Ely Educational Museum facts for kids
The Ely Educational Museum is a special place in Pompano Beach, Florida. It's located in the historic home of Blanche and Joseph Ely. This museum helps everyone learn about the history of the local African-American community and the important work of the Ely family.
Who Were Blanche and Joseph Ely?
Blanche and Joseph Ely were amazing teachers and strong leaders in their community. They lived in Pompano Beach and worked hard to make a difference.
- Blanche Ely was a principal for many years at Blanche Ely High School. This school was named after her because of her dedication to education. She helped many students learn and grow.
- Joseph Ely also played a big part in the community. Together, the Elys were respected educators who inspired many people.
The Museum's Story
The house where the museum is located has a long history. The city of Pompano Beach bought the house in 1997.
- The museum first opened its doors in 2000.
- It closed for a while in 2007.
- But thanks to help from the city of Pompano Beach and the Historical Resources Division of the Florida Department of State, the museum was renovated and reopened in 2019. This means it's now ready for visitors to explore!
What Can You Discover at the Museum?
The Ely Educational Museum is a fantastic place to learn about local history. When you visit, you can:
- Look through special collections called "archives."
- Research the history of African-American communities in the area.
- See old yearbooks from schools.
- Discover old photographs that show what life was like in the past.
- Explore other items from the time when Blanche and Joseph Ely were educators.
It's a great way to connect with the past and understand the important contributions of people like the Elys to their community.