Groundbreaking Ceremony for the City of Fort Pierce Highwaymen Museum

Article by Dr. Annette Fromm, Photos by MaryAnn Ketcham

Groundbreaking Ceremony for the City of Fort Pierce Highwaymen Museum

On Tuesday, July 9, 2024, the long-awaited groundbreaking ceremony of the Fort Pierce Highwaymen Museum was held. The historic Jackie L. Caynon, Sr. Building is being renovated and transformed into the only museum devoted to the art and history of Fort Pierce’s own Highwaymen.

Among the dignitaries who spoke at the celebratory event were Mayor of Fort Pierce, Linda Hudson, City Manager, Nick Mimms, Commissioners Curtis Johnson and Arnold Gaines, and State Senator, Gayle Harrell. Also in attendance were Original Florida Highwaymen, Al Black and Curtis Arnett, the daughter and son-in-law of M.A. Carroll, the only woman in the renowned group of painters. Present also was Mrs. Doretha Hair Truesdell, president of the board of the Original Florida Hall of Fame Highwaymen, Inc. along with the majority board members and nationally known museum specialist, Dr. Annette B. Fromm.

The efforts to create and manage the Fort Pierce Highwaymen Museum are being led by the Original Florida Hall of Fame Highwaymen, Inc. The world-renowned artwork of the local African American artists will be exhibited and preserved there. The new museum will serve as a vital community space where history, art, and culture intersect, offering a dynamic portrayal of our evolving heritage.

“The museum has been a labor of love of this hard-working group of enthusiasts in our community,” said Mrs. Truesdell. “We are thrilled to be part of preserving the story of these significant local artists.”

The Fort Pierce Highwaymen Museum is planned to open toward the end of 2024.

For more information about the Highwaymen Museum, please contact the Original Florida Hall of Fame Highwaymen, Inc. at [email protected] or visit https://originalfloridahalloffamehighwaymen.org/.