Sessions begin in September; enrollment is open for grades 3-12 and adults
By Michelle Brown
DELRAY BEACH, FL — The new season of The Spady Museum’s Black History Study program begins in September, and enrollment is open now for the interactive classroom experience.
New for the 2026-2027 season: Students in grades 3-12 are welcome to sign up. The curriculum has been expanded and revised to teach younger grades (3-5) with lessons devised for their learning levels. The curriculums for middle- and high-school students, and adults, have been completely refreshed, promising a new learning experience for returning students.
Parents can register their students and adults can register themselves online at https://www.spadymuseum.com/black-history-study/
“During season two, some of our middle and high-school students attended with younger siblings in tow,” said Brian Knowles, the curriculum creator. “They had questions and interesting feedback during the sessions, which led us to make this season more accommodating to them. We’re excited to include students from grades 3-5 in this learning.”
Knowles, a South Florida-based educator, cultural historian and founder of Power Builders, was a teacher during the first season of the Black History Study program, and was asked to expand the curriculum for the second season. The uber-popular program offers immersive, historically accurate and collaborative Black history lessons for school-aged students from all cultures.
Season two was expanded to feature dedicated Zoom sessions for adults, after parents stayed for the weekend lessons during season one and participated alongside their children.
“It’s been amazing to hear the conversations our adults students have during their classes, where they can marry their lived experiences with historical information that they may have not received during their formal education,” said Museum Director Charlene Farrington. “Our adult students can add their travels, personal histories and own perspectives to the discussion, which has led to real connections and breakthroughs of understanding of their place in history.”
Offered at the Spady Museum, 170 NW 5th Avenue in the historical West Settlers’ District of Delray Beach, the Black History Study program garnered national media attention (Associated Press), as part of a trend in education of nonprofit organizations filling the history gaps in school district curriculums.
The wholly original, tri-level curriculum — for grades 3-5, middle-and high-school students, and adults — was developed with the expertise of Knowles. Former Palm Beach County District educator Portia Knowles leads the grade-level sessions, and Jermaine Scott guides the adult online sessions. The curriculum integrates technology, creative projects, and field trips into Black History. For example, teenage participants create podcasts sharing their perspectives on curriculum lessons. Season two’s enrollment increased 45 percent over season one.
The program is generously supported by the Children’s Services Council, the Lattner Family Foundation, Enterprise Mobility, the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County, and Palm Health Foundation.
To learn more about the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum’s Black History Study and Cultural Immersion: Palm Beach County program, visit https://www.spadymuseum.com/black-history-study/ or contact museum leadership at director@spadymuseum.org.
To support the Spady Museum, which brings people together around Black History, make a gift via the website at https://spadymuseum.charityproud.org/Donate/?cid=21859
