5 /5 Lark Kelsey: This museum tells the incredible and important history of American Beach through the lives of those who had the passion to preserve it for generations to come. The new name is AL Lewis Museum at American Beach, FL. Their website and Facebook page list their current hours. As of this review they are open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, or by appointment if arranged in advance. We stayed an extra day to make it on a Friday morning and we were not disappointed! Hopefully with more support they will be able to offer more availability.
This museum can be enjoyed between 1-3 hours and is well done with personal artifacts, up-to-date technology, and informative and engaging videos. The flow of the museum walks you through the lives of two individuals who are especially prominent. First is AL Lewis who was a part of the purchase of this area and founded an African American resort during the depression. In the following years it was utilized by so many when beaches were segregated. In AL Lewiss words, "Recreation and relaxation without humiliation." The perseverance and pioneering spirit of AL Lewis is evident through his personal correspondence and financial support to Mary McLeod Bethune. Flipping through their letters gives you a real sense of the struggle that Black Americans faced, and the grit required to overcome the challenges of racism.
The next phase of the museum walks you through the life of his granddaughter MaVynee Oshun Betch, better known as "The Beach Lady." Through the videos and personal effects, you get to know a woman who had personality enough for ten lifetimes. Her love for this place and its history is evident in her determination to advocate for its preservation. During a time when many properties were being snatched up by developers, American Beach stayed true to the natural beauty that drew people here in the first place. MaVynnes relentless advocacy led to the beachs dune system being added to the National Park system. After a visit to the museum, you can take a short drive or walk over to see the tallest dune system for yourself. On the beach you can see the enormously popular "Evans Rendezvous" which has been acquired and projects for future rehabilitation are currently receiving funding.
Nearby you can enjoy the beach for yourself at the well-maintained Burney Park. There is a place where you can drive onto the beach and set up for your beach day, or park in the large cement area by the bathrooms, showers, and walkway over the dune. It is more quiet, less crowded, and more sheltered from the wind than the beaches toward the north of the island. The only downside is there are not many places to eat nearby so make sure to grab a picnic lunch before you go. Enjoy stepping into history!
