African-American History Trail

The Palm Beaches teem with heritage landmarks honoring its vibrant African-American history. Here are a few of these destinations from Delray Beach to West Palm Beach.

The lynchpin of Black history in The Palm Beaches, the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum (170 N.W. Fifth Ave., Delray Beach; 561.279.8883) honors Solomon D. Spady, a pioneering Delray Beach educator and community leader, and offers exhibitions, annual events and “Ride & Remember” trolley tours celebrating the African-American history and influence in The Palm Beaches, all from its location in Spady’s historic home.

While in the Delray Beach area, stop by the B.F. James & Frances Jane Bright Mini-Park on the east side of Northwest Fifth Avenue, 100 feet south of Northwest First Street. Read the bronze marker commemorating the history of this location and its role connecting the African-American population during the dark days of Jim Crow.

Traveling north to West Palm Beach, visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Landmark at Currie the very best efforts with each and every experience. Sol Children Theatre is also home to Boca Stage, which produces a season of professional cutting-edge theatre for adults from November through May.

Park (2200 N. Flagler Drive; 561.804.4900). The memorial features an impressive bronze bust of the civil rights leader reading a Bible, positioned in front of a curved granite wall bearing quotes and events from King’s life. Continue your West Palm Beach history trail at the Northwest Neighborhood Historic District (North Rosemary and Douglas avenues, bounded by Northwest Second and 11th streets), a once-segregated portion of West Palm Beach whose buildings were designed by African-American builders, contractors and architects. The district is home to the 1893-vintage Tabernacle Church (801 Eighth St., West Palm Beach; 561.832.8338), which boasts the only NeoRomanesque Revival architecture in the Northwest District. It also contains the Sunset Lounge, a legendary concert venue that welcomed Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong and Count Basie on its stage. The venue is currently undergoing a $12.5 million renovation to revive the Sunset Lounge and its surrounding area to its former glory.

Spady Cultural Heritage Museum

170 N.E. Fifth Ave., Delray Beach

561.279.8883 | spadymuseum.com

The Spady Cultural Heritage Museum is dedicated to discovering, collecting and sharing the AfricanAmerican history and heritage of Palm Beach County. It has become a destination for people of all cultures seeking information about Florida’s early Black communities and culture. Shows ranging from photographic galleries of founding families to contemporary shows on minorities in medicine and the arts have adorned its walls, and the museum has become a community hub for the exchange of ideas, art and culture.

The Studio Mizner Park

201 Plaza Real, Boca Raton

561.203.3742 | thestudioatmiznerpark.com

The Studio at Mizner Park opened in 2022 as Boca Raton’s premier entertainment destination. Overlooking Mizner Park, the Studio brings award-winning live theatre, musicals, concerts, programming and expansive event space to Downtown Boca. With a 300-seat black box theater, 4,500-squarefoot event space and a gallery with open bar and entertainment, the possibilities are endless.

The SYMPHONIA Boca Raton

561.376.3848 | thesymphonia.org

The SYMPHONIA is South Florida’s premier chamber orchestra dedicated to keeping the art of musical presentation alive and well in our com- munity. Composed of highly regarded and talented musicians, and led by Principal Conductor Alastair Willis, The SYMPHONIA is considered by music critics to be a “gem of an orchestra.” From December through April, The SYMPHONIA presents its signature Connoisseur Concert Series featuring renowned guest artists, and offering a diverse group of works that can only be brought to life by a chamber-size ensemble.

The Tin Roof

8 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach 561.265.5310 | tinroofdelraybeach.com

The Tin Roof supports giving musicians a place to play and a place to hang when they aren't onstage. The tasty food, fun, eclectic environment, community of regulars, and friendly crew have established the Roof as the place to be for musicians and non-musicians alike. Over the years, our stages have hosted the famous, the should-havebeen famous, and everyone in between!

The Wick Theatre & Costume Museum

7901 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton 561.995.2333 | thewick.org

Upon its opening in 2013, the Wick Theatre immediately established itself as a formidable contender in professional theatre in South Florida, and has continued to produce an eclectic season of lavish and intimate musicals along with a yearround slate of cabaret singers and other special engagements. The adjacent Museum Club at the Wick brings original Broadway wardrobes to life in a 360-degree immersive dining and entertainment experience.