The Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing awareness and appreciation for African American culture and history. Emphasizing the contributions of its people, the Museum preserves and displays a collection of photos, oral histories, memorabilia and artifacts to educate citizens about the history of race relations in small town Florida over the course of the twentieth century.
The photos and oral histories speak of the hardships and triumphs of this African American community from the early 1900's to the present. These personal accounts of daily life make history come alive for young and old.
The Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum is the cornerstone of the Historic West Side community in New Smyrna Beach, Florida and resides in the old Sacred Heart/St. Rita church building, constructed in 1899.