Do you have memories of Miami from 1941 to 1981? What are some of your favorite places from that time?
Miami-Dade County’s Office of Historical Preservation is inviting residents to participate in its latest Historic Heritage Survey as part of a comprehensive review of the important buildings and structures built during those 40 years.
Anyone who has lived in Miami-Dade County throughout these dates and remembers important places from our community is invited to share their memories.
This is the first phase of the survey, which will identify properties that are at least 40 years old and at risk due to their location in areas susceptible to development changes, gentrification, climate change risks and the shortage of affordable housing.
Whereas previous surveys emphasized the architectural value of these buildings, this survey aims to also highlight these sites’ cultural significance to Miamians.
“In the past, traditional surveys emphasized the architectural value of the building with less regard for other non-tangible cultural assets,” reads an official statement, adding, “this restricted the scope of the survey and resulted in a limited understanding of the historic and cultural resources that help define important elements of our heritage.”
This time around, the county aims to gather data and document sites historically associated with Native American and Indigenous heritage; African American and Black heritage; women’s heritage, LGBTQ+ heritage, Asian American heritage, and religious minorities to create a comprehensive record of the overall community’s history.
Miami-Dade residents are invited to participate and share their input on what sites hold personal/cultural significance to them. Examples of these are:
- Houses
- Churches
- Stores
- Community centers
- Parks
- Playgrounds
- Schools
- Restaurants
The sites don’t have to be currently standing to be included in the survey, as long as they hold some historical significance (see link for details).
The historic resources survey will serve as guidance on these culturally/historically significant resources for future policymaking efforts.
“Through this important survey, we are recognizing and honoring the stories of historically excluded groups in our cultural history, as told by the structures and spaces that are important to them,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor, Daniella Levine Cava.
In support of these efforts, the county will be hosting free events both online and in person for residents and community members to participate in the survey.
All events are open to the public.
In-person meetings:
Wednesday, Oct. 19 – 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
North Dade Regional Library – Children’s Department
2455 NW 183 St, Miami Gardens, FL
Wednesday, Oct. 26 – 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
Westchester Health & Wellness Center Auditorium
9445 Coral Way, Miami, FL
Wednesday, Nov. 9 – 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center – Lab Theater
19050 SW 211 Street, Cutler Bay, FL
Saturday, Nov. 12 – 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Main Library – Arva Parks McCabe Auditorium
101 W. Flagler St, Miami, FL
Virtual meetings:
Monday, December 5 – 6 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.
Click here to register for the December 5 virtual meeting.
Wednesday, December 14 – 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Click here to register for the December 14 virtual meeting.
Monday, December 19 – 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Click here to register for the December 19 virtual meeting.
