Virginia Key Beach Park Trust

For generations, Historic Virginia Key Beach Park has been a sanctuary and gathering space that echoes the voices of Miami's Black community and the cultural richness they fought for. Since its establishment in 1945, born out of the courageous “wade-in” protest led by Judge Thomas, Virginia Key Beach became a haven for families, a stage for celebration, and a beacon of resilience. This beach was the only place where people of color could enjoy the sun and sea—unifying people from diverse backgrounds across Miami. Despite its closure in 1982, this sacred space continued to call out to our hearts.

Established on August 1, 1945 as "The Colored Only Beach", the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust (VKBPT) operates Historic Virginia Key Beach Park (HVKBP), highlighting its rich cultural history, regional South Florida African American and Caribbean Diaspora contributions, civic activism, and environmental preservation to educate future generations. Additionally, the Trust partners with schools and organizations to foster community enrichment through VKBPT programs and events. VKBPT accomplishes its mission by highlighting, educating, and inspiring students, lifelong learners, and the general public about South Florida Black History and the power we all possess to create change in our communities through learning from our elders who paved the way for progress through their social justice and change actions.

The unique 82.5-acre historic space provides visitors a one-mile sand beach, recreational space for sports, family gatherings, large events, eco exploration, or a tranquil respite under one of hundreds of palm trees.

VKBPT's historic and eco-tours are immersive experiences where individuals, families, and groups walk through the property learning about the historic buildings, the history of the property dating back to the 1800s, and the over 100 plant species and wildlife at the Historic Beach Park. Visitors also can view our extensive collection of historic photographs and artifacts at the Museum Park Building or access collections through the VKBPT digital archives online.

The Trust provides both onsite, community, and online digital experiences that highlight our diverse heritage, traditions, resilience, and history, as well as shared values and experiences. VKBPT hosts and participates in several forums, panel discussions, and virtual and in-person events throughout the year. Our websites provide meaningful content, virtual historic tours, documentaries, videos including oral histories, and digital archives for research.

With the recent approval of our museum’s business plan, we are one step closer to building a place where we can share the stories of activism, celebration, and connection that define Virginia Key. Here, the museum will bring to life the courageous struggle that made Virginia Key Beach a reality, celebrate the jubilant memories shared by thousands, and honor the profound connections between people and this space, from its founding to the present.

We need your help to realize this vision. On Give Miami Day, your support will propel us forward to fulfill this promise, creating a space that celebrates our past, educates future generations, and fosters a spirit of unity and remembrance. Please join us in building a place where every wave and palm will continue to echo the resilience, beauty, and history of Black Miamians. 

Let’s make history together—preserving this beloved space for all to experience and cherish.