Ritz Theatre and Museum

The Ritz Theatre and Museum is located in the neighborhood of LaVilla in Jacksonville, Florida where it focuses on the African American culture and history. It was constructed in 1999 on the old site of the original “Ritz Theater movie house.” The Ritz Theatre and Museum preserves the importance of the past through shows, music, and artifacts. It gives one the opportunity to experience for themselves the significance of the past during a time that was impacted greatly by the Civil Rights movement.

  The Ritz Theatre and Museum takes one back in time to experience the purpose and motivation of the rise of the African American community with their historical exhibits as well as music, productions, dance, and movies.  There was an exciting array of culture and activity from 1921 to 1971 in what is now known as LaVilla, but once recognized as the “Harlem of the South” that is now the Ritz Theatre and Museum. ₃

  It is a place that not only preserves the past history of the African American culture of the Jacksonville area, but it also educates the present of what once was. It educates one on the hardships that the African Americans encountered during the 20’s throughout the 70’s such as segregation. It preserves not only the history but it entertains and preserves the “African American artistic culture”. _{1, 2}

  Through reproduction of events through show and exhibits one can reflect and feel the lives of the African American community and culture from the past where many accomplishments were made against racism and inequality. The Ritz conserves and supports the Black culture and heritage of the community and past era. It also gives one the opportunity to experience the stories of Jacksonville what it impacted during the time of segregation and the civil rights movement. _{1, 2}

It consists of 11,000 square feet museum and presents a collection of historical artifacts, documents and paraphernalia from that era. The programs,photos, artifacts, and events continue to grow with the help of the community and donations made allowing one to experience local history. It also has a theatre that seats around 426 guests for things such as shows, productions, and movies. It is known as the “center of African American culture in Florida.” _{1, 3}  At the museum, you can find artifacts or pictures involving Ax Handle Saturday, a significant movement, along with information about Eartha and Clara White, important humanitarian figures.

1. "The Ritz Theatre and Museum," accessed on September 30, 2014, http://www.ritzjacksonville.com/ 2. "Ritz Theatre and Museum Venues," accessed on September 28, 2014 http://www.jaxevents.com/venues/ritz-theatre-and-museum/ 3. "RItz Theatre (Jacksonville)," Wikipedia, accessed on September 29, 2014, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ritz_Theatre_(Jacksonville)