Tallahassee Hosts Four Centuries of African American Art and History

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Jan. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of Black History Month, Tallahassee is proud to host THE KINSEY COLLECTION: Shared Treasures of Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, Where Art and History Intersect, one of the most significant collections of African American art and historical objects. The extraordinary exhibit, showcasing more than 90 rare books, sculptures, paintings, documents, manuscripts and vintage photographs, tells the story of African Americans in the Americas from 1632 to present. The collection is on display at The Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science in Florida's Capital City now through March 23, 2010, before traveling to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. (www.VisitTallahassee.com).

The collection, featuring the original Emancipation Proclamation dated Sept. 24, 1862; a Buffalo Soldiers 9th Calvary Parade Flag circa 1889; and a letter to Alex Haley written by Malcolm X in 1963, also includes cell phone tours by celebrities such as Lou Gossett, Jr. and Angela Bassett. The art featured in the exhibition boasts works by important African American artists: Artis Lane, Jacob Lawrence, Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett, and Henry O. Tanner, to name a few.

The Kinseys, both Native Floridians and graduates of Florida A&M University, have been passionate collectors for more than 35 years.  One of the most impactful elements of the exhibition is its educational value, Kinsey declares, "We hope that by viewing this exhibit... people will leave motivated, educated and inspired."

Tallahassee is enriched with a deep-rooted African American heritage from momentous events such as the 1865 reading of the Emancipation Proclamation; and the 1956 bus boycott that resulted in the abolishment of segregated seating on public transportation; to Civil Rights monuments and an array of noteworthy sites. Visitors can complement the exhibit by experiencing preserved treasures such as the Riley House and the Union Bank, telling of the crushing struggles and the inspiring triumphs of Tallahassee's black community. Special "Kinsey" rates are available at Official Hotels, Hotel Duval (www.hotelduval.com) and the Tallahassee Center (reservations@thetallahasseecenter.com).

For more information on THE KINSEY COLLECTION and Tallahassee's black heritage sites, contact Visit Tallahassee at www.VisitTallahassee.com or 800-628-2866.

Visit Tallahassee