Many Faces of Florida
a geography of multiculturalism
As the southernmost region of the contiguous United States, the Floridian peninsula has a rich history of cultural convergence for several centuries.
Jewish Cemetery
The historic Jewish Cemetery, located in Gainesville received its first burial in 1871, when 20-year-old Abraham Pinkussohn died. In 1946 the cemetery was transferred to the care of the B’nai Israel Congregation. It contains Gainesville’s only Holocaust Memorial, which was installed in 2010.
Tarpon Springs
The legacy of the Greek sponge divers who settled in Florida during the early 1900s rests in Tarpon Springs. Along the water, the Historic Sponge Docks are a reminder of the once booming industry. The 1940s St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church has stained glass and a Grecian marble altar.
Ybor City
At the turn of the 20th century, Tampa’s Ybor City became known as the “Cigar Capital of the World.” Today, the Historic District is a National Historic Landmark with more than 950 historic buildings and a modern community that reflects a blend of European, Asian, and Cuban cultures.
Little Haiti
The Little Haiti in Miami is a Cultural Complex flavored with a history of Afro-Caribbean culture that is expressed through art, dance and theater. It is well-known for its colorful murals and fruit stands as well as marketplaces hosting unique restaurants and locally made crafts.