Eatonville
Eatonville, Florida is a small community of great significance to African-American history and culture. Of the more than one hundred black towns founded between 1865 and 1900, fewer than twelve remain today. Eatonville is the oldest.
Zora Neale
Hurston was an American author who wrote stories, novels, anthropological
folklore and an autobiography. She died in 1960 but her works have increased in
popularity and are passing the test of time with staying power. She was a unique
artist and scientist who produced for us a large body of work that stands equal
to any body of work in American Literature and world literature.
The Zora Neale Hurston/Richard
Wright Foundation
ANNUAL
ZORA! FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES
The street fest, the most recognizable part of the larger festival celebrating Eatonville's literary icon, Zora Neale Hurston has drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors to the town of 2,400 since it began in 1990.
The Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community, Inc.
From its founding, P.E.C. has recognized that the cultural arts can revitalize a community and be the catalyst for economic development. It has developed several revenue-generating programs: visits from special groups and conventioneers, curriculum materials, merchandise sales and rental of a traveling museum exhibit. Since 1995, P.E.C. has been a member of the Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitors' Bureau and is actively promoting Eatonville as a literary destination. Another area of development for P.E.C. involves collaborative ventures. In 1996, the organization joined with five partners to form a collaborative growth initiative, funded by the Orange County Citizens Commission for Children, and designed to prepare families for success in 21st century America. As P.E.C. closes out ifs first decade of service, the organization focuses attention on its ultimate goal -- developing the historic Eatonville community into one of America's premier heritage communities.
Zora Neal Hurston wrote, “Mama exhorted her
children at every opportunity to ‘jump at de sun.’ We might not land on
the sun, but at least we would get off the ground.” Hurston certainly
“jumped at de sun.”
NY Nathiri, General Manager
ZORA! Festival
227 East Kennedy Blvd.
Eatonville, Florida
407/647-3307 - Telephone
407/647/3959 - Fax
email: apec@cfl.rr.com
Zora Neale Hurston Branch Library
The Zora Neale Hurston Branch Library is located at 3008 Avenue D, Fort Pierce, Florida 34947, just west of 29th Street. Click for MAP. The facility is named in honor of Zora Neale Hurston (1891-1960), famed African American author, storyteller, folklorist and anthropologist who was born in Notasulga, Alabama, grew up in Eatonville, Florida, and spent the last two years of her life in Fort Pierce where she is buried. The Library is also the starting point of the Zora Neale Hurston Dust Tracks Heritage Trail.
From the Collection of the United States Postal Service
This site is for City of Maitland, Florida residents