Blanchard House Museum, African-American museum in Punta Gorda, Florida.
Blanchard House Museum is an African-American museum in Punta Gorda located in a restored residential building. The collection includes photographs, personal items passed down through families, newspaper clippings, and books that document how African Americans lived and worked in Charlotte County.
The building was constructed in 1925 by Joseph Blanchard, a former steamboat pilot, as a residence. It was later converted into a museum to preserve and share African-American history from the surrounding area.
The museum functions as a community space where residents and visitors learn about African-American heritage specific to this region of Florida. It actively brings people together through educational programs that explore local stories and family connections.
Wheelchair access is available through a ramp to the front entrance, and the gallery spaces are designed to accommodate visitors with mobility needs. Plan to spend about an hour exploring the exhibits and connecting with staff who can answer questions about the collection.
The museum was originally located on Fitzhugh Avenue and relocated to its current site on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in 2002. The move positioned the institution in a more visible location within the community and reflected changing urban development patterns in the city.
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