The Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Cultural Complex: Preserving and Celebrating Florida’s Rich African American History
In Mims, Florida, a sunny little citrus town, there is a museum that marks the lives of two incredibly important historical figures: Harry T. Moore and his wife, Harriette.
Throughout the 1920s and into the late 1940s, they lived in Mims, teaching in segregated public schools and working as powerful advocates for civil rights in the state of Florida.1
Today, their legacy is preserved and celebrated at The Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Cultural Complex. With a museum, memorial park, and recreation of the Moores’ cozy home, the Cultural Complex helps inspire all who visit to take up the Moores’ spirit – to fearlessly stand up for what’s right and to better the world through education.
Harry T. Moore and The Fight For Equal Rights
Harry T. Moore’s formative years were spent with his three aunts, all educated women who carefully nurtured Moore’s own “natural inquisitiveness and love of learning.”2 It probably came as no surprise when Moore became a teacher himself. He began his career teaching fourth grade, and he was eventually promoted to the position of principal at the Titusville Colored School.
It was during his early teaching years that Moore met Harriette Vyda Simms. A fellow educator, the two shared not only common interests but also a fair bit of chemistry – they were married within a year of meeting. As they worked together to nurture the next generation at school, they also worked together to raise a family – two daughters – at home.3
In 1934, Moore added another passion to his plate: the NAACP (The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People).
“He fought tirelessly for equal rights for Black Floridians by investigating lynchings, challenging barriers to voter registration, and advocating for equal pay for Black teachers in public schools despite segregation.”4
One of Moore’s most notable achievements was co-founding the Progressive Voters League which helped register 116,000 Floridian African Americans to vote.8 This rate of registration was 51% higher than any other southern state.9
However, in response to his continued activism, the school fired both Harry T. Moore and his wife Harriet in 1946. At that time he became a paid NAACP organizer, and membership soared to 10,000 members during his time as executive secretary.
(Photo: Florida Memory)
Tragically, on Christmas night of 1951 (also the Moores’ 25th wedding anniversary), a bomb that had been placed beneath their bed exploded, killing Harry instantly. Harriette died nine days later in the hospital.5
Florida, and the entire country, was shaken by the violent assassination, but despite intensive FBI investigations, no culprits were found.6 In 2006, the case was reopened and finally resolved; investigations pointed toward members of the Ku Klux Klan (all long dead) as responsible for the murders.7
While the Moores may have been silenced that night, their accomplishments could not be erased. Nor could their spirit.
The Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Cultural Complex
Today, the Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Cultural Complex continues to shed light on their story, a history mingled with both sorrow and great pride.
The Moore Museum brings the Moore legacy to life through artifacts, a library, interactive exhibits, historic collections, and films. They also host special exhibitions, like pieces of commemorative artwork, that display the continued impact of the Moores in today’s world. As the museum teaches visitors the lessons of history, it also ties in today’s culture – how it has progressed, where it can still be improved, and how to reach those goals. Much like Harry T. Moore himself, the museum both educates and empowers.
In addition to the museum, there is also a replica of Harry and Harriette’s house on the property (exactly where the original house once stood). The interior has been made to look as it did when the Moores were there. From quilts to breakfast tables, each detail has been carefully furnished for authenticity, so it feels like the Moores could walk through the door at any time.
Tours are offered at the replica house every day and take guests through the various exhibit galleries. For 45 minutes, you’ll be immersed in history as knowledgeable staff verbally recreate the thoughts, ideas, and actions that took shape within these four walls.
Visitors are welcome to explore the museum on their own, and soon, the Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Cultural Complex plans to offer self-guided audio tours of the replica house, made available to patrons via a mobile app!
Memorial Park and Bus Tour
In addition to the museum and replica house, visitors are also encouraged to enjoy the Cultural Complex’s memorial park.
Stroll along the Civil Rights Trail, taking in the sunshine while also learning about this momentous historical movement via various kiosks. Landscaped with indigenous trees, including beautifully towering oaks, the memorial park is an incredibly serene place. The shade of the gazebo, perched next to the quiet reflecting pool, provides a lovely space to reflect upon all you’ve seen and heard in the museum.
With a welcoming pavilion, the memorial park is also an ideal spot for gatherings big and small, whether it be a family picnic or a concert. 5K runs and walks are also held here on occasion.
If you, like many visitors, find yourself fascinated by Harry T. Moore and his accomplishments, then you might like to take The Moore Bus Tour! A 25-minute drive, the tour shows Florida through the Moores’ eyes, covering locales throughout Mims and North Titusville that are integral to their story. A few key stops include the Moores’ home church and the gravesites of both Harry and Harriette, as well as their youngest daughter, Evangeline.
Exploring all the Cultural Complex has to offer makes for an excellent afternoon and is the perfect way to dive into Florida’s amazing African American history!
Have you been to the Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Cultural Complex? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below!
Cover Image
Photo: Unsplash
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