The Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center is hosting an open house to commemorate Black History Month at the museum. At the event, Dr. Dorothy Headley Israel, psychologist, historian and writer, will give a talk that shares from the archives of African-American history and culture. Also, tours of the museum will be available to learn about the African-American history that helped shape the St. Augustine community and the impact it has made. Admission is free.

Israel, known by many as Dr. Deeh, made St. Augustine her home when she and her husband moved to his hometown from New York. She has been involved in the community in many ways, including as a long-term member of the Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center Board of Directors. She is also a member of the vision committee of the Fort Mose Historical Society, the American Association of University Women of St. Augustine, The Write People and St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church.

Israel has received many awards and accolades before and during her time in St. Augustine. The St. Johns Cultural Council honored Israel with a Dr. Gail Pflaster Recognizing Outstanding Women in the Arts (ROWITA) Award. She was also honored as a Living Legend by the Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center. Most recently, she was selected by The St. Augustine Record as part of its 10 Who Make a Difference series.

­­At the museum, visitors can learn about the stories of more than 450 years of contributions of African-Americans in St. Augustine and Northeast Florida through exhibits that share about the civil rights struggles and achievements as well as the role of businesses, churches, educators and other community groups in the development of Lincolnville.