Take it to the bank

Starting Saturday, the public will be able to take a look inside the recently reopened historic Union Bank Museum. The Museum of Florida History, in partnership with the Meek-Eaton Black Archives at Florida A&M University, prepared an exhibition on the history of the 1841 building which is believed to be the oldest surviving bank building in the state.

Originally opened as a “planter’s bank,” it became home to the National Freedman’s Savings and Trust Company following Emancipation. Over the years, it has housed numerous tenants, including a dance studio, shoe factory, church, youth center, beauty parlor and also government offices.

–  Drew Wilson, Extensive Enterprises