Historic Carnegie Library
1 / 8

Meek-Eaton Black Archives Florida A&M University

4.4
·14 reviews·Tallahassee, United States

A vital repository of Black history and culture at Florida A&M University, offering exhibits, archives, and community programs.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Cooler temps, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Historic Carnegie Library

Meek-Eaton Black Archives Florida A&M University

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Cooler temps, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vital repository of Black history and culture at Florida A&M University, offering exhibits, archives, and community programs.

4.4
(14 reviews)

"A fabulous resource not known even to many native Tallahasseeans. Well worth a visit by anyone."

Vertical photo
TIP

Free Goodie Bags! :gift:

Score a free Mielle Organics goodie bag with exhibit visits, thanks to their generous support.

Book a Tour :clipboard:

Email blackarchives@famu.edu to book a tour and learn more about the collections.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Beyond Black Beauty Exhibit

Beyond Black Beauty Exhibit

Main exhibition space

An immersive exploration of beauty's evolution in the Black community, featuring stunning art and cultural insights.

Renaissance Reading Room

Renaissance Reading Room

Designated reading area

A unique space offering free books to keep or read, fostering literacy and research within the community.

Historical Archives & Artifacts

Historical Archives & Artifacts

Throughout the archives

Discover a rich collection of documents, photographs, and artifacts detailing Black life, achievements, and struggles.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Heat

Visit on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds, especially during university events. Summers can be hot and humid, so plan indoor activities accordingly. Weekday mornings offer a cooler, quieter experience.

Parking Pointers

Parking can be tricky on a university campus. While some parking might be available near the archives, consider parking in general lots and walking. Check for any visitor parking signs.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Saturdays (before games)
Why
AC & learning before kickoff
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Things I found out while snooping around the library: 🎶 You can make beats like you’re in a studio. 🖨️ They’ve got a 3D printer… yes, you can literally print stuff. 🎥 Forget Blockbuster — they’ve got every DVD you can think of, for free. 📅 Need a spot for a meeting? You can rent a whole conference room. 📖 Wanna time travel? Check out old scrapbooks people donated. It’s wild. ✂️ They have a freakin...
@erikadidwhaaat
561.8K likes • 3M views

Free Goodie Bags! :gift:

Score a free Mielle Organics goodie bag with exhibit visits, thanks to their generous support. Instagram

Book a Tour :clipboard:

Email blackarchives@famu.edu to book a tour and learn more about the collections. Instagram

I ❤️ Bajas tho #famu #tallahassee
@jorryn_kenz
378K likes • 1.7M views
Thank you so much to @famu_sga87 and @morehousecollegesga for visiting the Meek-Eaton Black Archives 🐍🐯 To book a tour, email blackarchives@famu.edu and go to our website www.famu.edu/meba for more information 📧 #fridaysatfamu @famu_1887 @morehouse1867 @kennyu.11 @thezaylabryant @kennedywilliamsss @famuprovost1887 #famu #morehouse #setfriday #museum #tour #hbcu #hbcupride
famublackarchives
332 likes • 0 views

Graduation Photoshoot Spot :camera:

The building's exterior is a popular spot for graduation photos. Share yours for a feature! Instagram

Volunteer Opportunities :raised_hands:

Help with exhibits like 'Beyond Black Beauty' and get a sneak peek. Email to sign up. Instagram

Thank you to the wonderful Dean’s Council for their visit last week! We absolutely loved seeing the reactions to #BeyondBlackBeauty 🐍🧡 Visit the Meek-Eaton Black Archives and see our NEWEST exhibit on Saturdays from 10AM TO 3PM (with last entries at 2:15pm) and Tuesday to Friday from 10AM TO 4PM 🔔 #rattlers #excellence #famu #famublackarchives #history
famublackarchives
216 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Goodie Bags! :gift:

Score a free Mielle Organics goodie bag with exhibit visits, thanks to their generous support. Instagram

