ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — After seven months of extensive renovations, the Woodson African American Museum of Florida welcomed visitors once again on Saturday. The grand reopening, celebrating two decades of the museum’s commitment to preserving African American history, took place in St. Petersburg.
Since closing its doors in January, the museum has undergone significant upgrades. The revamp includes a complete interior makeover, with improved lighting, new flooring, updated restrooms, and enhancements to the HVAC system.
At the grand reopening ceremony, Executive Director Terri Lipsey Scott expressed her heartfelt emotions, reflecting on the museum’s significant milestone.
“Fulfilling each challenge you’ve set before me, time and again. Let me express my gratitude—let God,” Scott shared. “Lord, I simply thank you.”
Attendees felt that the reopening symbolized much more than just refurbished facilities.
State Rep. Michele Rayner (D-St. Petersburg) explained the museum was a symbol of perseverance.
“This is not just a museum, but this is actually a manifestation of what our ancestors fought for,” Rep. Rayner said. “When we think about our ancestors who couldn’t read, but they passed down oral histories to us. This is just the beginning of what is happening. Something very special is happening on this hallowed ground, and we, as people who are supporters and people who are residents and people who understand the power of history and the power of black history, we must ensure that it remains and that we can continue the work.”
The renovations were not the museum’s original plan.
In 2022, museum executives applied and were granted $1 million through the state department’s Florida African American Cultural and Historical Grant Program to help build what was envisioned as Florida’s first purpose-built African American museum.
That vision was tied to a previous redevelopment agreement for Tropicana Field and the Historic Gas Plant District, which included plans for a new museum.
The redevelopment deal collapsed in 2025, and museum leaders redirected the state funding toward renovating the existing facility.
“We ran against the clock, and with that being said, we made a tough decision to put those funds toward the renovation of our space,” Scott said.
St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch said the long-term goal of building a new museum remains alive despite the failed redevelopment agreement.
“I know there are some folks who say, ‘slow down, take a pause’; it’s not time to pause,” Welch said. “It’s been 40 years of promises, and we are moving forward with a development team that has promised a minimum $10 million investment in that new museum, and we’re going to keep moving forward.”
The museum will reopen to the public on Tuesday at noon. It is closed on Sundays and Mondays.