About the Family Heritage House Museum

History

Mr. Ernest L. Brown, Jr. and Mrs. Fredi Brown
The Family Heritage House Museum's founders, the late Mr. Ernest L. Brown, Jr. and Mrs. Fredi Brown

Since its inception in 1990, Family Heritage House Museum has shared an array of artifacts, literature, and other resources, chronicling the history and cultural achievements of African Americans. Its founders, the late Mr. Ernest L. Brown, Jr. and Mrs. Fredi Brown, began this institution on the campus of Head Start. In 2000, they loaned their abundant, diverse collection to Manatee Community College, now known as State College of Florida, Manatee/Sarasota, which assists with the museum's site and facilities.

Over the years, many visitors have donated artifacts, books, and other items of historical importance to the museum.

Factual knowledge about one's heritage is critical to the upward mobility of those who have been denied this vital link with a cultural identity.