Book a Tour :clipboard:

Email blackarchives@famu.edu to book a tour and learn more about the collections. Instagram

Graduation Photoshoot Spot :camera:

The building's exterior is a popular spot for graduation photos. Share yours for a feature! Instagram

Volunteer Opportunities :raised_hands:

Help with exhibits like 'Beyond Black Beauty' and get a sneak peek. Email to sign up. Instagram

Free Books :books:

The Renaissance Reading Room offers free books to keep or read, a fantastic community initiative. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.4
(14 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Meek-Eaton Black Archives as a valuable and free resource for learning about Black history and achievements in Tallahassee. The exhibits, particularly 'Beyond Black Beauty,' and the unique Renaissance Reading Room are highlights. Some visitors note that parking can be confusing on the university campus.

"I wanted to visit this museum to explore and learn more about black history I visited the day after Juneteenth with my family I enjoyed the exhibits and the amazing A/C . I learned a lot about the history of famu but I also enjoyed the hair exhibit and what it means . Where to park was a little confusing but we just ended up parking farther out in the general parking lot I’m not sure if the parking that was in front of the building was for visitors or not . Other than that I learned a lot and had a great time ."

Carol Hoopes (oompa172000)

"A fabulous resource not known even to many native Tallahasseeans. This is a great resource in our area related to black life, achievements, struggles, and experiences. Well worth a visit by anyone, and certainly of use to any educator in the area. It is difficult to access because of lack of public parking, but that is often true of any resource on a university campus. But it's also free! Hard to complain."

Jennifer Williams

"The museum is an excellent experience...!!!
I have learned alots abouts Tallahassee African American.."

melanie Williams

What People Like

Free admission
Educational exhibits
Renaissance Reading Room

What People Dislike

Confusing parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Meek-Eaton Black Archives is located on the Florida A&M University campus. While specific public transport details can vary, it's generally accessible by car. Parking can be a challenge on campus, so be prepared to potentially park in general lots and walk. Reddit

Parking can be confusing on the FAMU campus. Some visitors have noted difficulty finding visitor parking directly in front of the building, suggesting parking in general lots and walking. Reddit

Yes, the Meek-Eaton Black Archives is open to the public. They welcome visitors interested in learning about Black history and achievements. Reddit

Yes, the archives are located down the street from the stadium, making it a convenient stop for learning and enjoying air conditioning before a game. Instagram

While the archives are on the FAMU campus, getting around Tallahassee might involve ride-sharing services or personal vehicles, as public transportation options can be limited. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Meek-Eaton Black Archives is free to visit, making it an accessible resource for everyone interested in Black history. Reddit

The archives are typically open Tuesday to Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM. On Saturdays, they are open from 10 AM to 3 PM, with last entries at 2:15 PM. Note that hours can sometimes change for special events or arrangements. Instagram+1

Yes, you can book a tour by emailing blackarchives@famu.edu. More information is also available on their website. Instagram

The Meek-Eaton Black Archives frequently hosts special exhibits, such as 'Beyond Black Beauty,' which explores the evolution of beauty in the Black community. Instagram+1

Occasionally, the museum may be closed for prescheduled arrangements. It's always a good idea to check their social media or website for any updates before your visit. Instagram

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

You can explore historical archives, artifacts, photographs, and special exhibits like 'Beyond Black Beauty.' They also have unique resources like a Renaissance Reading Room. TikTokInstagram+1

While not explicitly detailed as interactive in all sources, the exhibits are designed to be engaging. The 'Beyond Black Beauty' exhibit is described as immersive. Instagram+1

Absolutely. Students can learn about Black history, utilize the Renaissance Reading Room for research, and even find work-study opportunities. TikTokInstagram+1

Photography is generally permitted, and the building's exterior is a popular spot for graduation photoshoots. Instagram

It's a special initiative where anyone can get a free book to keep, read on-site, or use for research, thanks to donations. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The exterior of the building, with its distinctive columns, is a very popular spot for photos, especially graduation shoots. Instagram

