History Update Newsletter September 2026

AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL SOCIETY OPENS SMITHSONIAN FOOD EXHIBITION CELEBRATING FLAGLER COUNTY’S DIVERSE FOOD HERITAGE Palm Coast, Florida — The African American Cultural Society, Inc. (AACS) proudly announces the grand opening of its newest exhibition, From Seed to Soul: African, Indigenous and Cultural Foodways of Flagler County, presented in partnership with Florida Humanities and the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum on Main Street program. The exhibition will officially open with a public ribbon-cutting ceremony and community celebration on Friday, June 26, 2026, Doors Open 6:00PM at the AACS Cultural Center and Museum, located at 4422 North U.S. Highway 1 in Palm Coast. The exhibition will remain on display through June 25, 2027. Presented during the organization’s 35th Anniversary year, From Seed to Soul explores the rich culinary traditions that have shaped Flagler County and influenced American cuisine. Through photographs, oral histories, artifacts, videos, and interactive displays, visitors will discover how Indigenous peoples, Africans, Europeans, Caribbean communities, and later immigrant populations contributed to the region’s unique food culture. The exhibition highlights the agricultural traditions, fishing heritage, family recipes, preservation techniques, celebrations, and community gatherings that connect generations through food. Special attention is given to the influence of Indigenous foodways and African agricultural knowledge that continue to shape Florida’s culinary landscape today. The grand opening program will feature remarks from community leaders, project partners, local contributors, and participating students and young adults who assisted with exhibition research and development. Special guests include Dalia Colón, award-winning multimedia journalist, executive producer, storyteller, cookbook author, and creator of The Zest podcast, and Gabrielle Fehring representing Florida Humanities. Visitors will explore stories ranging from Timucua agriculture and African food traditions to Portuguese bakeries, Caribbean cooking, Cracker foodways, Latino cuisine, Southeast Asian influences, and contemporary food innovations. The exhibition reflects the extraordinary cultural diversity that makes Flagler County one of Florida’s most vibrant and evolving communities. Developed with support from local historians, educators, cultural organizations, farmers, chefs, and community members, From Seed to Soul demonstrates how food serves as a bridge between cultures, preserves heritage, and strengthens community identity. Admission to the exhibition is free. Throughout the year, AACS will offer educational programs, lectures, demonstrations, oral history projects, cultural presentations, and family activities designed to further explore the stories behind the food we grow, prepare, and share. For additional information, visit www.aacspalmcoast.org or call (386) 447-7030. About the African American Cultural Society Founded in 1991, the African American Cultural Society, Inc. is dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and sharing the history, arts, and cultural contributions of people of African descent while fostering education, cultural understanding, and community engagement for all.

01 Jun

History Update Newsletter June 2026

Author: Ed Siarkowicz

History Update Newsletter September 2026

Author: Ed Siarkowicz

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