2/17/09 DMS Completes Improvements to Historic Union Bank Building
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TUESDAY, FEB. 17, 2009
CONTACT: CATHY SCHROEDER, (850) 921-5266
~Tallahassee building pivotal part of Florida's black history ~
TALLAHASSEE-The Department of Management Services (DMS) invested less than $3,000 to showcase the rich history of African Americans in Florida for future generations with renovations to Tallahassee's Union Bank-the state's oldest surviving bank building once used by former slaves. DMS repaired and updated the Southeastern Regional Black Archives Research Center and Museum at the Union Bank, also known as the Black Archives' Capitol Complex Extension.
"It is our obligation to Floridians to preserve the legacy of African Americans who worked toward freedom and equality," said Sen. Al Lawson Jr., D-Tallahassee. "The Union Bank building is a key part of that, and its museum assures that we all remember the sacrifices of those before us."
The beautiful improvements to the state's oldest surviving bank building include:
- Increased energy efficiency with updated museum lighting and updated heating and air system and thermostats.
- Re-painted the interior with environmentally-friendly Volatile Organic Compound paint.
- Restored wood floor using environmentally-friendly products.
- Repaired or replaced park benches, and spruced up the landscaping.
"This historical building represents so much of our local Tallahassee history, as well as our state's," said Rep. Alan B. Williams, D-Tallahassee. "Sharing our ancestors' stories in this inviting place adds value to our citizens' and visitors' lives and educates them about an essential part of American History, Black History. Our state has every reason to be proud of the preserving of the Union Bank. Generations to come will benefit from this historical landmark."
Built in 1841 by plantation owners, the building was a Freedman's Bureau Bank for former slaves, a church, a black-owned shoe factory, a library, a Baptist youth center and a civil defense office. Today it is the Capitol Complex Extension of Florida A & M University's Black Archives Museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Mrs. T. Aubrey Morse, then Society of Colonial Dames XVII Century president, donated the building to the state in 1971 and the state moved it to its present location at 219 Apalachee Parkway.
"We celebrate Black History this month on the heels of President Obama's inauguration in January, so it is especially rewarding for the Department of Management Services team members to showcase their talents as they update this building, rich in Florida history," said DMS Secretary Linda H. South. "While the walls cannot talk, the museum exhibits in the Union Bank building tell the important tale of African-American history in Florida and our nation."
Archivist/Curator of the Black Archives Capitol Complex, Doris J. Smith, was the first teacher hired by Leon County School District to teach high school African American History. She retired after 30 years of teaching in Tallahassee, and then quickly accepted the museum curator position.
"As a retired high school history teacher, it's a joy to work here sharing Florida's black history with visitors," said Archivist/Curator Doris J. Smith, Black Archives Capitol Complex. "DMS did spectacular work recreating the original beauty of the Union Bank building, which helps us meet our goal of enhancing the education we provide."
The DMS Division of Real Estate Development and Management oversees operations and maintenance of many state-owned facilities. The division focuses on delivering innovative, resource saving solutions for public building construction and improvement of the state's real estate assets. Visit www.dms.MyFlorida.com to learn more.
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