]
The grounds of the center also include a 12-acre landscaped park with paths, reflecting pool, fountain, and gazebo.[8]
The Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Memorial Park & Museum is an official landmark site of the United States Civil Right Trail.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b "Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Memorial Park & Museum – US Civil Rights Trail".
- ^ Palmer, Kathryn B. (2014). ""A Cruel Hoax": How Brown v. Board of Education Undermined Florida's Black Educators; an Examination of Two Counties, 1954-1971". Florida State University Electronic Theses: 22. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
- ^ "PBS — Freedom Never Dies: The Story of Harry T. Moore — Harry T. Moore — Moore's Bio". www.pbs.org. Retrieved February 27, 2018.
- ^ Schudel, Matt (October 28, 2015). "Evangeline Moore, daughter of slain civil rights workers, dies at 85". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved February 27, 2018.
- ^ "Mims, Florida - Harry T. Moore Cultural Complex and Museum". www.nbbd.com. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
- ^ "Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Memorial Park". VisitSpaceCoast.com.
- ^ "The Moores". Mooremuseumnew.
- ^ "Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Memorial Park".