While specific rules can vary, general photography for personal use is often allowed. It's always best to check for any signage or ask staff if you're unsure about photographing specific displays. Instagram

The 'Beyond Black Beauty' exhibit features work like Sandro Miller's 'Crowns: My Hair, My Soul, My Freedom,' which inspires beautiful imagery. Instagram

Graduation photoshoots are very common, utilizing the architecture and the significance of the archives. Instagram

It's generally recommended to avoid flash photography in museums to protect artifacts and exhibits. Check for specific guidelines upon arrival. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Meek-Eaton Black Archives offers a free and educational experience for families. While specific children's programming isn't heavily detailed, the exhibits like 'Beyond Black Beauty' can spark conversations about identity and history. The Renaissance Reading Room also provides an opportunity for kids to get free books. Instagram

Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid larger crowds. The amazing A/C is also a big plus, especially during hot Tallahassee summers. Parking might require a bit of extra walking, so keep that in mind for little ones. Reddit

🎓 Students & Researchers

For students and researchers, the Meek-Eaton Black Archives is an invaluable resource. The historical archives and special exhibits offer deep dives into Black history and culture. The Renaissance Reading Room is particularly beneficial, providing free books for study and research. Instagram

FAMU students can also explore work-study opportunities within the archives, gaining practical experience in a field related to history, research, or public engagement. Instagram Visiting before a FAMU game day can also be a great way to combine learning with campus spirit, enjoying the air conditioning and exhibits. Instagram

🏛️ History Enthusiasts

History buffs will find the Meek-Eaton Black Archives a treasure trove of information. The extensive collections detail the achievements, struggles, and experiences of Black individuals and communities. Special exhibits, like 'Beyond Black Beauty,' offer focused explorations of specific cultural themes. InstagramReddit

Make sure to check for any temporary exhibits or events that might be happening during your visit, as these often provide unique insights and perspectives. Booking a tour can also enhance your understanding of the collections. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring 'Beyond Black Beauty'

The Meek-Eaton Black Archives has hosted significant exhibits like 'Beyond Black Beauty,' an immersive installation exploring the evolution of beauty within the Black community. This exhibit spans multiple floors and features powerful artistic expressions, including works inspired by photographers like Sandro Miller. Instagram+1

Visitors have reacted positively to the exhibit, noting its insightful content and the good vibes associated with its opening events. The exhibit has also been supported by initiatives like Mielle Organics, offering visitors free goodie bags with samples. Instagram

This exhibit highlights the archives' commitment to showcasing contemporary and historical aspects of Black culture, making it a must-see for anyone interested in art, history, and identity. Instagram

The Renaissance Reading Room Initiative

A remarkable community-focused initiative at the Meek-Eaton Black Archives is the Renaissance Reading Room. This program provides free books to the public, allowing individuals to either keep the books permanently or read them on-site for research and enjoyment. Instagram

This project is made possible through donations and support, emphasizing the archives' dedication to literacy and knowledge sharing. It's a testament to how community resources can foster learning and personal growth. Instagram

For those looking to contribute, donating is simple: text FAMUMEBA TO 71777 or visit 1887strikes.com. Your support helps keep such valuable programs running. Instagram

Work-Study and Volunteer Opportunities

The Meek-Eaton Black Archives actively engages students and community members through various opportunities. They regularly seek passionate work-study students to join their team, offering roles in history, tech, research, and public speaking. This provides invaluable real-world experience while contributing to the preservation of Black history and culture. Instagram

Beyond paid positions, the archives also call for volunteers, particularly for major exhibit launches like 'Beyond Black Beauty.' Volunteering offers a chance to get an early look at exhibits and directly contribute to their success. Interested individuals can sign up by emailing the archives. Instagram

These programs underscore the archives' role not just as a repository of history, but as a dynamic hub for community involvement and skill development. Instagram+1

You may also like