Association to Preserve African American Society, History and Tradition, Inc.

The goals for the upcoming year include an emphasis on programming. PAST Inc, will make it a top priority to complete the restoration of the Wells' Heritage House.  This house was once the residence of Dr. William Monroe Wells and his wife.  Once restored, the house will become part of the Wells' historical experience.  The Association will conduct its annual Juneteenth Celebration offering a unique and enriching experience to the community.  It is the goal of PAST, Inc. to inventory, digitize and archive the holdings of the Wells'Built Museum.  This will enable the organization to expand instructional programs for educational institutions as well as prepare the museum to install and display digital and interactive exhibits. 

With a renewed emphasis on programming we will implement a number of events. The largest event of the year will be the Juneteenth Celebration.  This is traditionally a multi-day event that offers an opportunity showcase budding talents that exist within the community.  The celebration also includes a community festival that allows small business owners vendor opportunities.  The community festival is an entertaining blend of education and entertainment often celebrating the historical significance of music in the African American community.  PAST, Inc will be hosting other cultural and educational programming throughout the year.  The Wells'Built Museum will add exhibits and information to their holdings as well. PAST, Inc. and the staff of the Wells'Built Museum will participate in community outreach and volunteer opportunities to deepen our relationship with the community.  The current curator of the museum, in coordination with an industry consultant, will develop and implement the digitization practices of the collection in accordance with the best practices of the industry. 

PAST, Inc. and the Wells'Built Museum are benefitted by a long standing relationship with the community.  The founder of PAST, Inc. dedicates a large amount of her time and expertise to the organization.  Along with a dedicated and passionate staff including our Executive Director, PAST Inc. is the beneficiary of an increased focus which is resulting in more targeted direction.  PAST, Inc. has also been awarded grant funds from United Arts specifically to dedicate to the inventory, digitization and archival of museum holdings.  The Wells'Built Museum currently employs 1 full time staff members, PAST, Inc. employs one fulltime staff member.  The founder of the museum volunteers her time and some tasks are conducted by contract employees on an as needed basis.  PAST, Inc. serves as the institutional sponsor for the Orlando chapter of Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASLAH). 

Major achievements include the premier of the stage play A Vote: A Voice which open to two sold out audiences at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts to commemorate Black History Month.  PAST Inc. promoted the formation of the state wide Sankofa Project which highlights Black Cultural Tourism.  PAST, Inc. participated in the city of Orlando Historical Plaques Program and provided data tor the plaque to be installed on the residence of Dr. William Monroe Wells.