February 25, 2023

Moderated by Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole, Anthropologist and Great Granddaughter of Dr. A. L. Lewis
A.L. Lewis Museum at American Beach

Searching African American family history, stories and records begin with you! For African Americans, records before the 1870’s are scarce but with todays sources, it is not impossible to trace your family history. Deloris Gilyard has been searching her family history for years, as well as, the histories of the pioneering families on American Beach. Rosemarie Stubbs has gathered and researched her family stories, pictures, tangled roots and organized family reunions.

Join Deloris Gilyard and Rosemarie Stubbs as they present genealogy techniques through the stories and records of their families and the stories of families on American Beach. They will tell how they began their journey and share different techniques and tools of gathering family history.

 

The A. L. Lewis Historical Society has formally renamed the American Beach Museum the  A. L. Lewis Museum at American Beach. The new museum sign was unveiled on September 5, 2022 at 11:00 am. The design of the new sign is vintage-inspired emerald green, burgundy and gold with an art relief image of A. L. Lewis, founder of American Beach.

 

The unveiling was attended by Dr. A. L. Lewis’ great-grandchildren, Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole and John Thomas Betsch who are also the siblings of the “Beach Lady’, MaVynee Betsch. “This date, was chosen to specifically and spiritually memorialize MaVynee Oshun Betsch who transitioned on September 5, 2005. It also commemorates the inaugural opening of the American Beach Museum, September 5, 2014.” said Carol J. Alexander, Executive Director/ Curator, A. L. Lewis Museum.

 

The event featured a dedication by Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole, a drum tribute by John Betsch and Rahman Johnson facilitated a special African ceremonial ritual pouring of libation giving homage to the legacies of A.L.Lewis, MaVynee Bestch and other Ancestors of American Beach. 

From humble beginnings, American Beach Museum has grown into one of Florida’s most significant African-American museums. During our 5th Anniversary Celebration in December 2019, we brought community leaders, celebrities and supporters together to reflect on the past while looking forward to the future.

Event highlights included the inaugural A. L. Lewis Legacy Awards honoring Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole, a High Tea with Dr. Cole and Essence Magazine Editor-In-Chief Emerita, Susan Taylor, and an intriguing conversation with The Honorable Henry Lee Adams Jr. interviewed by The Honorable Brian J. Davis. Thank you to all of our sponsors and attendees for making this amazing event possible.