Remembering Paradise Park at West Hernando Branch Library
- When: Thursday, May 14, 2026, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
- Location: 6335 Blackbird Avenue, Brooksville, FL 34613
- Cost: Free
Step back into a little-known chapter of Florida history with a fascinating presentation by historian Lu Vickers. In 1949, during the Jim Crow era, the owners of Silver Springs State Park created a separate attraction for African American visitors called Paradise Park for Colored People. Managed by former glass-bottom boat captain Eddie Vereen, the park operated from 1949 to 1969 and became a beloved destination for Black travelers during a time of segregation. Drawing from her book Remembering Paradise Park: Tourism and Segregation at Silver Springs, Lu Vickers explores the park’s history, the people who made it special, and its lasting impact on Florida’s tourism industry. Join us to learn about this remarkable story of resilience, community, and an often-overlooked piece of our state’s past. Presenter: Dr. Lucinda Vickers
- Website: hernandocounty.librarycalendar.com
- Contact Name: Egle Hagopian
- Contact Phone: (352) 754-4043
- Contact Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Category: Library Programs
Space is limited. Registration is required.
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